Steelers vs Bengals: 3 Key Matchups to watch in week 12

The Steelers not only lost their 4 game win streak in their defeat to the Browns, but they also lost multiple key pieces to their offense. They hobble into their matchup in Cincinnati with little room for error.

“This is bad; this is very, very bad.” -Stephen A. Smith. Or you could also quote me after watching the Steelers pathetic offensive showing Thursday night in Cleveland. It was just that: pathetic.

I get it, Mason had quite literally no receivers to throw it. I get it, there wasn’t a sniff of a running game insight. I don’t care.

Good offensive coordinators figure out ways to make their unit work. See Todd Haley against the Broncos in the 2015 Divisional Playoffs. You could also say the 2014 Wildcard game against the Ravens (sort of.)

The bottom line is, Fichtner is not a good offensive coordinator. His offensive line cannot produce consistently, his quarterback can’t operate, his receivers can’t get separation, and I am supposed to believe they all are equally inept?

I pin this mostly on Fichtner. The execution–or lack thereof–is on the players. However, when you call the same plays throughout the season, out of the same formations, and cannot open things up until you have to, it’s on you.

This week the offense all have their own battles. They will be solely subject to the three key matchups this week. It will be up to their individual execution and Randy’s game planning/playcalling.

Here we go…