Joe Burrow targets a vulnerable secondary while Cincinnati’s relentless pass rush aims to stifle Aaron Rodgers in a high-stakes divisional clash for a perfect 3-0 start.
The Cincinnati Bengals are set to travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers in their first AFC North contest of the season. They’ll be looking to start 3-0 for the first time since 2015.
Here are the biggest storylines to watch for on Sunday:
Bengals’ pass rush vs. Aaron Rodgers
Pittsburgh has scored only 23 points through two games and is averaging just 175 passing yards per game, and a big part of that is because of the subpar play from the offensive line.
Cincinnati has recorded four sacks in each of its first two games, so getting pressure without constantly sending extra rushers could be important.
Rodgers has historically been at his best when he can get the ball out quickly, so how Cincinnati disrupts the timing of the Steelers' passing game is worth watching.
Can the Bengals establish the run?
Pittsburgh has allowed 128 rushing yards per game and has missed a lot of tackles in run defense. The Steelers have also allowed seven explosive runs of 10-plus yards, but Cincinnati has only 191 rushing yards through two games.
This could be an opportunity for the Bengals to make the Steelers pay for those weaknesses, especially because it’s been a slow start for Chase Brown and the run game.
Bengals’ offensive line vs. Steelers’ defensive front
Joe Burrow was sacked five times against Houston, despite Cincinnati winning 20-6.
Pittsburgh's defense has generated takeaways in both games and will be looking to create negative plays against an offensive line that has shown improvement, but also some vulnerability.
Keeping Burrow clean could be especially important on third down and in obvious passing situations, which Pittsburgh has been very good at to start the season.
Who steps in as wide receiver No. 3?
With Andrei Iosivas hitting injured reserve due to a thumb injury, the rest of the room will be getting an increased role over the next four weeks. Both Dohnte Meyers and Colbie Young will have the opportunity to earn more playing time, and Sunday against the Steelers is the first stop.
Also, look for some of the tight ends to step up and become more involved in the passing game in Iosivas’ absence.
Joe Burrow vs. a beat-up Steelers’ secondary
Pittsburgh has allowed the third-fewest passing yards per game through two weeks, but it’s facing some key injuries heading into Sunday. Joey Porter Jr. missed the first two games with a back issue but was a limited participant Wednesday, so his status and role could be significant.
Jamel Dean, who has been playing the CB1 role, also missed Wednesday with an ankle injury.
If those two don’t play or are still not 100%, it could open up the passing game for Burrow and the offense.
