Steelers ILB vs. Bengals middle attack
Through 3 weeks, the middle linebackers have not had a phenomenal presentation. Devin Bush has looked like, well, a rookie, Vince Williams has been injured two of the first three weeks, and Mark Barron has had very inconsistent play.
This was an area that the Steelers banked on in free agency and the draft to improve, and so far it has not reaped the rewards. Last week, despite recording 11 tackles, Devin Bush was consistently given fits in the ground game and on play action. Mark Barron also had less than stellar play in coverage and flagged on a crucial third down on the 49ers game-winning drive.
The Bengals, who have one of the worst rushing attacks, will undoubtedly be looking to improve and take advantage of an inconsistent defense. They have the personnel to do it as well.
With Tyler Eifert, Boyd, John Ross III, and CJ Uzomah, they are primed to throw in play-action passes and attack the middle of the field. Will Keith Butler move Terrell Edmunds into the box more consistently to aid in this and the run defense? It is possible, but the Bengals will look to take advantage when that help isn’t there.
With Vince William’s status in doubt with a hamstring injury, it will more than likely be the Barron & Bush show again. They will need to step up hugely this week in both the pass and run game.