The Steelers sit at 5-2 with possession of first place in the AFC after a 29-14 win over the Cincinnati Bengals this past Sunday at Heinz Field. After some points were thrown up in the first half, things got more defensive later in the game, especially for the Steelers, as the defense shut the door and shut out the Bengals in the second half. After the win, the Steelers are on the way to Detroit for a tough road test against the Lions. Before that, let's take a look at five things from the win.
1. Lev Bell runs wild
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| Photo creds to Newser |
It seems like this is a point every week, but for how much hate Le'Veon Bell received for sitting out training camp, that is how much love is back on his side. Say what you want about Bell, but his last few weeks have been stellar, and that didn't change Sunday afternoon. 35 carries for 134 yards, with three receptions for 58 yards and one of the best stiff arms in the NFL all season, just ask Dre Kirkpatrick. Bell will continue to be the workhorse the remainder of the season barring anything major. 38 touches per game, however, bring some worry of a wear and tear injury that could occur down the road.
2. Defense stands strong in the second half
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| Photo creds to Washington Post |
This was an encouraging sign. After the Steelers allowed 14 points in the first half, the defense buckled down sacked Andy Dalton four times and forced two Dalton interceptions. The Steelers produced a good pass rush and also held Cincy to 71 yards on the ground. The defense made a correct adjustment at halftime, and it showed in the second half.
3. Tomlin outcoached Lewis, again
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| Photo creds to York Dispatch |
Whether Steelers fans agree or not, Mike Tomlin outcoached Marvin Lewis yet again. A lot of times, Tomlin receives flack when the team does poorly, doesn't get the praise when the Steelers play well. This time, he deserves just as much credit. His offense looked solid, although having struggles in the red zone. His defense made great adjustments at halftime and held the Bengals scoreless in the second half, and his special teams unit probably had its best game capped by a perfectly-timed fake punt call when Robert Golden connected on a 44-yard pass to Darrius Heyward-Bey to put the nail in the coffin.
4. Ben rebounded at home
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| Photo creds to USA Today |
Before Sunday, the last time Big Ben played a game at Heinz Field, he was intercepted five times by the Jacksonville Jaguars. This time out, he didn't commit a turnover, nor was he sacked. Ben didn't have a flashy game, but he was efficient and played well enough to lead the Steelers to a win. Ben was 14-24 for 224 yards and two touchdown passes to Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Schuster is proving to become more involved in the offense by the week, but that led to the lone negative on the Steelers afternoon.
5. Martavis Bryant saga continues
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| Photo creds to Sports Illistrauted |
For the second straight week, Bryant has overshadowed the Steelers' victory. This time, he attacked Schuster on social media as he yet again made it apparent that he wants out of Pittsburgh. Bryant had a carry on Sunday for two yards and hauled in one catch for three yards. As Bryant's production goes down, his attitude gets more sour, and it becomes more visible every week that Bryant is more concerned about his personal stats than what the team accomplishes as a whole.
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