Week 2 NFL Analysis - Steelers Defense vs Bengals Offense

Controlling AJ Green will be HUGE for the Steelers

There is alot to be said in regards to the Steelers offense facing a suddenly threatening Bengals defense; however, the age old saying in football always rings true "If they can't score, they can't win."...that alone makes this matchup extraordinary.  How do the Steelers deal with AJ Green, Ben Jarvis Green Ellis, Andy Dalton, Tyler Eiffert, and company?  Well, lets break this down by the biggest story lines as the Steelers D tries to lay the smack down on the Bengals offense.


 - STOP THE RUN - As horrid as the offense was against the Titans, what might have been more disheartening was the drive where the Titans literally ran the ball right down the throat of the Steelers and they could do nothing about it.  NOTHING.  I think it is a safe bet that the Bengals will try to duplicate that game plan on Monday Night.  If the Steelers are unable to stop the run better than they did against the Titans (allowing 112 rushing yards) then they will be in for a long night.  Andy Dalton thrives on the play action pass, and if the running game is clicking...that won't end well for the Steelers.

- Control AJ Green - I used the word "Control" for a reason.  Last year in the Steelers and Bengals first matchup, Ike Taylor owned Green.  Without looking, I believe he held Green to 1 catch for 5 yds and a TD.  Yep, he caught a 5 yard TD catch.  Ike will have to have another stellar game against Green to sure up a banged up secondary.  Cortez Allen has yet to fully participate in practice as he nurses an ankle injury, and the extra day will certainly help him recover, but the Steelers secondary DESPERATELY needs him as close to 100% as possible so that Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark don't have to play "Center Field" as much and can assume their normal roles in the defense.

- Let Jarvis Loose - Jarvis Jones is about to get his first start in the NFL as the Steelers will let the rookie step on the field for the first defensive snap on Monday Night.  Jarvis Jones is a game changer.  Plain and simple.  Whether it was his jarring hit on Chris Johnson, his special teams plays, or the way the football has a knack for finding him...Jones is a game changer.  The Steelers would be smart to let the rookie loose.  Don't restrict him, and most importantly, let him get after the passer...after all, its what he does best.  Dropping into coverage is still a bit foreign for Jones, as they say in the golf world..."Let the Big Dog Eat!"

- Bring the Nasty back to the SteelCurtain - The Steelers defense last year that statistically ranked #1 overall lacked something.  It lacked that "nasty" factor.  Alot of that blame can be placed on the NFL and its very questionable rule changes that hinder the defenders from striking fear into WRs going over the middle.  No longer can Ryan Clark go into a play looking to light a player up.  No, instead he has to make sure he is hitting the receiver in the correct spot.  It takes away alot of intimidation the Steelers have used for years.  However, the Steelers can still make plays, can still be nasty, and can still be intimidating within the framework of the NFL rules.  Just look at Jones' hit on Chris Johnson last week.  Great hit, highlight reel play, 100% clean.  Time for the Steelers to get that "nasty" back against the Bengals in a big AFC North division matchup.

- Create Offense On Your Own - The Steelers offense struggled mightily against the Titans.  Call it a wake up call, call it the truth, call it a slap in the face...doesn't matter what you call it.  The defense needs to take it upon themselves to create offense.  It isn't simply just causing turnovers anymore, it might have to be that the defense creates offense for the team.  If the turnovers happen in the opposing team's territory, or you are lucky enough to get a fumble recovery or an INT and return it for 6 easy points...the defense is going to have to generate offense against the Bengals.  Andy Dalton has already thrown 2 picks, and has been known to make the occasional mistake.  The Steelers need to be on their A Game if they plan on leaving the crappy state of Ohio with a victory.

Be sure to check the site tomorrow for a breakdown of the "Intangibles" of this game as well as my prediction for the game!  Follow me on Twitter - @BnGBlitz