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

By Jobe Morrison

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Auden Tate #19 of the Cincinnati Bengals is tackled by Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Auden Tate #19 of the Cincinnati Bengals is tackled by Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter during the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 14: Wide receiver Johnny Holton #80 of the Pittsburgh Steelers has a catch broken up by strong safety Morgan Burnett #42 of the Cleveland Browns during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 14: Wide receiver Johnny Holton #80 of the Pittsburgh Steelers has a catch broken up by strong safety Morgan Burnett #42 of the Cleveland Browns during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Wide Receivers vs. Bengals Secondary

Remember the America’s Game episode of the 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers? I remember the quote very clearly.

“But even Pittsburgh’s backups needed backups.”

That can’t ring more true for this receiving corps.

Courtesy of the borderline head hunting Cleveland Browns’ defense, the Steelers receivers are down to possibly Diontae Johnson (concussion), James Washington, Holton, and two guys fresh off of practice squads.

If Johnson indeed can’t go, James Washington would be the number one guy. Though he has had a good stretch of making some plays since the Colts game, he is still a work in progress.

Either way, the receiver corps is a young, inexperienced squad; without or without Juju. The Bengals have a little more experience on the backend.

This offense found its feet against the Bengals 8 weeks ago; they will have to do the same thing this week. If they can’t establish some rhythm and success against the Bengals… it could be a very long afternoon in Cincinnati.

Randy will have his work cut out for him this week. But like I said earlier: good offensive coordinators make something happen with the pieces they have.

It is worth noting the Bengals have the 24th ranked passing defense and only four interceptions. If the Steelers can’t take advantage of it… they’re in trouble.

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