The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense has been underwhelming this year. It’s had several different issues, too. While that unit has been slightly better in recent weeks, it will face a big test Sunday again the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals’ offense torched the Steelers’ defense in Week 7, including rushing for almost 150 rushing yards. However, T.J. Watt believes the Steelers are better prepared to prevent that from happening a second time.
“It’s one of those things that, it’s no secret these guys love to get the ball to their big-time receivers,” Watt said Saturday in an interview with WMBS’ George Von Benko. “And I think sometimes you can kind of think that they’re gonna throw every time because they want to get them involved and you forget about the run.
“Not to say we forgot about the run, but it’s a matter of playing the run gives you the opportunity to play the pass. I think that is something that we are definitely gonna be better at this game.”
That was arguably one of the most disappointing parts of the Steelers’ 33-31 loss to the Bengals. Cincinnati’s run game hasn’t been good this year and, in fact, is ranked dead last in the league. Despite that, Chase Brown ran for 108 yards against the Steelers, averaging almost 10 yards per carry.
Teryl Austin later said that he changed his mindset mid-game after the Bengals broke off a couple big runs. That likely contributed to the Steelers’ overall defensive failings. They were somehow even worse against the pass, allowing Joe Flacco to throw for almost 350 yards and Ja’Marr Chase to catch 16 passes for 161 yards and one touchdown.
Being better against the run should help the Steelers play the pass better, though. That should be one of their top priorities. The Bengals shouldn’t have that kind of rushing performance again. The Steelers have been better against the run recently. That includes holding MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor to under 50 yards in Week 9.
We’ll see if the Steelers can follow through on Watt’s words. Unfortunately, they’ll be missing Alex Highsmith Sunday. That will hurt them, although Nick Herbig is more than capable as a starter. The Bengals will also be missing backup running back Samaje Perine, so they’ll be a little shorthanded as well. This is an important game for the Steelers, so hopefully, their defense puts together a complete performance.
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