Still Curtain
FanSided

Steelers vs Bengals: 3 Key matchups to watch in week 4

By Jobe Morrison

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 30: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch as Tony McRae #29 of the Cincinnati Bengals defends 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 Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch as Tony McRae #29 of the Cincinnati Bengals defends in the third quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 22: Devin Bush #55 of the Pittsburgh Steeler tackles George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on September 22, 2019, in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 22: Devin Bush #55 of the Pittsburgh Steeler tackles George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on September 22, 2019, in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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.

Home/Steelers News