The Steelers enter the postseason at the #6 seed and travel to Cincinnati to take on the #3 seed AFC North champion Bengals. This scenario is identical to the 2005 season when the black and gold went on a miraculous run to take home the Super Bowl title.
Will they be able to repeat that feat with a defense that’s weak but an offense that’s as good as any in the league? Can Mike Tomlin rally the troops to win for the 2nd time in a little over a month in Cincinnati?
These questions will all be answered tonight.
Here are the Keys to A Steelers Victory:
- Big Ben absolutely needs to cut down on the turnovers. He’s been pretty bad as of late, specifically on the road and the team cannot afford to have him throw the ball away.
- Fitzgerald Touissant will need to play at a level where he can gain at least 50 yards on the ground. Starting in place of DeAngelo Williams, Touissant is an unknown player and the Bengals will not be afraid of him, meaning they will key on Big Ben and take away the passing game. If Touissant can prove to be a threat on the ground, the Bengals will not be able to focus solely on the pass.
- The game will surely be ‘chippy’ as it has been in the first two meetings. The team that avoids the personal fouls and keeps their composure will be the team that comes out on top.
- The defense needs to get to AJ McCarron. The last time they faced, McCarron was able to throw for 280 yards in just over three quarters. He’s a guy that the Steelers cannot let get confidence. Getting in the backfield and putting him on the ground will be a surefire way to keep him anxious all game long.
Here are a Few Things to Watch:
- Martavis Bryant-It’s quite possible the Bengals will double up on Antonio Brown. Big Ben just called out Bryant to step up big. Will he meet the challenge head on or will he be relatively unnoticed.
- Mike Tomlin-He’s been known to gamble when he shouldn’t and make some very risky, if not poor, decisions. Will he make a good decision to help the team out or will he pull a bad move that sends the team home for the offseason?
- DeAngelo Williams-Will he actually suit up and get in the game?
- The secondary-The worst unit on the team has to clamp down on AJ Green and not allow AJ McCarron to get the ball downfield, are they up for the challenge?
Mike Pelaia hosts the website Steel Nation Association https://www.steelnationassociation.com– Covering the Steelers and helping Children’s Hospital All Day Everyday. You can e-mail him at mike@steelnationassociation.com.