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Steeler Nation doesn’t just reside in the surrounding areas of Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. It is a world-wide army that lives and dies with the football franchise that calls Pittsburgh it’s home. The six-time Super Bowl champions always strive for excellence, and their fans expect nothing less in return. This is the ultimate Steelers Game Day Guide that all followers of the black and gold come to find everything they need to know about the Pittsburgh Steelers and their upcoming opponent! Mike Drakulich (@PghSportsNation), who covers both Pitt football and the Steelers for NGSC Sports, brings you inside the huddle for both teams, providing a weekly game story, prediction, the Steelers offensive and defensive game plans, a detailed breakdown of each team, game day information, and up to date team injury reports. Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff. The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform.

Roethlisberger and the offense eager to right the ship vs Bengals

It’s been a rough stretch for the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-2), who have dropped two straight after winning their first 11 games of the year. The team hasn’t had a true bye week all season, and this has been the first time since before the chaos of the Ravens game, that this team has had a normal and full practice week.

When the Steelers take the field at Paul Brown Stadium Monday night to face the Cincinnati Bengals (2-10-1), the AFC North title will be there for the taking with a much needed victory. It’s just the first of three goals that this team has in store for this season, that being winning the division, the AFC Championship, and then the ultimate prize of winning the Super Bowl.

“We want to be able to put on a hat and shirts,” Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster said, “to say we won the AFC North.”

It’s possible that they enter the game as the North champions, that is, if the Cleveland Browns somehow lose to the New York Giants Sunday afternoon, but all things said, the team would prefer to earn it on their own merits.

“It’s a blessing,” said safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. “And it’s a great opportunity to win it. I’m excited about it. It’s a little check on the goals list for this season.”

With the division secured, the Steelers will at least host one playoff game, but the preference is, at worst, to be the #2 seed in the AFC. Kansas City, who currently hold the #1 seed, has a tough game vs the New Orleans Saints Sunday, so nothing is set in concrete just yet.

“If we win this football game,” Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler said, “we win the division and all that stuff and will put us where we want to be. It won’t put us where we want to be in terms of rankings and stuff like that in terms of playoffs, but this is a big game for us when we close out the division. And we need to do it.”

Ben Roethlisberger and the offense haven’t been at their best in nearly a month, and they know time is running out to right the ship and get the offense back on track.

“I don’t think we need to adjust drastically,” said Roethlisberger. “There are plays to be had that we are not making. I think some of it stems from physicality. I don’t think we are being as physical as we should be and need to be all of the time. I think that is something we always took pride in as the Pittsburgh Steelers and being physical.”

Physicality seems to be a word that has been spoken about quite often during this week of practice. It’s the Steelers who are traditionally known for their punishing style of play, both offensive and defensively, and they are eager to get that swagger back as soon as possible.

“Physicality isn’t just about the line,” said Roethlisberger. “I think people think that is where it is. But it’s about picking up the blitzes, getting the tough yards, blocking on the perimeter. Things like that.

“When you talk about physicality, that’s where everyone automatically looks. Your eyes go to o-line, d-line, because that is every single play you have to be physical. So, it naturally falls in that area. I don’t think all of the fingers should be pointed there by any means. When we talk about physicality, I think the line takes it personal because they want to be physical.

“Being physical doesn’t always mean I am going to go blow him off the line of scrimmage or outpower him. Sometimes being physically tough in your mind. You have to find multiple ways to be physical. It’s not just the line, it’s all of us. As runners, sometimes there is a guy in the hole, an unblocked guy and you have to put your head down and get the tough one or two yards. Sometimes receivers have to put their head down instead of stepping out of bounds and get those one or two tough yards. It’s not everybody, but collectively we all need to be more physical. I hate that the finger gets pointed at the line because it shouldn’t be there but that is where it naturally starts when you talk about an offense.

“There are a lot of things involved. Sometimes physicality is mental too. You have to be mentally tough. All of those things combined I think can hopefully turn this thing around and we can hit the plays that are there to be had.”

