Geno Atkins
The strength of the Steelers stout offensive line is in the interior with center Maurkice Pouncey and guards David Decastro and Ramon Foster. But they will be facing one if the best interior defensive linemen in the game today.
Atkins has registered 10 sacks this season, an impressive number for an interior linemen. It’s not Aaron Donald, but who is?
What makes Atkins so good is how versatile he is at rushing the passer and stopping the run. When the Steelers don’t run the ball well, they lose. It’s just a fact of the 2018 season and Atkins is an immovable house. The Steelers offensive line always have a tough task when Atkins is lining up against them.
James Conner had a big game against the Bengals in the previous meeting, but Conner has been out since the game against the Chargers. Conner might not be available, and even if he is, he might not be 100%. Jaylen Samuels has done well in Conner’s absence, but has yet to face a defense with a guy like Atkins.