The Steelers’ traditional Neanderthal offensive approach resurfaced in their deadly dull 18-16 home win over Baltimore two weeks ago. That side of the ball then sputtered for three quarters in the subsequent 24-19 loss at Cleveland, admittedly handicapped by bad weather and even worse coaching than usual.
Now the Steelers visit Cincinnati.
The Bengals can score: Their mark of 27 points per game ranks sixth in the league. Joe Burrow is a top-five quarterback. Their offense can explode for big plays.
The Steelers should nonetheless try to outscore Cincinnati. The Bengals’ defense ranks fifth-bottom, allowing 26.9 points per game. (The Bengals have a plus-1 point differential after 11 games, which is nuts.)
The Steelers’ defense is statistically sound. But it’s not making big stops. The stars are faltering, most notably T.J. Watt. (Watt is probably still walking uncomfortably after the humiliation Myles Garrett handed him in Cleveland. Garrett cut a strong promo afterward, too. #WOOOOO)
The Steelers should treat this game like it’s got an Elam Ending: First team to 30 points wins. (It might take more than that.)
But they won’t.
The Steelers and coach Mike Tomlin were emboldened by that win against Baltimore, which didn’t even require a touchdown. (Baltimore coach John Harbaugh inexplicably feeds into Tomlin’s method whenever Baltimore plays the Steelers. Lamar Jackson gagging sure doesn’t help the Ravens.)
So the Steelers will try to win this game three points at a time. Which seems a one-way ticket to Palookaville unless Burrow stumbles mightily. (Then again, the Bengals are 4-7.)
The Steelers haven’t scored a touchdown on their opening drive yet this season. That will continue.
The Steelers will try to execute lengthy possessions to keep Burrow off the field. That will see the Steelers kick field goals after long drives and Burrow score touchdowns after short drives.
It all feels like a Bengals win and the next step in a Steelers’ nosedive.
Not scoring a touchdown on the opening drive after 11 games is quite an indictment. It speaks to unpreparedness, a conservative approach and just not being very good.
What’s the solution?
Maybe throw to Mike Williams. He’s caught one ball in three games since the Steelers got him. So why did they get him? (I’m told he’s not open.)
Ben Roethlisberger says he’d like to see Justin Fields at wide receiver. That’s insane. Fields has never practiced at wide receiver. Roethlisberger liked to draw plays up in the dirt, true, but he’s not in the huddle anymore. Williams is a trained, professional wideout. Throw to him.
The Steelers could use better offensive line play. Broderick Jones is struggling, especially in pass protection. The two rookies have a lot of fight but their performance lacks. (Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson could be a problem. He leads the NFL with 11½ sacks. That’s four more than Watt.)
The play-calling is meh. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is Matt Canada but with more tight ends.
My solution is Russell Wilson.
Wilson is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He’s headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He’s 36, but he’s not dead.
Open up the offense. Let Wilson try to outscore Burrow at Cincinnati.
You’re not just finding out which quarterback is better. You’re finding out which defense is better. The latter matchup heavily favors the Steelers.
It would be good if wideout George Pickens would concentrate on making plays instead of fighting opponents and acting foolishly. Pickens has had just two 100-yard games this season. He’s seventh in receiving yards, which isn’t bad. But it feels like he’s capable of more.
Then again, that’s in the hands of the offensive game plan. Which will mostly be concentrating on keeping Burrow off the field Sunday.