Prediction

Honestly, there’s nothing much to say, other than it’s time for the Steelers to stare adversity in the face and come out swinging. Yes, there have been significant losses with Devin Bush and Bud Dupree being injured, but life goes on, and it’s next man up, as Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin always says. On Monday night, the Steelers need to come out and establish their game right away against a poor Bengals team that was slaughtered by the Cowboys last week. This team has too much talent and pride to think otherwise. Ben Roethlisberger and the offense will get back on track, and the defense will have Ryan Finley for lunch. Pittsburgh rolls in this one… Steelers 38 Bengals 6

Steelers Offensive Game Plan

Open up the passing game: The short, quick fire passing game was working for awhile, but no longer. Ben Roethlisberger and the offense, if they prefer to succeed, need to open the playbook up, and start attacking farther downfield. They possess all the tool to be successful, so it’s time to address the elephant in the room and make some adjustments.
Use Play Action: With Maurkice Pouncey back, Roethlisberger should have no qualms about getting back under center, instead of going shotgun 100% of the time. This gives James Conner the ability to run the ball going downhill for once, and opens up using play action to keep opposing secondaries on their heels, and perhaps creating some crucial passing lanes.
No turnovers: The last thing Pittsburgh wants to do vs a doormat is give the ball away and give out hope. Play smart and secure the ball.

Steelers Defensive Game Plan

Make Ryan Finley’s life hell: The Pittsburgh defense is getting healthier, especially at corner with both Steven Belson and Joe Haden back, so it’s up to Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, Alex Highsmith, and T.J. Watt to hunt down Finley with extreme prejudice, perhaps creating a few juicy turnovers that the offense can take advantage of.
Get that swagger back: It’s been a rough three weeks for this entire team. It’s Monday Night Football, and it’s Primetime… there’s been plenty of naysayers predicting this team’s demise. It’s time to rise up, play a complete game, and destroy the Bengals.

A look at the Pittsburgh Steelers

Overall record: 11-2 (1st in AFC North)

Head coach: Mike Tomlin (13th Season with Steelers)

Overall regular-season record: 144-76-1
Playoff record: 8-7 (Qualified for playoffs 8 times)

2020 Pittsburgh Steelers Team Roster

Steelers Team/Individual Statistics

Pittsburgh Steelers 2020 Schedule

Last game: Bills 26 Steelers 15

Steelers Offense

Strengths: The variety of weapons that Ben Roethlisberger can utilize in the passing game.

Weaknesses: The rushing attack, especially in short-yardage situations. Throwing the deep ball.

Offensive Stats

Points per game: 26.8
Total yards per game: 335.5
Passing yards per game: 246.5
Rushing yards per game: 89.1

Starting Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger | Back-up: Mason Rudolph

Ben Roethlisberger has thrown 29 touchdown passes and passed for 3,292 yards and nine interceptions. He has only been sacked 11 times.

Starting Running Back: James Conner | Back-ups: Benny Snell, Anthony McFarland, Jr., and Jaylen Samuels

James Conner has rushed for 663 yards and five scores and has 25 receptions for 145 yards. Benny Snell has 2674 yards rushing with three touchdowns. Anthony McFarland, Jr. has been inserted into the rushing attack and has run for 91 yards. Ray-Ray McCloud has been used as an x-factor type weapon, gaining 65 yards on four carries, and has 17 catches for 82 yards.

Fullback: Derek Watt

Wide Receivers: Juju Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, James Washington, and Ray-Ray McCloud III

Juju Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and James Washington lead a talented group of wide receivers. Johnson has 69 receptions for 694 yards and five touchdowns. Claypool is having a big rookie year with 50 catches for 664 yards and eight TDs. Claypool also has rushed for 22 yards and two more touchdowns. Smith-Schuster leads the team with 79 catches for 655 yards and seven touchdowns. James Washington (28-372-5) can line up anywhere and comes up with big catches when his number gets called.

