Here are the bold predictions for the Steelers vs. the Bengals in week 10
Another new week, and another new batch of bold predictions. Last week, I nailed two out of the four of my predictions. Albeit, I had guessed that Steelers Mason Rudolph would see the field in more of a blowout substitute, but I’ll take my victories where I can get them.
Speaking of victories, the Steelers barely squeaked one out last week, as the Garrett Gilbert led Cowboys nearly pulled an upset. While the Steelers did ultimately win, it has provided more doubts for this team than before. Even more, questions are now swirling about just how competitive this team truly is. Facing the Bengals this week, it is time to put up or shut up, as winning this divisional game could be crucial down the road in a tight AFC playoff race.
The Bengals are far from the team they were last year despite only having two wins. While they are likely out of the playoff picture this year, they are only a few pieces away from being a true contender. This game won’t be easy, and if the Steelers come in and play as sloppily as they did last year, they will likely lose their first game of the season.
While none of these bold predictions is a certainty to come true, they would likely be game-altering if they occur. Last week swung in the favor of the Cowboys, and it almost cost the Steelers the game. With all of this said, here are five bold predictions for the Steelers vs. the Bengals in week 10.
McCloud finally scores
While he wasn’t added during free agency, Ray-Ray McCloud has arguably been the best free agent that the team has brought in. He has healthy averages as both a punt and kick returner, and his offensive playtime is increasing every week. The past two weeks, he has played well over 40 percent of the offensive snaps, and the Steelers seem to be keen on getting the ball in his hands. Considering this emphasis on him, this is the week he finally scores.
It seems like it is time for him to get in the end zone, as the Steelers have made it a point to have him handle the ball at least a few times a game. His best bet on offense would likely be taking a sweep or end around and run into the endzone. That isn’t to say he has been ineffective as a receiver, just that the Steelers have yet to see as much explosiveness from him when catching the ball.
As well, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him take a punt the distance. He has been electric as a returner, and it looks like he is ready to finally find paydirt. While everyone should just be hoping he keeps up his production, as it has been a pleasant surprise from previous players like him (looking at you Ryan Switzer), it seems high time for him to score. No matter if it’s by air, on the ground, or as a returner, McCloud ought to be doing an end zone celebration this Sunday.
Burrow looks more like a rookie
As disappointing as it may be for Steelers fans, it looks like the Bengals have found a legitimate quarterback in Joe Burrow. He has looked sharp in his debut season, completing tough passes and having a lot of composure in the pocket. Thankfully, the Bengals haven’t built him an offensive line yet, and the rag-dolling he has suffered through has likely limited him. Despite his strong play, I think Burrow looks much more like a rookie this season.
That isn’t to say Burrow has a bad outing, as he is facing a Steelers secondary that is soft, to say the least. While I think his yardage is high and he should throw a touchdown or two, I think he makes more rookie mistakes than usual. Considering the Steelers will likely be coming after him this week with their pass rushers, he may be forced into some quick decisions that have bad consequences.
My guess right now is Burrow has a healthy 350 passing yards to go along with two touchdowns. The issue is, he also throws three interceptions and fumbled twice. His sloppy play leads to a Bengals loss, although it is a close one at that. While Burrow seems primed to have a long and successful career as a quarterback, the Steelers dominance over rookie quarterbacks continues en route to a 9-0 start to the season.
Ebron breaks out
While McCloud being the best free agent is certainly a positive for him, it does leave some questions about Eric Ebron, who signed the largest free-agent deal for the Steelers this past offseason. While his play has gotten better as the season has progressed, he hasn’t been the dynamic mismatch weapon the team thought he would be. While being a solid security blanket is a fine role, his expectations were much higher earlier in the year.
Week 10 seems like a prime breakout game for Ebron though, as the Bengals will likely have their hands full with the talented crop of Steelers receivers. This will mean he should see a lot of coverage from linebackers, and that isn’t an area that the Bengals have excelled at. Specifically, in the red zone, tight ends have found a lot of success against Cincinnati in recent weeks. Considering Ebron was brought in to be a red-zone threat primarily, his chance for a great game is there.
While I don’t think he will cross the 100-yard receiving mark, Ebron could score more than once, which would look solid on his relatively blank Steelers resume. If he can put together a stat line around 75 yards and a pair of scores, it would be a welcome game from the veteran. As well, with next offseason likely going to involve some difficult cuts, a game like that could keep Ebron around for an extra year.
Bernard goes for 150
Giovani Bernard is not a name most fans should fear, but he seems like he could have a great game against the Steelers. While as a runner he is merely average, his hands and agility make him a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield and do some serious damage. Considering he is likely to start again this week he could have a big impact on the Bengals offense.
While the Steelers defense has looked weaker over the past few games, I’d expect a solid rebound this week. That said, Bernard will likely do his damage as a receiver, and considering the Steelers will bring heavy pressure, Burrow may be forced to check down which should lead to a surplus of catches for Bernard. The defense has been decent at covering running backs though, but that could change this week.
With Vince Williams on the COVID list, it could lead to some shuffling of the linebackers. While Robert Spillane should maintain his current role, Avery Williamson will likely be more involved this week. This could lead to some communication issues and potential mess-ups when covering running backs like Bernard. If he and Burrow develop a rapport early on, it could be bad for this defense. Don’t be surprised if Bernard gets close to 100 yards through the air and hovers around 150 total yards altogether.
Tuitt takes the lead
The Steelers have had no shortage of pass rushers this season, as this front seven has been applying pressures and getting sacks at a historic rate. While T.J. Watt deservedly gets the most attention, Stephon Tuitt has been having his best season as a pro. The interior lineman has been nothing short of a monster so far, consistently blowing past guards en route to sacks and run stuffs. He is the best player on this line right now, and that is in no way a ding on either Cameron Heyward or Tyson Alualu.
Going into this game, Tuitt sits at six sacks total, a healthy number at the halfway point, and only one-off from first place on the team. That said, I think this is the week that Tuitt overtakes Watt for the sack lead, as he has a great opportunity to post multiple sacks against this weak interior offensive line. Even if Watt gets a sack (a relatively safe bet), Tuitt will take the Steelers sack lead in thanks to the three he posts on Sunday.
Tuitt has been nothing short of dominance in every phase so far this year. While he was playing like this last year, an early injury ended his impressive season. Luckily, he hasn’t run into that problem yet, and he is showing that when healthy, Tuitt is a top interior lineman in the NFL. Expect to see his dominance continue this week and don’t be surprised if he makes a push for All-Pro this year.
While this game favors the Steelers on paper, don’t be surprised if it is a competitive bout. These two teams match up well this week, and anyone claiming either side will win in a blowout is a bold statement. Keep in mind these bold predictions, as any of them coming true will likely swing the end results of this game.