Giovanni Bernard likely to get most of Bengals RB snaps with Joe Mixon out
With Joe Mixon out for the third straight game expect Giovanni Bernard to be the Bengals lead running back against Pittsburgh.
Expect Giovanni Bernard to receive closer to the 76 percent of the snaps he received three weeks ago against the Browns than the 64 percent he received in the Bengals win two weeks ago against Tennesse on Sunday against Pittsburgh with starting running back Joe Mixon expected to miss his third straight game.
Bernard has had success throughout his career against the Steelers. In 12 career games against Pittsburgh, Bernard has run for 259 yards averaging 4.1 yards per carry with two touchdowns and has 39 receptions for 337 yards and three TDs. With Mixon out the last two games, Bernard has 28 carries for 99 yards and a TD.
Bernard has continued contributing as a receiver with eight receptions for 75 yards and TDs each of the last two games. Samaje Perine will continue to contribute behind Bernard. After playing five snaps on offense in the first six Bengals games this season, Perine combined for 43 the last two games.
Perine played 19 in the loss to Cleveland three weeks ago and 24 in the victory over Tennessee before the bye. Against Cleveland had one carry and one reception for three yards each. Perine was more involved in the Bengals offense against Tennessee with 10 carries for 32 yards and a TD and one reception for two yards.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor said RB Joe Mixon is doubtful for Sunday's game. Held out of practice today for precautionary reasons.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) November 13, 2020
The Bengals are likely to lean more on the passing game against Pittsburgh. The potential to fall behind early could create a need to throw the ball as the game progresses. Pittsburgh is fifth in pass defense and ninth against the run this season. Cincinnati has the 23rd ranked rushing offense and 11th ranked passing in 2020.
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Rookie quarterback Joe Burrow has a chance to add to his legend early in his career with Bengals entering Sunday’s game with 10 straight losses to Pittsburgh. The Bengals will face one of the best defenses in the NFL for the second straight game. Without one of its best players, the Bengals need a team effort to upset Pittsburgh.