Cincinnati Bengals seek odds-defying win vs Pittsburgh Steelers to claim playoff berth – NFL Preview
The Cincinnati Bengals are desperate for an odds-defying victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday (Dec. 23) to claim a berth into the playoffs and leave the window open for the American Football Conference (AFC) North division
title.
First task in front of them is to beat the hosts the Steelers. This will confirm them a place in the second round, and clear the Steelers out of the way.
They will then need go on to beat the Baltimore Ravens next week to claim the AFC North title. For this they however will have to wait and see how the Ravens perform against the New York Giants.
The main problem for the Bengals is that they have lost nine straight games against both AFC North rivals – the Steelers and Ravens. So beating them, particularly the Steelers at their home field, is a daunting task facing the Bengals.
A particular problem that the Steelers are facing and it can to an extent come to the advantage of the Bengals is the number of injures that the hosts are confronted with.
Also, apparently atmosphere in Pittsburgh is not that conducive as far as relationship of players, particularly of the offensive line with offensive coordinator Todd Haley is concerned. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has in open words
criticised Haley’s play-calling and some other rules from his book. Although all sides have attempted well to downplay the remarks, it appears the offensive line is not comfortable with what Haley has been propagating since his arrival in Pittsburgh.
Nevertheless, the Bengals should not be lenient enough to ignore the fact that the Steelers are capable of beating them anywhere and at any field. The record is in their favour and the Bengals will have to prove to be a better side at
all positions on the day to walk over the hosts.
The performance of QB Andy Dalton and others on the offensive line will be crucial for the Bengals to avail a chance of getting past the rivals. The offence leader has consistently been in good form since end of first quarter of the season,
and it will be seen how he manages to hold the nerves against a better defence.
It is to note here that the Bengals will still have a chance to claim a berth into the playoffs even if they lost to the Steelers, but the scenario will be quite different then. The will have to see the Steelers lose their last game of
the season, and they will need to go on and beat the Ravens.
An advantage the Bengals have at present is that they are a game ahead of the Steelers and this makes the playoff chance easier for them than the hosts.
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