The Pittsburgh Steeler look to have some good matchups against the Bengals and these three will say a lot about whether the Steelers take a division win this week.
Carlos Dunlap versus Chris Hubbard
This is a key matchup in the Steelers being able to keep Ben Roethlisberger upright. The Bengals will want to get a good pass rush against the Steelers offense this week as that is a key for any defense. Carlos Dunlap is a very good 4-3 defensive end and will be matched up against Marcus Gilbert’s backup. The Steelers will need Hubbard to step up to keep Dunlap from getting pressure on Roethlisberger.
Geno Atkins versus Ramon Foster
Ramon Foster is coming off of an injury and so he will be tested right away by Geno Atkins. Atkins has been a star of the Bengals defense for years. The Steelers will need Foster to contain Atkins so that he does not get interior pressure and so that he does not contain Le’Veon Bell. Running inside is key to the Steelers success now on offense and they will need Bell to be explosive. Against a division rival, it is also important that the Steelers be able to control the clock.
AJ Green versus Artie Burns
AJ Green is the Bengals biggest weapon and so containing him will be key to the Steelers success. I think you will see Artie Burns covering him a lot. If Burns can step up against AJ Green, Andy Dalton will have to look at other options like Brandon LaFell or Joe Mixon to carry the offense. The Steelers have the advantage on the offensive line versus defensive line battle and so taking away Dalton’s primary receiving option will make it hard for the Bengals to move the ball. The Steelers will want to be able to rely on their secondary for coverage as it would be difficult to contain Joe Mixon and the rest of the Bengals committee of running backs if they are not able to shut down the pass.
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The matchup versus the Bengals is always a tough one as they are division rivals. The games can get heated between the two and so there will be a lot of pride on the line.