Steelers Likely To Have A Big Weakness Exposed Against The Bengals In Week 13

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking for a nice bounce-back performance against their division rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, on Sunday. The Steelers are coming off a tough 24-19 road loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12, which highlighted some of the team’s vulnerabilities. Pittsburgh’s secondary has been strong for most of the 2024 season but has shown cracks in key moments. One bright spot has been the addition of Donte Jackson, whose four interceptions and seven passes defensed have made him a critical part of the defense.

Despite Jackson’s strong production, there are concerns about how he will fare against Cincinnati’s dynamic passing attack led by quarterback Joe Burrow. Analyst Robert Mays of The Athletic believes the Bengals will target Jackson on the outside, particularly with wide receiver Tee Higgins.

Higgins’ size and physicality could create significant challenges for Jackson, potentially exposing a mismatch that Cincinnati will look to exploit. The Steelers will need to game-plan carefully to limit Higgins' impact and prevent big plays.

"The Tee Higgins presence here I think is very important because Donte Jackson has not played at that level," Mays said. "He has been someone this year that you have been able to pick on this year outside a little bit."

Mays believes that Jackson has been targeted on the outside, giving up chunk plays in key situations. Critics have even suggested that some of Jackson’s interceptions were more a result of luck than skill. 

Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase fueled that narrative on Friday when he spoke to the media, stating that many of the Steelers’ interceptions have fallen right into their hands. While there may be some truth to that, the reality is that fortuitous breaks often play a role in interceptions league-wide.

Steelers In For A Tough Test Against The Bengals On Sunday

Regardless of whether the Bengals decide to focus on Jackson, the Steelers’ secondary faces a daunting challenge. Cincinnati’s offense, led by Burrow and Chase, remains potent despite the team’s disappointing record this season. Burrow’s accuracy and Chase’s ability to dominate matchups make them a dangerous duo that can exploit even the smallest mistakes in coverage.

The Steelers will rely heavily on Joey Porter Jr. to help contain Chase, especially when the star receiver lines up on the outside. Porter has shown many flashes of brilliance this season, but slowing down a talent like Chase is no small feat. Whether it’s Jackson or Porter in coverage, the Steelers’ secondary must rise to the occasion to keep Cincinnati’s playmakers in check and give Pittsburgh a chance to bounce back.

It won’t be easy, but this Steelers defense has earned its reputation as one of the league’s best. Fans are both excited and anxious to see how the unit, particularly the secondary, responds to the challenge and handles the pressure. This matchup promises to be a true test for a defense that prides itself on rising to the occasion. 

The Bengals are expected to craft their offensive game plan around Chase, utilizing his versatility by moving him between the slot and the outside. It will be fascinating to see how the Steelers’ defense adjusts its scheme to counter Cincinnati’s dynamic attack and find ways to slow down their high-powered offense. 

Chase and Higgins will also face the challenge of going up against skilled cornerbacks, making this a must-watch battle of talent on both sides. This matchup promises to be an exciting showdown in what should be a thrilling divisional clash.

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