4 Things Steelers Must Do to Beat Bengals

Jan 4, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) passes to tight end Drew Sample (89) as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) pressures during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

4 Things Steelers Must Do to Beat Bengals

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jobe Morrison | Last updated Sep 26, 2026 4:00 PM ET

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The Pittsburgh Steelers enter their first AFC North matchup of the 2026 season looking to put a disappointing Week 2 performance behind them. After scoring just three points against the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh faces another difficult test against a Cincinnati Bengals team that has started the season 2-0.

If the Steelers want to leave Cincinnati with a win, they will need to execute in several key areas. From slowing down Joe Burrow to finally getting consistent play from the offensive line, these four areas could determine whether Pittsburgh improves to 2-1 or falls below .500.

Pressure Joe Burrow

If there’s one formula keeping the Steelers alive early, it is the pressure applied by this defense. Burrow, though, isn’t going to get rattled after a few pressures. The Steelers need to pressure him all day and all afternoon. They might as well apply pressure when he drinks his morning coffee.

There have been games where Burrow has faced plenty of pressure against the Steelers and still managed to remain effective. However, if this team wants to give itself the best chance to win defensively, it has to come through here.

Play Like a Competent Offensive Line

September 20, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) defends quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) from New England Patriots linebacker Elijah Ponder (91) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

It’s been the theme of the week, and it’s not going away until this unit proves it can play like a competent offensive line. Week 1 was OK. Week 2 was as bad as it could get. What will Week 3 bring? Are there going to be changes?

At this stage, no one’s job appears completely safe along the offensive line except Zach Frazier. Cincinnati’s defense is on the rise and would love nothing more than to beat up on a struggling offensive line in Pittsburgh. This unit can’t let that happen.

Get the Tight Ends Involved

Sep 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) celebrates after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The opportunities should be there for Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. The Bengals defense has allowed big performances from tight ends over the first two weeks. Freiermuth also has a knack for making big plays against Cincinnati.

Washington has some highlight reels of his own against the Bengals. Ask Geno Stone how any defensive back feels about trying to tackle Mount Washington.

Win Man-to-Man Coverage Situations

Sep 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (22) is introduced before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

On both sides of the ball, this is a must. The Steelers’ cornerbacks are going to have a long day battling in their matchups. Their wide receivers will also go against a young Cincinnati cornerback group. There will be one-on-one opportunities.

The Steelers need to make sure they win those matchups more often than not. Otherwise, they could turn an already long day into an even longer one.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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