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CINCINNATI
PITTSBURGH |
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48.5
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Final
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| 305 | CINCINNATI | 48 | 48 | | 306 | PITTSBURGH | -3 | -3.5 |
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| All Games | 10-4 | +6.6 | 8-6 | 6-9 | 23.2 | 11.3 | 348.7 | (5.6) | 1.5 | 21.1 | 6.8 | 360.0 | (5.5) | 1.5 | | Road Games | 5-2 | +4.7 | 4-3 | 1-6 | 19.0 | 9.6 | 321.0 | (5.3) | 1.1 | 17.4 | 6.6 | 339.9 | (5.2) | 1.3 | | Last 3 Games | 2-1 | +1.1 | 2-1 | 2-1 | 29.3 | 18.0 | 369.3 | (5.9) | 1.7 | 23.3 | 5.7 | 345.0 | (6.2) | 2.0 | | Grass Games | 3-0 | +3.5 | 2-1 | 0-3 | 22.0 | 12.0 | 335.7 | (5) | 1.7 | 8.7 | 4.3 | 206.0 | (4) | 1.3 | | Division Games | 3-2 | -0.3 | 3-2 | 2-3 | 20.8 | 11.8 | 330.0 | (5.3) | 1.8 | 21.2 | 6.6 | 346.4 | (5.4) | 1.4 |
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| Offense (All Games) | 23.2 | 11.3 | 19.6 | 30:14 | 31-135 | (4.4) | 20-31 | 63.5% | 213 | (6.9) | 62-349 | (5.6) | (15) | | Opponents Defensive Avg. | 23.1 | 11.5 | 20.9 | 31:31 | 27-113 | (4.2) | 23-36 | 62.5% | 246 | (6.8) | 63-359 | (5.7) | (15.5) | | Offense Road Games | 19.0 | 9.6 | 18.6 | 29:58 | 30-124 | (4.2) | 19-31 | 63.1% | 197 | (6.4) | 60-321 | (5.3) | (16.9) | | Defense (All Games) | 21.1 | 6.8 | 21.3 | 30:46 | 28-122 | (4.3) | 23-38 | 59.9% | 238 | (6.3) | 66-360 | (5.5) | (17) | | Opponents Offensive Avg. | 23.3 | 11 | 20.7 | 30:43 | 27-109 | (4.1) | 22-36 | 62.1% | 249 | (7) | 63-358 | (5.7) | (15.4) | | Defense Road Games | 17.4 | 6.6 | 20.6 | 30:02 | 27-107 | (4) | 23-39 | 60.3% | 233 | (6) | 66-340 | (5.2) | (19.5) |
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| Stats For (All Games) | 1.0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 13-5 | 39.6% | 1-0 | 50.0% | 3-75 | (28.2) | 3-29 | (11.1) | 6-51 | | Opponents Avg. Stats Against | 0.9 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 2 | 14-5 | 40.3% | 1-0 | 46.8% | 2-49 | (23.9) | 18-2 | (8.5) | 6-53 | | Stats For (Road Games) | 0.7 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 13-5 | 40.2% | 1-0 | 40.0% | 3-69 | (25.4) | 3-28 | (10.4) | 5-44 | | Stats Against (All Games) | 1.2 | 0.3 | 1.5 | | 14-5 | 37.3% | 1-1 | 55.6% | 3-71 | (25.5) | 2-9 | (5.1) | 7-58 | | Opponents Avg. Stats For | 1 | 0.6 | 1.6 | | 13-5 | 39.5% | 1-0 | 46.2% | 2-54 | (23.6) | 16-2 | (8.1) | 7-55 | | Stats Against (Road Games) | 0.7 | 0.6 | 1.3 | | 13-5 | 36.2% | 1-1 | 55.6% | 2-43 | (21.6) | 2-8 | (4.5) | 8-59 |
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| All Games | 10-5 | +3.1 | 8-7 | 9-6 | 27.3 | 14.1 | 414.5 | (6.4) | 1.2 | 23.4 | 11.4 | 354.5 | (6.3) | 1.2 | | Home Games | 5-2 | +1.2 | 4-3 | 6-1 | 32.9 | 20.1 | 434.7 | (6.5) | 1.1 | 25.9 | 10.9 | 376.0 | (6.3) | 1.3 | | Last 3 Games | 3-0 | +3.3 | 3-0 | 1-2 | 29.7 | 13.3 | 407.7 | (6.9) | 0.0 | 17.7 | 9.0 | 380.7 | (6.6) | 1.3 | | Grass Games | 8-3 | +3.5 | 6-5 | 8-3 | 29.2 | 16.0 | 419.5 | (6.3) | 1.0 | 24.0 | 11.2 | 354.9 | (6.4) | 1.4 | | Division Games | 3-2 | +1.3 | 2-3 | 3-2 | 26.2 | 13.0 | 413.8 | (6.4) | 1.2 | 25.6 | 11.6 | 364.0 | (6.1) | 1.0 |
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| Offense (All Games) | 27.3 | 14.1 | 24.1 | 32:54 | 27-115 | (4.3) | 26-38 | 67.5% | 300 | (7.8) | 65-415 | (6.4) | (15.2) | | Opponents Defensive Avg. | 23 | 11.3 | 20.8 | 31:42 | 28-117 | (4.2) | 22-36 | 62.3% | 242 | (6.8) | 64-359 | (5.6) | (15.6) | | Offense Home Games | 32.9 | 20.1 | 25.7 | 33:16 | 27-90 | (3.4) | 28-40 | 69.2% | 345 | (8.6) | 66-435 | (6.5) | (13.2) | | Defense (All Games) | 23.4 | 11.4 | 19.7 | 27:06 | 23-99 | (4.4) | 22-34 | 64.0% | 256 | (7.6) | 56-354 | (6.3) | (15.1) | | Opponents Offensive Avg. | 21.6 | 10.1 | 19.9 | 30:36 | 27-114 | (4.2) | 21-34 | 61.1% | 231 | (6.7) | 62-344 | (5.6) | (16) | | Defense Home Games | 25.9 | 10.9 | 22.0 | 26:44 | 21-98 | (4.6) | 24-38 | 62.5% | 278 | (7.2) | 60-376 | (6.3) | (14.5) |
