The Pittsburgh Steelers face a rematch against an AFC North rival that sparked their current skid.
The Bengals visit Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Sunday, one month after edging the Steelers 33-31 in Cincinnati. That began a string of three losses in the last four games for the Steelers (5-4), who are clinging to a one-game lead in the division standings.
The Steelers couldn't stop the Bengals on Oct. 16 as they gave up a season-worst 472 total yards. Joe Flacco, the Bengals' 40-year-old backup quarterback, passed for 342 yards and three touchdowns. JaMarr Chase had 16 receptions for 161 yards and one TD, and fellow wide receiver Tee Higgins also scored a touchdown while catching six passes for 96 yards.
Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt feels the Steelers need to play more disciplined against Flacco and the Bengals this time. Flacco will again start as Joe Burrow remains out with a toe injury.
"A whole lot needs to be better," said Watt. "Stopping the run first and foremost, explosive plays, getting off the field, getting pressure. Even if the ball's coming up quick, we've got to get our hands up. Just do what we can to disrupt (Flacco). I think it's just knowing the situation, not trying to rush the quarterback in situations where it could be rushing the ball. Know the personnel that's out there, things of that nature."
The Bengals (3-6) were not one-dimensional against the Steelers. Chase Brown rushed for 108 yards on 11 attempts.
So, what do the Steelers do to keep the Bengals from hurting them both from the air and on the ground?
"Just play run first," Watt said. "That's the defensive model of your whole life. Play run first and then go to the pass. So, just doing a better job in general."
The Bengals neutralized Watt in the first meeting. The four-time All-Pro managed only one tackle and a half sack.
The Steelers are 30th in the NFL in total defense --- the Bengals are 32nd – after signing Watt to a three-year, $123-million contract extension that runs through 2028. Watt has six sacks in nine games
"I definitely could play better," Watt said. "I don't think anybody's happy with how they play in this locker room."