A Look At The Bengal Match Up

Let’s get the obligatory meaningless stat out of the way early. The Steelers have won 7 straight in Cincinnati. I expect the pivotal point of the Steelers / Bengals match up could come down to the Steelers’ offensive line. Big Ben can expect to be in the sights of Bengal Offensive End Antwan Odom. Odom has an amazing 7, count ‘em, seven sacks in two games. I don’t care who you are playing, that is an impressive number. That’s no fluke. Max Starks and company have their work cut out for them. With this in mind the Steelers lack of any discernable running game becomes very relevant.

The Steelers have run the ball only 37% of the time in the first two games. This is in direct contrast to last year where they ran no less than 65% in the two season openers. They are 28th out of 32 teams in rushing yards. So far the Bengals rushers are averaging a little more on average yards per carry; 3.1 for Pittsburgh versus 3.9 for the Bengals. Cincy is 11th in rush defense allowing only 164 yards in their first two games. Watch out for Cedric Benson who is coming off a 141 yard performance last week against Green Bay. On the bright side, Willie Parker has averaged over 130 yards per game against the Bengals.

What about the Hines Ward, Keith Rivers situation? Will this be a harder hitting game than normal? I think you might see a few ‘retaliatory’ hits since this is Keith Rivers’ first outing against the Steelers since Hines Ward’s, now infamous, hit that broke his jaw and ended his season. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few bone crushing hits.

I think there is something to be said for the theory that you really do not want to be playing at your best this early in the season. It is far better to hit your stride later in the season. Trying to maintain top notch play all season is a pretty high bar. For now we’ll take a win in Cincy no matter how ugly it is.

On the injury front the Steelers will desperately miss Troy Polamalu, not only for his play on the field but for the infectious energy he brings to their defense. Tyrone Carter is expected to start in Cincy in spite of a contusion to his thigh. Time will tell how much he is able to play. Limas Sweed should play but maybe a little limited in action due to the foot injury that kept him out of the game in Chicago.

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On a bright note, I received the photo below from a friend. While I haven’t seen it yet I’m willing to bet it is all over the Burgh web. Starting them young is a good idea.

Starting 'em young