Divisional matchups are never boring and this NFL Week 2 game preview proves it with a grudge match between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Advertisement
Both teams are also coming off wins in Week 1, as the Bengals defeated the New York Jets, 23-22 and the Steelers won on Monday night against the Washington Redskins, 38-16. “But what it taught me, more than ever, is just find a way to win the game”. Dalton – making his first appearance in a real game since breaking his thumb last December – was very sharp.
Place in National Football League history Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger moved into in career passing yards (43,295, surpassing Dan Fouts) and career touchdown passes (275, tying Vinny Testaverde) after Monday night’s performance. The Bengals need to avoid letting the past haunt them. Last year, Dansby led the Cleveland Browns with 108 tackles and three interceptions.
The goal Sunday afternoon against the Bengals will be a simple one. Green can’t go insane with chunk plays against the Steelers like he did against the Jets. The pass rush (stunk). With what I assume will be a double-team on AB, Rogers, Wheaton, Coates and DHB will need to be ideal in their route running and communication with Ben to get early points on the board.
On the other side: Cornerback Justin Gilbert will be experiencing his first game at Heinz Field in a Steelers uniform, but it won’t be his first game at Heinz Field. Even though it’s only Week 2 of the regular season; the implications of this dual with the Steelers could be felt by December.
With the return of Andy Dalton, Bengals quarterback, following the last season-ending injury, throws 366 yards and a score against NY, however, was sacked seven times. It will be a hard fought game and if the Bengals want a victory there are some key factors that will need to go in their favor.
The war of words has subsided between the Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals as both sides have tried to play nice in recent weeks.
CHIEFS: Kansas City waived defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches and elevated offensive lineman Jordan Devey from the practice squad for Sunday’s game in Houston.
The Steelers share a similar concern with the Bengals’ A.J. Green, who had an exceptional Week 1 performance. Bengals WR A.J. Green set career-high with 12 receptions in win over Jets.
LaFell, a free-agent pickup this offseason from the New England Patriots, has become a nice complement opposite Green.
Advertisement
However, after Green, there are few among the Bengals receiving corp to scare you. “It was big”, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. “He’s the guy who celebrated knocking out Le’Veon Bell and then he knocked out Antonio Brown in the end of the [playoff game]”, Bouchette said. We know the Steelers will be able to move the ball through the air – they’re one of the NFL’s best at that – but if they can pair that attack with a solid running game that attacks a linebacker core that is clearly missing its best player, it could well tilt the contest in Pittsburgh’s favor.
