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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) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 30: Jaylen Samuels #38 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball against Nick Vigil #59 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 30: Jaylen Samuels #38 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball against Nick Vigil #59 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on December 30, 2018, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Steelers run game vs. Bengals hot and cold defense

My, what a difference a year makes. Last year, James Conner and the offensive line were dominating and ripping off 100-yard games.

This year the Steelers average a little over 60 yards a game through three weeks. The execution has been weak, and the run game is non-existent. I feel like this is something being addressed every week.

I don’t know what the issue could be. You have multiple pro-bowler on the line of scrimmage, a pro-bowl running back… Is it the scheme? Is it diminishing skills? Do they miss Munchak that badly?

Regardless, all parties involved must turn things around this week. The Bengals come into the game with one of the worst run defenses in the game.

After keeping the Seahawks relatively in check, they digressed against the 49ers and Bills. Last week they allowed 175 yards rushing including the game-winning touchdown run by Frank Gore.

If the Steelers can create a lethal ground game, this will open things up for the passing game. Mason Rudolph’s offense has utilized a lot of play-action (even when it wasn’t working.) A strong ground game will keep the Bengals guessing and create the confidence the Steelers offense lacks

In all honesty, if the Steelers can’t dominate in the ground game against the Bengals this week, it may not ever happen this year. That would be devastating to a team trying to climb out of the 0-3 hole.

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