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What the Steelers must do to defeat the Bengals on MNF

By Jobe Morrison

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 30: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reaches into the end zone for a 11 yard touchdown reception as Jessie Bates #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals defends in the third quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 30: JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reaches into the end zone for a 11 yard touchdown reception as Jessie Bates #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals defends in the third quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 30: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the third quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 30: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the third quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

The Steelers can win if offensively…

Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme… RUN THE FRIGGIN’ BALL. That’s how long it has felt since we produced a respectable ground game. It can’t be fathomed.

I don’t understand how the offensive line is playing at such a mediocre level as well as running backs. A lot of the film suggests the offensive line is not getting enough push, however. The running game has to be effective, or the play-action passes will fail, and defenses will simply cover receivers up with soft zones and heavy blitzes.

The Bengals come in with the 31st ranked run defense and suffered miserably against the 49ers in week 2. They were run all over and became susceptible to play actions (much like the Steelers on Sunday.) This could be a great opportunity if the offense can execute.

After failing to cash in on 3 of the 5 turnovers forced last week, the Steelers must turn this around. Not only does this shorten the defense’s time on the field, forcing a turnover, but the offense can also give them time to rest and put points on the board. It sounds so simple, but the Steelers make it difficult it feels like.

While the little scoring early last week can have something to do with lack of execution, the Steelers do need to do a couple of things.

First, let Rudy boy fling the ball downfield. The first down they stretched the field during the game? The 3rd quarter. That’s unacceptable. Mason’s strength noted in scouting reports was his deep ball skills. Make the defense be honest and get on their heels.

At the end of the day, I feel like the loss of Ben Roethlisberger and passing of the beloved coach Drake has put this offense in a shell shock. The statement and question I’d ask are simple.

They are counting on you. They need you to succeed, just like the city does. Are you going to step up, or not?

The margin of error has decreased. It is time to put everything together; for Ben, the city, and Coach Drake.

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