Tight Ends: Eric Ebron and Vance McDonald

Eric Ebron gives Big Ben a huge target across the middle and in the red zone. Ebron has become a Big Ben favorite and has 51 catches for 511 yards and four touchdowns. Vance McDonald has mainly been used for blocking.

*Injured/Out

Steelers Defense (Base 3-4)

Strengths: A relentless pass rush, tough run defense, and creating turnovers.

Weaknesses: Sometimes have issues getting off the field on 3rd downs. Skilled backs catching passes out of the backfield.

Defensive Stats

Points per game allowed: 18.2
Total offense yards per game allowed: 303.1
Passing yards allowed: 202.2
Rushing yards allowed: 100.9
Sacks: 45
Interceptions: 17

Scouting report: One of the top units in the NFL. They are fast and physical. Pittsburgh defends the run well and puts constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks with a variety of blitzes. Cam Heyward anchors the defensive line and is a yearly all-pro, with the vastly underappreciated Stephon Tuitt and Tyson Alualu alongside him. Tuitt has eight sacks in 2020.

OLB T.J. Watt is one of the best defensive players in the NFL, and he formed a terrific 1-2 punch with Bud Dupree on the other side. Watt and Dupree had combined for 19 sacks before Dupree injured his ACL vs the Ravens. Now rookie Alex Highsmith will have some big shoes to fill and will be counted to be the next man up. Inside LB Vince Williams is stout against the run, and leads the team with 63 tackles. The hard-hitting Robert Spillane, who replaced star LB Devin Bush who tore his ACL, is out until the playoffs with a knee injury. Avery Williamson, acquired via trade from the NY Jets, will start in place of Spillane. .

Free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick leads an impressive secondary with two good corners in Joe Haden and Steven Nelson. Strong safety Terrell Edmunds never gets the credit he deserves but is always around the ball. Fitzpatrick has four interceptions to lead the team.

Mike Hilton is the most unheralded player on the defense, a do-everything player in Pittsburgh’s nickel package. Hilton has three sacks, two interceptions, and 43 tackles.

The splash play Steelers have recorded 45 sacks so far and 17 interceptions. They lead the NFL allowing just 18.2 points per game.

Special Teams

Placekicker: Chris Boswell

Extra Points: 32-36
1-19 yards: 0-0
20-29 yards: 4-4
30-39 yards: 6-6
40-49 yards: 7-8
50+ yards: 1-1

Punter: Jordan Berry

Kickoff Returners: Anthony McFarland, Jr. and Ray-Ray McCloud

Punt Returner: Ray-Ray McCloud

Scouting report: Ray-Ray McCloud is averaging 23.2 yards per kickoff return, and 11.4 yards per punt return.

A look at the Cincinnati Bengals

Overall record: 2-10-1 (4th in AFC North)

Head coach: Zac Taylor (2nd season with Cincinnati)

Overall regular-season record: 4-24-1 | 4-24-1 (with Cincinnati)
Playoff record: 0-0

2020 Cincinnati Bengals roster

Cincinnati Team/Individual Statistics

Last game: Cowboys 30 Bengals 7

Bengals Offense

Strengths: Tyler Boyd when he has a competent quarterback.

Weaknesses: Passing game, offensive line, and rushing attack.

Offensive Stats

Points per game: 18.8
Total Offense per game: 319.3
Passing yards per game: 227
Rushing yards per game: 92.3

Starting Quarterback: Joe Burrow* | Back-ups: Brandon Allen* and Ryan Finley

Burrow was having an excellent rookie season till suffering a horrific knee injury. Burrow’s back-up, Brandon Allen, is also out, so… Ryan Finley will start and has passed for 75 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions. He has been sacked seven times, and Bengals QB’s have been sacked 46 times overall.

Starting Running Back: Joe Mixon* | Back-ups: Giovani Bernard, and Samaje Perine

Giovani Bernard will start with Joe Mixon still injured. Bernard has rushed for 261 yards with two touchdowns. He has caught 39 passes for 275 yards and two TD’s. Samaje Perine has 141 yards on the ground with one score.

