Joe Burrow has made moving the chains look routine this season. The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback presents a difficult challenge for the Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary. With control of the AFC North at stake Sunday Night, Patrick Graham’s defense must find a way to disrupt one of football’s most efficient quarterbacks.
Can his group slow down one of the hottest gunslingers in the NFL?
Well, it’s a tall task leaving Pittsburgh’s secondary with little room for error. This season, Burrow ranks first in touchdown passes (23), second in passing yards (2,386), and 79.6 QBR. He’s shredded opposing secondaries consistently while helping his team add points to the scoreboard.
Strong connections with Tee Higgins (48) and Ja’Marr Chase (53) make the Bengals offense more lethal than most. Both wideouts have averaged more than 12 yards per catch while ranking among the top 15 wideouts in receptions entering Week 10.
Defending an offense with a skilled wide receiving corps can become a headache for opposing teams. Especially if the secondary is depleted. Without Joey Porter Jr., Patrick Graham’s defense has made an honest effort against opposing quarterbacks. This season, Graham’s unit ranks eighth in EPA per pass, according to Sumer Sports.
Keeping Cincinnati’s gunslinger uncomfortable will be an integral part of Pittsburgh’s success Sunday evening. However, sending additional players on blitzes leaves the secondary vulnerable to big plays downfield. Chase and Higgins are known to make defenders pay when left alone in coverage.
The Pittsburgh Steelers cannot let Joe Burrow feel comfortable in the pocket in Week 10
Patrick Graham refuses to put his secondary in horrid positions. In Week 3, Pittsburgh played zone on 90% of their snaps. Burrow diced them up, as you would expect, with multiple batted passes being the only reason he didn't complete even more than the 28 passes he did on 37 attempts. Still, it helped prevent big plays and forced Burrow to be methodical.
I expect to see the Steelers crowding the line of scrimmage using simulated blitz packages to help mitigate that this time. They are known to disguise coverages without sending additional pressure.
This season, Pittsburgh ranks 20th in blitz rate (26.7%). Currently, TJ Watt (7.5) and Alex Highsmith (3.5) lead the defense in sacks. Their relentless motor on the edge lets Graham send minimal rushers after the quarterback, keeping multiple players in coverage to defend the pass.
Ironically, their defensive formula could be a great game plan against a quarterback who takes advantage of extra time in the pocket. Luckily, Pittsburgh’s developed a knack for making quarterbacks uncomfortable without sending the house.
Pittsburgh’s 30-27 victory over Cincinnati earlier this season proved the Steelers can survive a shootout with Burrow. But winning the rematch will require more than trading blows with the Bengals’ offense. Graham must disguise his intentions, generate pressure without sacrificing coverage, and force Burrow into uncomfortable decisions. If Pittsburgh succeeds, the Steelers could leave Sunday Night with a stronger grip on the AFC North.
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