Steelers vs. Bengals: Why this Sunday will be a bounce-back performance for Pittsburgh

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)
2 of 3
CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 14: Quarterback Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers delivers a pass over the defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 14: Quarterback Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers delivers a pass over the defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Running back by committee approach

Mason Rudolph will find it difficult to throw the ball down the field if the Steelers back up running backs have trouble getting a kick start on Sunday. They should look to use a running back by committee approach with Jaylen Samuels leading the way as the feature back.

The Cincinnati Bengals still have one of the worst rushing defenses in the league. They have given up the most rushing yards per game at 167.0. Samuels should look to contribute mightily, as should Benny Snell. The rookie out of Kentucky returns to action after suffering a knee injury against Miami.

The Cincinnati Bengals inability to score

The Cincinnati Bengals’ inability to score throughout the 2019 season has been another primary concern for the team. They currently rank 29th in points per game on offense. The Bengals, after all, have been without their number one receiver and red-zone threat A.J. Green. Green will miss the week 12 contest as well.

At this point, I would not be surprised if Green never plays another game for Cincinnati. The Pittsburgh Steelers held the Bengals to their lowest point total of the season, allowing only three points to be scored. Look for Pittsburgh to once again keep the Bengals in single digits.

Schedule