Week 2 NFL Analysis - Steelers vs Bengals - Intangibles / PREDICTION

Turnovers Could Decide This Game...

Some people say that teams like to be the underdog.  Some say that when a team's back is against the wall they come out swinging.  Some say that when a team is desperate they play their best.  Some say that when everyone and their brother is betting against them...that team will win.  Well, the way SteelerNation is already talking...you would think all of the above is true for the Steelers.  Yes, the team that has only lost 1 game in Cincinnati in the last handful of years.  Yes, the team that has dropped their opener the last 3 years and recovered to win their 2nd game the last 3 years.  Nonetheless, however you feel about the Steelers heading into tonight's Monday Night Football game...its time to look at some of the intangibles that can affect the game, and my game time prediction.  This could be rough...

- Shut Up the Jungle - Paul Brown Stadium is a loud venue, especially on MNF and especially against the Steelers.  The Bengals vs. Steelers rivalry has been nothing less than stellar since the Steelers injured Carson Palmer in 2005.  Since that game, the Steelers and Bengals have been neck and neck in the AFC North.  The Steelers have always played well in Cincinnati, and doing so only takes that idiotic crowd that they call "the Jungle" out of the equation.  Winning on the road requires stellar play and early success to eliminate crowd noise...something the Steelers need to do early and often for success in Cincy.

- Make A Statement Early - The Steelers know how bad they played last week.  The Bengals know how bad the Steelers played last week.  The fans REALLY know how bad the Steelers played last week.  The Steelers want a chance at this upset then they need to come out with "guns a blazin'".  Immediately when most Steelers fans read this they immediately think of the offense scoring points.  I don't disagree, but I am also referring to the defense setting the tone if they are given the chance first.  Go out, smack someone in the face, and let everyone watching and in attendance know that this is going to be a dog fight (not the Mike Vick variety). 

- Outsmart Marv - Marvin Lewis is a good coach.  A great coordinator, but a good head coach.  He makes mistakes often, and its up to the Steelers to make Marvin Lewis pay for those mistakes when they happen, because lets face it, its almost a certainty that they WILL happen.  Mike Tomlin has improved as a in game coach, but his team actually has to put a product on the field that is worth coaching.

- Proof is in the Pudding - If you are like me, you watch Steelers interviews, read what they are saying, and listen to Mike Tomlin's press conferences.  Every last one of them is as positive as the next.  Saying things like "We are chomping at the bit to get out there and play..."  "We are very confident in our team right now."  "There isn't any panic within that room."  "It was only one bad game" etc etc etc.  Well, its time to put your money where your mouth is.  If the Steelers want everyone to believe that this team isn't just a mediocre team and can contend...tonight's the perfect stage to do so.  The proof is in the pudding boys!

- Don't Re-Invent the Wheel - Too many times when teams start "pressing" they will try and "re-invent the wheel".  What do I mean by that?  Well, the Steelers don't need out out smart themselves.  Stick to plays that are successful, mix it up from time to time, but there is no need to get overly cute on any one play.  3rd and 1...trust your big men to get the rush needed to get the 1st...no need to run a WR bubble screen (again).  If the Steelers keep it simple, but mix up their run and pass plays...good things will happen.

PREDICTION - I think this is going to be one of those low scoring "Ugly" games.  I actually like the Steelers in this game because I don't think this team is as bad as their Week 1 showing.  I think the speed and skill at the WR position will help tremendously for the Steelers, and I think Jarvis Jones does his thing and wreaks havoc on Andy Dalton.  Now for the score:

Pittsburgh Steelers - 17
Cincinnati Bengals - 13