Bengals leaning on defense in playoffs vs dangerous Steelers

Kansas City’s lone win in the troubled start was a 27-20 decision on this very field in a game that saw Houston starter Brian Hoyer get pulled for backup Ryan Mallett. Physicality will not be a problem for Vontaze Burfict, whose aggressive style of play has been a spark plug between these heated rivals. He was evaluated for a concussion and sore back after Sunday’s game. Most of the ones that came, left early without celebrating the hometown team. RB Marshawn Lynch is due back for this important playoff game and that makes the visitor all the more beastly. The people who saw it are 25 years older today.

Why they’ll win: The Bengals’ defense can match up with the Steelers. The Bengals were outgained by Baltimore, as well. This adds up to a much tougher challenge for the Steelers than you may think, and ultimately, a monkey-off-the-back moment for Marvin Lewis and the Bengals.

The Bengals, who set a franchise record for fewest points (279) allowed this season, have held opponents to an average of 15.7 points and 82.2 rushing yards in the 10 games since Burfict’s return. Now, Cincinnati’s first obstacle to achieving their first Super Bowl win is of course, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The rivalry between the Bengals and Steelers is fueling ticket sales, and one local ticket vendor is not above playing dirty – by turning away fans from Pittsburgh.

PITTSBURGH (AP) – The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning to a pair of relative unknowns for a wild-card game in Cincinnati Saturday night. And the Steelers may have crept into “overrated” territory with how much they have scored in recent weeks; you can throw on their secondary and nobody on the Steelers could possibly handle A.J. Green.

“Bengals tickets”, Alex asks in the video, obviously excited. Now it’s time to get really stingy. “We can’t go in (Paul Brown Stadium) with any kind of agenda, or trying to make a statement, and not play our game”. “You definitely can’t take it for granted”. With the breakdown of the Browns and Ravens, the Bengals and Steelers were the only playoff caliber teams in the division, and opening up with a familiar foe does not do any favors for the Bengals. “When its playoff time, it becomes more paramount”.

While the Vikings defense has improved since their pummeling by Seattle last month, it remains to be seen whether Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has the range of passing required to trouble last season’s Super Bowl runners-up if the running threat of Peterson is neutralized once more.

The Steelers practiced again on Thursday and running back DeAngelo Williams remained on the sideline. The injury to Andy Dalton, as well as injuries to Adam Jones and Tyler Eifert, brought adversity and hardship to a team that up to that point was having incredibly good fortune in the health aspect of the game. “We weren’t as thrilled with some of his decisions his first opportunity (in relief of Dalton against Pittsburgh)”. Neither figured to be part of the Steelers’ plans.

Teammates marvel at Burfict’s instinctive play and knowledge of offenses. “I feel like he has that knack”. We’re not going to create a personal foul to hurt the team. Yes, the Packers made it to the playoffs, but the team was on a downward slide after a 6-0 start, only to go 4-6 the rest of the way. “It’s important to move on, and win”. “If we let that stuff get in the way, that’s when the mental errors occur and you lose focus on your assignments”. It’s not personal to me. Cincinnati has been extremely stingy to opposing quarterbacks over the second half of the season.

“We continue to stay together, no matter what people say”, wide receiver Antonio Brown said.

It’s easy to think that Burfict has some personal vendetta against the Steelers, but a closer look at his track record shows that he’s like this 24-7, 365. “When Miss Terry’s at practice, he ain’t cussing, so that’s the best thing”.