Well, this one should be interesting.
Last year, the Steelers pulverized a weakened Bengals team twice and Hines Ward broke Keith Rivers’ jaw.
Now, the Bengals look to be much improved. They aren’t elite by any means, but a healthy Carson Palmer and an improving young defense makes them a lot more interesting than they were last year with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center.
The Steelers are coming off a demoralizing loss at Chicago. Cincinatti just had the best win in a while over Green Bay.
Does any of this matter?
We’ll tell you at 4:15.
What they are saying…
Working in the Bengals favor is the fact that the game is at home, and this will be their third straight game against a 3-4 defense. Steelers pro-bowl safety Troy Polamalu will be out and his backup, Tyrone Carter, is gimpy. Their running game has been weaker than in years past, and their offensive line is a clear liability again. The Bengals running game has been surprisingly effective so far, their passing game has been much improved, and the pass rush is leading the NFL in sacks.
Nevertheless, the Steelers are still the Super Bowl Champions, and until further notice, the rulers of the AFC North. If Marvin Lewis’ charges truly are prepared to make a run, they must prove they can win this game. They must face the schoolyard bully and take his best shot. They must hold serve at home. They must continue to prove they are not your typical Bengals.
To be the best, you must beat the best as the old adage goes. The time is now. It’s Steelers Week.
I think the Bengals have as good a shot beating the defending Super Bowl champions than they’ve had since 2006. We’re stronger on defense and the offense is coming around. Furthermore, if the Bengals offense can finally ditch the finesse term, along with the new Bengals defense passing the biggest test that they’ve face yet by taking over the football game, then I believe the Bengals win this football game.
The Steelers are at their most dangerous when its down and vulnerable. This would be one of those times.
Predictions…
Bam says: Maybe I’m still in a bad mood from yesterday’s Penn State debacle, but I’ve had a bad feeling about this game all week. Watching Jay Cutler and some guy named Johnny Knox pick apart our defense leaves me feeling that Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco or Chris Henry or Laveranues Coles will be able to do the same thing if they want to. This game is most likely going to be a shoot out and those never seem to go well against the Bengals. Cincinatti 26 – 24
Norm says: After last week, the Steelers won’t let it be a close game in the 4th quarter. They’ll establish a running game and run for over 100 yards. The Steelers will be in control all game. Pittsburgh 28-7
