The Steelers can win if defensively…
Much like the offense, one issue that has hurt the defense is the run defense. They have been gashed especially in the second half against opponents.
The threat of a ground game eliminates a lot of things for offenses due to the fact they become one dimensional. The Bengals are a great team to attack in this realm with their rushing offense averaging only 42 yards a game.
The Bengals’ lack of success running the ball has led to Andy Dalton being forced to throw the ball; which is exactly what the Steelers want. Dalton has been sacked nearly 4 times a game and has committed five turnovers through three weeks. The Steelers turnover and pass rush have been improving since their absence in New England.
Putting Dalton on the ground is crucial and as well as forcing turnovers. You have to keep the crowd in it with big plays on both sides of the ball. This also creates a shorter field for the offense to operate in. The Bengals will be just as desperate for a win, so it will not come easily by any means.
One demoralizing statistic for the Steelers this season is their third-down defense. Opposing offenses have found success 18 times in 38 attempts. That’s nearly a 50% success rate. That will not get the job done.
Getting off the field on 3rd down, shutting down the run, and making the Bengals one dimensional will help the defense help themselves–even if the offense has another slow start.
The Steelers have the slimmest of chances of turning this season into a playoff run at 3%. This is a must-win, and they must execute and dominate. This will be a crucial next three games as the host two divisional foes at home and hit the road for another west coast battle in LA. Under the biggest lights, the Steelers have their season on the line Monday Night in Heinz Field.
Tune in later this week to Stillcurtain.com for previews of the Bengals @ Steelers match-up and the “Steel City Down South Podcast.”
Here we go Steelers!