In Week 7, the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense could do no wrong. In the rematch, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense took charge of the highlight reel. A better game plan and execution helped, along with some gusty wind, keep the Bengals’ air attack grounded. Speaking to reporters after the Steelers’ 34-12 win, Mike Tomlin said the secret was simply stronger play.
“I just thought as a collective, whether it’s front, secondary, linebackers, I just think we were more solid,” Tomlin said via the team’s website. “I think we were more connected. I thought we communicated well. It’s not necessarily about what it is that they do, it’s about the quality of what we do. And I thought we were just above the line in so many of the intangible areas today that allowed us to play.”
The difference is clear. Here’s how Week 7 and Week 11 stack up.
Stat Bengals Week 7 Bengals Week 11
Points 33 12
Passing Yards 328 192
Rushing Yards 142 105
Yards Per Play 6.5 4.7
Ja’Marr Chase Catches 16 3
Red Zone 2-5 0-2
Turnovers 0 2
A night-and-day difference. Joe Flacco didn’t pepper throws all over the field. Pittsburgh used more zone than man coverage, giving up early third-down conversions but winning out by game’s end. The run defense wasn’t perfect but allowed fewer explosive plays. Most importantly, Pittsburgh took the ball away twice and turned both of them into immediate scores. A pick-six and fumble return for a touchdown.
With the Steelers’ offense still having problems and sputtering for much of the game after the opening possession, the defense stepped up. The unit rebuffed Cincinnati time and time again in the first half before making splash in the second half. Not just from stars but unsung heroes like SS Kyle Dugger, still less than one month into his Steelers career, and former UDFA James Pierre in his first start of the year for the concussed Darius Slay.
The group held strong even after FS Jalen Ramsey was ejected. Now, the team will hope the NFL doesn’t hand out a one-game suspension.
Pittsburgh’s win wasn’t pretty. But in the AFC North in November, there’s no credit for style points. The Steelers’ defense will need a similar performance on the road in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears’ creative offense under first-year head coach and offensive guru Ben Johnson.
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