If we beat the Bengals it will be because...

1. We played a ball possession game. No turnovers. A couple long drives.

2. We finally make Joe B uncomfortable...most of the day.


What do you guys think we need to get it done? (I know, score more points.)

 

Apparently Okarafor and DJ had full practices so that's a good sign in hopefully keeping those drives going.

The Steelers haven't scored an offensive TD in first half of last 8 regular season games if I'm not mistaken. Im still not sold on Canada as a competent OC. I need to see one first QTR score I think (or at least some life and a score in the 2nd) to even begin to think the game is going to be competitive.

Middle linebackers are really going to have to play their hearts out against the run to make sure the safeties can stay back and not give up any big plays in the secondary...otherwise PA all day

 

Pure luck, and 7 sacks by DL without blitzing, and one two blocked punts

 

EXECUTION

 

I’m very surprised the line is only -6. I know it’s the NFL and anything can happen plus it’s week 1 which probably has even more volatility as the teams are still knocking rust off. However I’d be shocked if we stay within two scores we just don’t match up well with this team at all.

 

Need to stop the run and limit the big pass plays. Need to score TDs in the red zone and hold them to field goals.

 

This will be a tough one. It will also be a good litmus test for the season. I know it’s the first game, and things can change along the season, but it will start to answer some questions about some of the bigger changes in the team (OL, QB, MLB, CB).

 

Games in generally boil down to a few key issues. Execution, limit mistakes, score points, or limited scoring.

Someone misses a block on 3rd and 1 it's execution. Someone drops a ball on 3rd and 5 it's execution. QB misses an open WR, its execution. Ect. Make the blocks, catch the ball, hit the open player.

Limit mistakes like penalties and turnovers. There are only a handful of times a penalty is acceptable. Holdings a pass rusher so it doesn't get your QB killed or committing PI if it will lead to an easy score.

The other guys get paid to so it's not easy to win.

 

As many have suggested execution, Top, good fundamental football in all phases. Play fast and smart.
Limit penalties. OC must put our playmakers in position to succeed. The Bengals didn't get to Superbowl last year by accident.They are good, we will be challenged.

 

The pass rush need to be great and they need to contain the running game of the bengals to have a chance

On offense,the o-line need to give at Trubisky and Harris at least a chance!

 

I was surprised at the line. A lot of my sports betting friends (they have made sports betting so damn easy) are keen on betting the Bengals. Oh how I hope it bites them in the ass.

 

Because we scored more points

 

TDs instead of FGs when in scoring position.

 

It will be because we blocked better, tackled better, caught passes better, ran better and threw better than the Bengals. Basic fundamentals.

 

If?

 

On offense it all comes down to the offensive line. The Steelers need them to at least be good enough. But can they be?

On defense it comes down to coverage IMO. Higgins, Chase, and Boyd are a tall order. This will be the first game without Joe Haden in quite some time. Are Whitherspoon, Sutton, and Wallace good enough? We shall see.

 

IF Steelers beat Cincy, it will mean nothing .......because SDOT and the MIA Benny will still remind us of how bad the Steelers (and Tomlin by default) really are. Wait for it...........

 

....and Benny will remind everyone that the Ravens are better...

 

I think it comes down to pass defense and not giving up big plays down the field.

 

Easy. Because we scored more points

 

They forfeited.

 

It will only happen if Mitch is on target making good decisions.

 

Are defense is better then there's. They got 2 guys on defense hendrickson and Bates. The rest are garbage. I hope we smoke eli apple. He is overrated and he was garbage when he played for the giants. If my memory serves me correct he was cut from the giants.

 

…the team overcame the Great Depth Chart Clerical Error Disaster of the Ages!