Wide Receivers: Tyler Boyd, A.J. Green, Tee Higgins, Alex Erickson, and Mike Thomas

Tyler Boyd leads the Bengals with 78 receptions for 840 yards and four touchdowns. Tee Higgins has developed into the Bengals #2 receiver with 58 receptions for 778 yards and five TD’s. A.J. Green has regressed, but still has caught 41 passes for 419 yards and a pair of scores.

Tight Ends: Drew Sample

Drew Sample is the top tight end with 36 receptions for 322 yards. He has not caught a touchdown pass.

*Injured/out

Bengals Defense (Base 4-3)

Strengths: None.

Weaknesses: Bad secondary and a weak run defense.

Defensive Stats

Points per game allowed: 26
Total offense yards per game allowed: 382.3
Passing yards allowed: 250.6
Rushing yards allowed: 131.7
Sacks: 15
Interceptions: 9

Scouting report: Defensive End Carl Lawson is the team leader with 4.5 sacks. He also has 31 tackles. Safety Vonn Bell leads the team with 96 tackles. Safety Jesse Bates III has three interceptions on the year with 92 tackles.

Special Teams

Placekicker: Randy Bullock

Extra Points: 24-25
1-19 yards: 0-0
20-29 yards: 3-3
30-39 yards: 8-10
40-49 yards: 7-8
50+ yards: 3-5

Scouting report: Brandon Wilson is averaging 27.2 yards per kickoff return and has taken one to the house. Alex Erickson is averaging 10.1 yards per punt return.

Game Day Information

Venue: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH.

Field: Kentucky Blue Grass

Game-time: Monday, December 21st, at 8:15 pm

TV: ESPN (Local on WTAE-TV)

Announcers: Steve Levy (play-by-play) Brian Griese (analyst) Louis Riddick (analyst) | Lisa Salters (reporter)

Local radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE-FM & 970 WBGG-AM

Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Tunch Ilkin (analyst) Craig Wolfley (analyst) | Missi Matthews (sideline)

Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com

Weather at kickoff: 42 and cloudy. Winds out of the West at 13 mph.

Vegas line: Steelers -12.5

NFL Standings | NFL Scoreboard

Steelers vs Bengals History

Series History: Began in 1970

Steelers are 67-35 overall vs Cincinnati

At home: 35-16
On the road: 32-19
Postseason: 2-0
Streak: Steelers won the last eleven games.
Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 36-10 (Nov. 15, 2020)
Last postseason meeting: Steelers Win, 18-16 (Jan. 9, 2016)

Injury Report (12/19/20)

Pittsburgh Steelers

Out: OL Kevin Dotson (Shoulder)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: RB James Conner (Quadriceps)

Cincinnati Bengals

Out: QB Brandon Allen (Knee), LB Logan Wilson (Ankle)
Doubtful: None
Questionable: S Brandon Wilson (Hamstring)

About Post Author

Mike Drakulich

From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team. There's nowhere on earth that is more dedicated to its sports teams like Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh. The passion and pride of Pittsburgh's fan base is second to no one. From the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, to W.P.I.A.L. high school sports, "The City of Champions" has it all! As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football. For a refreshing view of sports, mixed with humor and uncensored opinions, check out Pittsburgh SportsNation today on Facebook, Twitter @PghSportsNation and videos with over 1,000,000 views on YouTube!

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Mike DrakulichYour source for Pittsburgh sports!

From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team.

There's nowhere on earth that is more dedicated to its sports teams like Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh. The passion and pride of Pittsburgh's fan base is second to no one. From the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, to W.P.I.A.L. high school sports, "The City of Champions" has it all!

As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football.

For a refreshing view of sports, mixed with humor and uncensored opinions, check out Pittsburgh SportsNation today on Facebook, Twitter @PghSportsNation and videos with over 1,000,000 views on YouTube!