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Team comparison: Steelers vs Bengals (Week 14)

by
Steelers Gab Staff
December 4, 2014

steelers_at_bengals

STEELERS VS BENGALS (PAUL BROWN STADIUM)

Steelers	Bengals

BEN ROETHLISBERGER	ANDY DALTON
Roethlisberger insists he didn’t break his throwing hand. He still suffered from a poor performance against the Saints in Week 13. Roethlisberger still had the leadership to get the Steelers into the game, but he has to throw more accurate passes and get the rushing game going early if Pittsburgh hopes to beat Cincinnati on the road.	Andy Dalton would love to forget his three-interception game last weekend. Dalton has been a yo-yo all season, continually having good mixed with bad performances. His inconsistency could hinder the Bengals’ chances at a big game over Pittsburgh.
SLIGHT ADVANTAGE

Steelers Offense	Bengals Offense
When the Steelers get their offense rolling, they are successful. The biggest issue has been getting everyone on the squad to play well at the same time. Le’Veon Bell is explosive as a rusher and a dependable receiver. Antonio Brown and Heath Miller continue to be the most reliable in the passing game.	Dalton could use help from a solid rushing game. Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill both have big-play potential but haven’t been as consistent lately. A.J. Green continues to be the deep-threat receiver that Dalton targets often, but Mohamed Sanu is possibly the best number two receiver in the league.
EVEN	EVEN
Steelers Defense	Bengals Defense

Without defensive end Brett Keisel, the Steelers pass-rush is questionable. The Steelers only have six total defensive linemen and they were ineffective against the Saints. They will need Cam Heyward and Jason Worilds to have a great performance this week. The defensive secondary was torched by Drew Brees, and if the front seven can’t keep Dalton under control, it could be a very long game for Pittsburgh.	Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap are dangerous, but haven’t played to their potential consistently this season. The Bengals defense ranks 24th in the league in yards allowed. Leon Hall is a cornerback that takes a few too many gambles and has been beaten downfield this season. Overall the Bengals have less personnel worries than Pittsburgh does, but their advantage is slight at best.
	SLIGHT ADVANTAGE
Steelers Special Teams	Bengals Special Teams

Pittsburgh has had an average kickoff and punt return squad and their coverage team hasn’t been much better. Shaun Suisham is one of the most reliable kickers in the league. The Steelers have yet to find a kick or punt returner who can break a big one.	The Bengals are excellent in punt and kickoff coverage, and with Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones as their return specialist, this unit is dangerous. Kicker Mike Nugent hasn’t been consistent all season but punter Kevin Huber has a 44.1 yards-per-punt (net) average.
	ADVANTAGE
STEELERS SUMMARY	BENGALS SUMMARY

Pittsburgh is desperately looking for answers on both sides of the ball. They couldn’t pull out a win against the Saints after taking nearly two weeks off. With the way they’ve played teams with losing records, it is hard to bet on the Steelers this week even if you’re a die-hard fan. This week could spell the end of any chance at the playoffs and/or AFC North title.	With homefield advantage going for them, Cincinnati has a real shot at dominating the Steelers this week. The Bengals have proven to be the most dominant team in the AFC North thus far in 2014, and they won’t let down against a rival. Barring a breakdown by Dalton or turnovers, the Bengals look to have the edge in this match.
	WINNERS