Steelers vs. Bengals: Five Questions with the Enemy
By Kim Myers
Each week as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their matchup we will go behind enemy lines to get the scoop on the team they’re facing with a member of the FanSided Network. Today we have Matthew Wilson, editor of Stripe Hype, giving us the info on the Cincinnati Bengals. He discusses the Bengals’ prime time issues, the defense for both teams, the plans to stop Le’Veon Bell and the Steelers offense, the confidence for Andy Dalton and Marvin Lewis and gives us a prediction with score for the game.
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The Bengals took advantage of some Peyton Manning turnovers to exorcise their prime time demons on Monday night. Is the confidence still riding high or are Bengals fans not stoked about another prime time game?
It is a mixed reaction; call it cautiously optimistic for most. We were excited to see them have success against such a strong team but Peyton Manning was not healthy and the offense had its way running. I look forward to a much closer game; the Bengals have been stronger on the road this season than at home.
The Steelers thrived off of a monster performance from Le’Veon Bell in the last meeting. Can the Bengals follow suit of the Falcons and Chiefs and focus on shutting Bell down but also contain the rest of the Steelers offense?
Carlos Dunlap and Vincent Rey will play a huge factor in stopping Bell. Dre Kirkpatrick will be the primary focus to see if he can continue to mature and grow as a primary corner. If they can stop Antonio Brown and contain Heath Miller than this could be a tough night for Big Ben as well, even with two other weapons in Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton.
The Steelers are coming off of a defensive stand against Kansas City and the Bengals are coming off of an opportunistic defensive performance against the Broncos. Could this turn out to be a low-scoring, defensive struggle instead of a shootout?
It is all about the balanced offense and which Steelers and Bengals offenses we see. If both offenses show up, it is going to be difficult for either defense to stop these offenses when they are hot. The key will be stop the run first and focus on pressure in the back field. That was something the Bengals didn’t get the first game against the Steelers but found success the past two weeks. That will be key.
What’s the confidence level now in Andy Dalton and Marvin Lewis? Is this the year they finally get it done?
Dalton still has consistency issues but I think they have been better as of late, especially since the Browns debacle on Thursday Night Football. They have continued to grow and we will see if they can put it all together in week 17. This is truly a playoff game and Pittsburgh will always bring the passion and playoff atmosphere to Heinz Field.
What’s your prediction with score for the game?
It is going to be much closer this time around and I don’t think we see a fourth quarter collapse. Bengals win with the AFC North and possibly first round bye on the line 28-24.
There you have it, Steeler Nation. Everything you need to know about the Cincinnati Bengals before the Sunday night AFC North showdown. What would you have asked?
Be sure to look for my answers to Matthew’s questions on Stripe Hype.
Here we go Steelers! Here we go!