The 2022 NFL regular season is officially underway. This week takes the Pittsburgh Steelers to southern Ohio to take on an AFC North rival in the Cincinnati Bengals. Needless to say, a road game against the 2021 AFC champions is an important litmus test for the Steelers as they turn to their new era without Ben Roethlisberger at the helm. Not to mention, the Bengals swept the Steelers last season and outscored them by a score of 65-20 and set the tone as to what the future holds in the division.
But with the Pittsburgh bringing a refreshed offensive attack and a reloaded defense into Paycor Stadium this go-around, head coach Mike Tomlin and company are eager for a 1-0 start.
The Steelers' Larry Ogunjobi (#99), T.J. Watt (#90), and Devin Bush (#55) get ready for a tough matchup against the Bengals in Pittsburgh, PA. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Let’s take a look at some things we can look forward to when the Steelers take on the Bengals.
MATCHUPS AT A GLANCE
Offense: After watching the three preseason games come and go, the constant weak spot in the Steelers’ offense was the offensive line. After several ‘plug-and-play’ scenarios throughout the preseason, the starting offensive line has settled at Dan Moore Jr., Kevin Dotson, Mason Cole, James Daniels, and Chukwuma Okorafor. If the offense wants to move the ball in a methodical manner, it will start at establishing a strong presence in the trenches, opening holes for Najee Harris, and giving Mitch Trubisky time to go through his progressions and make smart throws.
While the Bengals don’t feature a relatively stout defensive line, Moore Jr. is going to have his hands full with Sam Hubbard on the outside, while Dotson, Cole, and Daniels are going to need to keep DJ Reader and BJ Hill at bay.
The other matchup we should be watching is Chase Claypool in the slot versus ex-Steelers defensive back, Mike Hilton. This will be Claypool’s first real action lining up inside and he’ll need to play a big role in picking up crucial yards and moving the chains down the field. Lining up against Hilton, the 6’4” Claypool has a clear advantage over the 5’9” nickel back. With Claypool averaging over 4 catches and 72 receiving yards versus Cincinnati in his career, there is a good chance he eclipses the century mark and will determine the success of the offense.
Not to mention, with the offensive line still getting their bearings straight, Trubisky will be looking for those short, quick passes which is where Claypool will be living; it is just a matter of Claypool keeping his feet steady and legs under him.
Steelers' Chase Claypool (#11) makes a catch in 2021 against the Cincinnati Bengals. | Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Defense: it is no secret that Cincinnati has one of the most impressive offenses in the NFL. Led by quarterback, Joe Burrow, their offensive attack features the likes of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Hayden Hurst, and Joe Mixon. To control all of those weapons, the Steelers need to apply constant pressure on Burrow. Remember that same formula from last year’s opening game against the Buffalo Bills? That is the same formula they will need to tap into in order to win this week.
To demonstrate that formula, let's look at Burrow's numbers last year. During the Super Bowl run in 2021, Burrow’s production waivered. When he was pressured in the regular season, Burrow posted a modest 64.3% completion rate. But in the playoffs, it dropped to 47.6%. In the Super Bowl against the eventual champion Los Angeles Rams, the Bengals gave up 7 sacks with 11 hits on Burrow. As a result, we watched the Bengals lose the game. Therefore, the success of the defensive matchup starts up front with Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, and ex-Bengal, Larry Ogunjobi.
Steelers' Cam Heyward (#97) and Devin Bush (#55) line up against the Cincinnati Bengals in Pittsburgh in 2021. | Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Similar to the Steelers, the Cincinnati offensive line is completely different than last season and has four linemen making their debuts in protecting Burrow. While La’el Collins is going to be squaring off against Alex Highsmith on the right side, Jonah Williams is going to have his hands full with Watt on the left, and Heyward is going up against rookie guard, Cordell Volson.
The pieces are in place for the Pittsburgh front seven to impose their will on a mundane offensive front; it is just a matter of sustaining that for all 60 minutes.
PREDICTION
Week 1 games are very hard to predict. According to the majority of sportsbooks, the spread sits at 6.5 points in favor of the home team. Ironically enough, the first game last season featured Pittsburgh on the road versus a good Bills team; and as 6.5-point underdogs. We all know the result of that game. It is for that reason I am thinking an early upset for the visitors to get the season started.
As we saw last year, it’ll take big plays on all three phases, but I think it can be done. Prediction, Steelers 23, Bengals 21.
Steelers' Najee Harris (#22) makes a strong run against Cincinnati in 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. | Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
FINAL THOUGHTS
With Vegas setting a 44.5-point total for this week’s game, don’t expect a high scoring game. Especially with the game plan focusing heavily on keeping the home offense off the field, don’t anticipate Trubisky being the deciding factor in the contest. In the month of September, Trubisky only averages roughly 161 yards per game through the air with a single touchdown in his career. On the other side of the ball, in proving as to why a strong defensive-front strategy is paramount, Burrow averages over 258 passing yards per game with 2 touchdowns in games in September.
Expect another slow, developing game on Sunday afternoon as both teams shake off the preseason cobwebs.
What are you watching for on Sunday? What do you think the final outcome will be? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
