Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals

In twelve games with Andy Dalton (excluding his brief appearance against the Steelers), the Bengals averaged 27.8 points a game and scored more than 24 points in nine of those games.

Tying their franchise record for regular season wins, securing an AFC North title for the second time in three seasons, and ranking seventh in scoring and second in points allowed, the Cincinnati Bengals (12-4) and head coach Marvin Lewis enjoyed one of their best years but all that could be for nothing unless they can drop the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) for the second time this season in Saturday’s AFC wild-card matchup at Paul Brown Stadium. He played in six games with New Orleans and two with St. Louis in the 2015 regular season.

Andy Dalton has made progress with his fractured right thumb, but he isn’t 100 percent yet.

Bill Cowher: “Given his health…A.J”. The Bengals have to keep in mind that if they abandon this strategy they risk giving the Steelers extra possessions because if AJ McCarron passes the ball two to three times per every four downs.

During the game, Andy Dalton broke his thumb and was replaced by AJ McCarron. But will a quarterback with just three full games on his résumé have what it takes to earn the Bengals’ first playoff win in over three decades? The Steelers’ biggest problem overall is on defense, where they give up too many yards in the passing game (though, the defense had 17 interceptions, which helps).

The difference is that the Steelers have 14 players on their roster who have experienced a postseason win. They’re the only team in league history to lose an opening-round game four years in a row. Don’t underestimate Cincinnati in this one. Their high number of giveaways is also a concern, especially since postseason games are generally pretty close and often come down to a handful of plays. If the Bengals go one-and-done again, the criticism and jokes won’t be fair. Do you feel as if Cincinnati is a Super Bowl caliber team?

BC: “I do think so”. The only loss was to Denver in overtime on the road. For the second straight season, Pittsburgh will likely play a divisional rival in the playoffs without their starting running back. “Obviously he’s done a really good job of not turning the ball over. There’s going to be different stuff that goes on”.

“It was a great team effort and it wasn’t just one sided where the defense had to carry the offense, or vice versa”, said Ward. “No question it beats the alternative, but he has been in big settings, big games. I have to take it and go win”. Who the Bengals need to watch is tight end Heath Miller.

Even so, the offense has worked through key injuries at skill positions to finish fourth in points (26.4), third in total offense (395.4) and first in passing plays of at least 25 yards (43).

“When it comes down to playoff football you have to execute and that is what we did”.

Danny Cox knows a little something about the National Football League, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL.