Bengals Q&A: Nice Pick Cowher’s Kimberly Myers

Dec 7, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (left) is held back by side judge Shawn Hochuli (83) while he makes his way towards Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) as a scrum breaks out in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 42-21. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

It is take two for the Steelers and Bengals and that means another round with NicePickCowher.com’s Kimberly Myers. Thank you again to her for her time and here is what she had to say about the Steelers and Sunday night’s matchup.

Stripe Hype: The Steelers have found a groove late in the season. How will they continue to keep focused with the playoffs already locked in?

Kimberly Myers: The talk this week has been all about winning back this division and securing the home playoff game. For the first time in a long time there are a ton of players on the Steelers roster who have never been in a playoff game with the Steelers before. The combination of the eagerness of the young guys on the team and the veterans’ presence has them locked in on what they want to accomplish each week.

SH: What has been the biggest change this year from last year’s 8-8 season?

KM: The biggest change I’d have to say is the offense. We have a 4,500 yard passer in Ben Roethlisberger, a 1,500-yard receiver in Antonio Brown, and a 1,300-yard rusher in Le’Veon Bell and there’s still one game left to play. There have been times they were wildly consistent, but the offense has been the difference maker this season for sure.

SH: Usually it has been the Steelers-Ravens rivalry and winner takes all between those two, how has the Bengals recent successes changed how the Steelers and their fans look at this Bengals organization? Has it almost brought a new rivalry that hasn’t really been there between the Bengals and Steelers?

KM: Steeler fans are definitely looking to take back control of the AFC North from the Bengals. I think there will always be a rivalry between the divisional opponents but I don’t know if it’s to the level of the Steelers-Ravens rivalry yet.

SH: What is your prediction for Sunday night’s game?

KM: I think the Steelers’ offensive weapons are just too much for the Bengals to handle. I think the Steelers defense plays inspired after last week’s performance and Andy Dalton reverts back to his prime time troubles. The Steelers take the AFC North and the home playoff game that goes with it and win, 33-17

Thanks again to Kimberly and her great insight into the Steelers. Make sure to check out what we had to say on NicePickCowher.com.