Pittsburgh Steelers game planning to slow three Bengals on Sunday

The Pittsburgh Steelers are spending all week focusing on these three players before heading to Cincy to take on AFC North rival, the Bengals.

Now that Pittsburgh Steelers’ fans have had time to enjoy last Sunday’s dominating win over the Atlanta Falcons. It’s time to shift gears and focus on this week’s challenge.

Going on the road to face the division-leading Cincinnati Bengals will not be easy. In fact, this game is extremely important, in the wake of Pittsburgh’s dismal 2-2-1 start. If the Steelers expect to make the playoffs, it must start with a victory this weekend.

Defeating division rivals is difficult. Especially, when that rival has a loaded roster like the Cincinnati Bengals. They have playmakers throughout their lineup. But the three players the Steelers need to be most concerned about are A.J. Green, Joe Mixon and Gino Atkins.

Wide receiver A.J. Green is a perennial all-pro. In seven seasons, Green has produced 556 receptions for 8,213 yards and 57 TDs. Future Hall of Fame numbers.

Green is on pace for 90 receptions, 1,300 yards and 16 TDs this season. He is most dangerous with the intermediate routes. But is also quite capable of gashing defenses via deep balls. Pittsburgh’s beleaguered secondary will have their hands full this Sunday. They better know where Green is on every play. If not, he take over the game.

Running back Joe Mixon is another big concern for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The second-year standout has the perfect blend of size, speed and power. He’s averaging 91 rushing yards per game. Which calculates to around 1,300 yards for a full season.

While his rushing stats are good. Don’t make the mistake of thinking Mixon isn’t a third down threat. He has been targeted out of the backfield almost as much as fellow running back Giovanni Bernard. Averaging approximately 26 yards per game. He is also the only Bengal running back with a touchdown reception this season.

So, just when you think it’s all good. That the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense installed a game plan to contain A.J Green and Joe Mixon.

It dawns on you, that the offense has a deep concern too. Protecting  Big Ben from Gino Atkins.

Atkins is another perennial Pro Bowler the Steelers’ OL must deal with. He already has six sacks and two tackles for loss this season. His leverage and power make him extremely difficult to block.

His years in the league have also made him smart and cunning . He knows every trick in the book. He brings it on every play. And like most Cincinnati Bengals, he hates the Pittsburgh Steelers. The offensive line must understand they are in for a long, long afternoon and, protecting Ben is paramount to their success.

Steelers fans, get ready now. This Sunday’s game will be a slug fest of epic proportions. The Steelers will be in a fight for their playoff lives.

They must control the Bengal’s most dangerous players. A.J Green, Joe Mixon and Gino Atkins must be mostly non-factors. Containing them is all the Steelers can hope for. Players of their caliber aren’t stopped.

But contained they must be. If not, the Bengals will throw another shovel of dirt on this year’s playoff coffin. And the Steelers will be one step closer to saying “wait til next year!”