Laying the table: How the Cincinnati Bengals can beat the Steelers

The Bengals face an uphill task to topple the Steelers but it’s not impossible if they can come up with a gameplan to surprise the AFC North leaders.

Despite having an extra week of preparation, the Bengals face a mammoth task as they welcome divisional foes Pittsburgh into the jungle. Zac Taylor earned some breathing room in the face of heavy media pressure with a victory over the Titans. However, the Steelers, currently 8-0, have proven themselves as one of the strongest teams in the AFC.

It will take a huge effort for this young and developing squad to get anything from the matchup. With Burrow at quarterback though, even a win is impossible to rule out. The Bengals must build on the offensive efficiency they have shown so far while Lou Anarumo must figure a way to stall Big Ben and his supporting cast.

‘Blitz-burgh’ pass rushers will be licking their chops in hunt for Burrow

The Steelers’ pass rush is headed up by T.J. Watt. After the league was dominated for years by his brother J.J., the younger Watt is emerging as the league’s top edge rusher. Already racking up 7 sacks and 13 quarterback hurries, Watt ranks as PFF’s top-rated edge defender.

Even if the Bengals offer extra protection with the likes of Drew Sample and Gio Bernard chip blocking, nullifying Watt won’t suffice. The Steelers blitz over 50% of defensive downs, so pressure from middle linebackers and slot corners will seek to find the cracks in the line.

Despite a valiant effort by effectively a back-up Bengals offensive line against the Titans, this will be a whole different ball game. While Tennessee offered little push, the Steelers average 4 sacks a game. Bengals coaches and fans alike will hope starters Jonah Williams and Bobby Hart can return from injury to give Burrow enough time to work his magic.