The Steelers look to put their first two game losing streak under Ben Roethlisberger since 2009 behind them when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday at Heinz Field.
The Steelers, who are currently on the outside looking in at the AFC playoff picture, are trailing the Bengals by one game for the last Wild Card spot. Pittsburgh has had success going up against the Bengals since Roethlisberger took over the starting quarterback job, beating the Bengals in 14 out of the teams 18 meetings. However, three of the four losses the Steelers have suffered to the Bengals have come on the Heinz Field turf. On the Bengals side, quarterback Andy Dalton is yet to beat the Steelers since coming into the league last season.
A huge factor in being successful in this game is stopping the Bengals’ big play connection of Dalton to AJ Green. The Steelers were successful in shutting this combination down in their Oct. 21 meeting holding Green to only one reception for eight yards. The Steelers pass defense is ranked number one in the league for the first time since the 1970s. However, they are coming off giving up a season high 341 passing yards against the Cowboys last week. The Steelers are once again taking the field without cornerback Ike Taylor so look for the Steelers to use multiple defensive backs to try to cover Green.
The Steelers also have to look out for Bengals’ running back BenJarvis Green-Ellis who has come on strong as of late. Green-Ellis has rushed for 1,081 yards and six touchdowns this season. The Steelers also had success shutting down Green-Ellis in their previous matchup holding him to 69 yards on 18 carries. On the offensive side of the ball, look for the Steelers to lean on Jonathan Dwyer and their running game. Dwyer had success against the Bengals earlier this season rushing for 122 yards on 17 carries. In the passing game, Heath Miller continues to put up career numbers as Roethlisberger’ most consistent receiver. Miller went for 53 yards and a touchdown in the previous meeting so look for Miller to once again be a big part in the Steelers’ passing game.
It will be crucial for the Steelers to get their “Young Money Crew” back on track to have a successful playoff run. The lack of deep plays that offensive coordinator Todd Haley calls seem to have hindered the receivers for the Steelers this season. Wide receiver Mike Wallace in an interview with ESPN, suggested that the team needs to run more deep pass plays in order to open up more offensive opportunities. Even though the Bengals have the No. 12 ranked pass defense in the league, the Steelers had success passing the ball in their previous meeting with Roethlisberger passing for 278 yards.
For the Steelers, the playoffs start now. With a loss in the next two weeks, they will find themselves sitting on their couch watching the divisional round after being projected being one of the top teams in the AFC.
