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The Pittsburgh Steelers, after running a gauntlet of three losses, host the Cincinnati Bengals in their regular season finale in NFL Week 18. After a condensed schedule pitted the Steelers against the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs while HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series cameras were locked-in, the league opted to flex Pittsburgh’s second game of the series with Cincinnati to Saturday, January 4, rather than a Sunday game. With yet another shortened period of preparation and tensions high, we look at the Steelers players to watch in the AFC divisional rematch with the Bengals.
There’s little argument to be had that Watt is frustrated. After suffering an ankle injury in the game with the Eagles and a potential hand injury at some point between the Ravens and Chiefs games, the outside linebacker has been held, double teamed, chipped, and tried desperately to give the Steelers defense an edge – no pun intended.
He was mocked by fans on social media for the following press conference:
T.J. Watt speaks to the media following our game against the Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/81firLb87n
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 25, 2024
The truth is, Watt had every reason to be obtuse with the press; he stated exactly what the team needs to do ahead of this Week 18 game. The defense has regressed in recent weeks, attempted to address injuries, rotated personnel, all to little avail. Watt can’t carry the defense, even though he places a ton of pressure on himself to perform well week-in and week-out, maybe pushing himself to the extreme at times.
Watt has typically been disruptive in games against the Joe Burrow-led Bengals offense. If history is an indicator, Watt may feel a need to make a statement this weekend.
The defensive backfield
Postgame film over the last three weeks showcased that there are some disturbing trends fleshed out in Pittsburgh’s defensive backfield. While Joey Porter, Jr. was injured, the remaining personnel – shuffled in schemes by defensive coordinator Teryl Austin – suffered from lack of communication and coverage errors.
For the majority of the season, Minkah Fitzpatrick had been asked to play the “centerfielder” but that changed recently. Why is a question only the defensive coaching staff can accurately answer. When questioned after the Chiefs game Fitzpatrick said, “I’m not talking today. There’s nothing to talk about.”
Cameron Sutton has not been a better option over rookie Beanie Bishop, yet head coach Mike Tomlin explained that snap counts would be dictated by matchup in his press conference, and that it has been a combination of scheme and communication that has resulted in coverage issues, adding that “it is multilayered and complex” when it comes to correcting those issues. The nickel position seems to be in flux.
Regardless, the defensive backfield personnel will be worth watching against the Bengals. They’ll have their hands full with the way Cincinnati has been racking up passing/receiving yards in their push to make it into the playoffs. Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase have been lighting things up. Hopefully, a recent team meeting reported to have been in response to locker room statements, mainly surrounding expectations that individuals do their jobs, will have the defense focused on preventing big plays once again.
“Anytime you see anything going on, it’s just because we care. It’s never personal. It’s never trying to be a sore thumb. It’s just us going out there because we really care, we really want to win. We know how good our defense can be. We know how good this team can be if our defense is at a high level.” – Patrick Queen regarding the locker room talk.
Offense on attack is key
The offense has to compliment the defense if the Steelers are going to sweep the Bengals series.
“Obviously, you want to go into the playoffs on a win. That’s what we can control, and we’ve just got to go out there and we’ve got to execute… got to just attack this week and we have to grow. We have to be better,” rookie guard Mason McCormick said this week.
To take pressure off of quarterback Russell Wilson, and prevent any tendencies towards any one player going into “hero mode” that could cost the team, the offensive line being better at blocking for the run game would be a big step forward. The second step would be to prevent Wilson from being sacked as much as he was in Week 17.
Attacking the Bengals on the ground will remain a worthy challenge. Jaylen Warren had a breakout in the last two weeks, and while Najee Harris and Cordarrelle Patterson are available, getting Warren shot off the blocks early could be a big part of the Steelers offense taking care of their end.
Warren did show up on the injury report (ribs), but Tomlin indicated the team would have a “full stable” of available players this week. Receiver Ben Skowronek and quarterback Justin Fields both look to be on track for Saturday’s game.
Steelers to watch in rematch with Bengals appeared first on Steel City Underground.