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3 Steelers X-factors for Sunday match-up against Cincinnati

By Mike Vannucci

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 02: Jaylen Samuels #38 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs into the end zone for a 10 yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 02: Jaylen Samuels #38 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs into the end zone for a 10 yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers sacks Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the third quarter on September 30, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers sacks Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the third quarter on September 30, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Cameron Heyward

Since rookie quarterback Ryan Finley took over the starting job two weeks ago, it has been made evident what the Bengals want to do in order to have any success on offense: run the offense through Joe Mixon.

The best way to stop a running back from getting going? Dominating the line of scrimmage. Cameron Heyward, although listed as a defensive end in Pittsburgh’s defense; Heyward often aligns as a 3-technique (in between the offensive tackle and the offensive guard).

He is in a primed position to be susceptible to double teams throughout the game. If he is able to create issues by controlling the line of scrimmage to keep the linebackers behind him clean, it could be a long day for the Cincinnati Bengals offense. He has also done a nice job getting penetration, with seven tackles for a loss on the season. When this Bengals offense gets off schedule, and behind the chains, they’re in trouble.

Heyward currently ranks second in tackles amongst defensive linemen with 49, while adding 5.5 sacks (which is impressive from a player who aligns mainly as a 3-technique)

To put in perspective how important stopping running back Joe Mixon is, Mixon has averaged 22.5 carries for 100 yards over the past two games. Ryan Finley, on the other hand, has only thrown for 282 yards with a completion percentage of 47.5% in his two games as a starter.

If Heyward is able to help this Steelers defensive line control the line of scrimmage against a team that needs to run the football in order to win, the Steelers are in great shape to advance to 6-5.

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