Steelers-Bungals: 3 Keys to Victory

Photo creds to Cincinnati Enquirer 

Hello, all. It's rivalry week. Of course, it would be much more fun if the Cincinnati Bungles were having a quality season, but you get what you get. Here are three things the Pittsburgh Steelers can do to defeat Burfict's Buffoons in their backyard on Sunday.

Key #1: Ring the Bell

Photo creds to foxsports.com

I know. It's a redundant theme. But the Steelers passing attack isn't quite what it was from 2013-15, and never was this more evident than last week in Buffalo. Le'Veon Bell, on the other hand, has never been better. Bell is on a historically dominant terror at the moment, and he is the one who makes the machine go. If Bell can seek revenge on the team that has ended his season two years in a row, then the Steelers offense will be in good shape. If not, the chances of success are a lot slimmer.
Odds of Execution: Solid 

Key #2: Force a turnover or three

Sean Davis (#28) and Artie Burns (#25) are two young studs that could make a huge difference on Sunday (Photo creds to steelcurtainrising.com)

One of the big reasons for the Steelers recent surge is their defense, and one of the reasons that the defense has been doing well is because they force turnovers. Over the past four games, the Steelers have forced a total of seven takeaways, several being in key situations. Artie Burns and Sean Davis, in particular, have turned into INT threats, and yes, Willie Gay still has that potential to take one to the house as he did last year in Cincy. Forced turnovers helped beat the Bungles in Paul Brown Stadium last season, and I think the same thing will happen this time around.
Odds of Execution: Fantastic 

Key #3: Don't fall into the trap
I've said it before, and I'll continue to say it until the narrative is destroyed; Steelers + Inferior Opponent= Trouble. On the surface, this looks like the perfect trap game. The Steelers are on the road, playing a team that is worse than they are, and to add to it, it is a rivalry game. If the Steelers block out the noise and play how they've been playing over the past month, Cincy will not be a problem. If not, then I will be frustrated.

Final Prediction
Normally, this would be a trap that I'd predict the Steelers to fall in to. But something feels different about this football team. They are focused. They are hungry. They are clicking on all cylinders (proving to be more than an offensive juggernaut) and they are too hot to doubt. Sorry, PacMan. No, I am not. You're a punk, as are you, Vontaze.

Steelers 24, Bungles 14