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| Stats For (All Games) | 0.5 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 0.0 | 13-6 | 45.7% | 1-0 | 55.6% | 2-47 | (20.8) | 2-16 | (7.9) | 7-55 | | Opponents Avg. Stats Against | 0.8 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 1.8 | 14-6 | 40.7% | 1-0 | 44.6% | 2-51 | (24.1) | 17-2 | (8.1) | 6-54 | | Stats For (Home Games) | 0.4 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 13-6 | 44.0% | 1-1 | 80.0% | 2-43 | (18.7) | 1-14 | (9.8) | 8-65 | | Stats Against (All Games) | 0.6 | 0.6 | 1.2 | | 12-4 | 37.1% | 1-1 | 72.7% | 3-76 | (23.2) | 2-16 | (9) | 6-53 | | Opponents Avg. Stats For | 0.9 | 0.6 | 1.6 | | 13-5 | 38.5% | 1-0 | 46.1% | 2-61 | (24.5) | 17-2 | (8.4) | 6-53 | | Stats Against (Home Games) | 0.7 | 0.6 | 1.3 | | 12-4 | 37.3% | 1-1 | 71.4% | 4-99 | (24.8) | 1-12 | (8.7) | 7-56 |
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| | Average power rating of opponents played: CINCINNATI 19, PITTSBURGH 17.4 |
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| 11/2/2014 | JACKSONVILLE | 33-23 | W | -10 | T | 44 | O | 34-191 | 19-31-232 | 2 | 25-132 | 22-33-233 | 1 | | 11/6/2014 | CLEVELAND | 3-24 | L | -6 | L | 46.5 | U | 22-86 | 13-39-79 | 4 | 52-170 | 15-23-198 | 1 | | 11/16/2014 | @ NEW ORLEANS | 27-10 | W | 8.5 | W | 51 | U | 36-186 | 16-22-219 | 0 | 26-75 | 33-41-255 | 1 | | 11/23/2014 | @ HOUSTON | 22-13 | W | 3 | W | 44.5 | U | 43-139 | 24-35-233 | 1 | 19-64 | 21-45-184 | 1 | | 11/30/2014 | @ TAMPA BAY | 14-13 | W | -6 | L | 43.5 | U | 28-112 | 20-28-176 | 3 | 25-75 | 15-29-188 | 1 | | 12/7/2014 | PITTSBURGH | 21-42 | L | -3 | L | 47.5 | O | 21-86 | 25-35-322 | 2 | 31-193 | 25-39-350 | 0 | | 12/14/2014 | @ CLEVELAND | 30-0 | W | 2.5 | W | 43.5 | U | 45-244 | 14-24-103 | 1 | 17-53 | 10-18-54 | 2 | | 12/22/2014 | DENVER | 37-28 | W | 3.5 | W | 47 | O | 37-207 | 17-26-146 | 2 | 19-85 | 28-44-300 | 4 | | 12/28/2014 | @ PITTSBURGH | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| 11/2/2014 | BALTIMORE | 43-23 | W | -2 | W | 47.5 | O | 25-55 | 25-37-321 | 1 | 18-63 | 30-45-269 | 2 | | 11/9/2014 | @ NY JETS | 13-20 | L | -4 | L | 47 | U | 17-36 | 30-43-326 | 4 | 36-150 | 10-18-125 | 0 | | 11/17/2014 | @ TENNESSEE | 27-24 | W | -7 | L | 46 | O | 36-206 | 21-32-180 | 1 | 15-49 | 15-24-263 | 1 | | 11/30/2014 | NEW ORLEANS | 32-35 | L | -3.5 | L | 55 | O | 23-103 | 32-58-435 | 2 | 26-143 | 19-27-250 | 0 | | 12/7/2014 | @ CINCINNATI | 42-21 | W | 3 | W | 47.5 | O | 31-193 | 25-39-350 | 0 | 21-86 | 25-35-322 | 2 | | 12/14/2014 | @ ATLANTA | 27-20 | W | -3 | W | 55.5 | U | 22-45 | 27-35-353 | 0 | 20-97 | 26-37-310 | 1 | | 12/21/2014 | KANSAS CITY | 20-12 | W | -2.5 | W | 49.5 | U | 26-68 | 18-25-214 | 0 | 14-39 | 32-46-288 | 1 | | 12/28/2014 | CINCINNATI | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| |  | CINCINNATI: New offensive coordinator Hue Jackson has always leaned heavily on the power running game, and that figures to be the game plan this year. Jackson utilizes a lot of gap blocking, which should allow feature back Giovani Bernard to use his creativity as a runner. Rookie Jeremy Hill will likely push BenJarvus Green-Ellis down the depth chart. Jackson has historically kept the ground game going down near the goal line, and it appears as if Hill will be his top goal-line option. It wouldn't be a surprise if Bernard and Green-Ellis got some action down there too. Jackson also uses a lot of creative, gadget plays to attack the perimeter, and Bernard should be able to take advantage.
Jackson has pledged support for the often-overwhelmed Andy Dalton, but this passing game is going to be scaled back. The potentially improved running game should open things up for downfield throws, and Dalton's willingness to throw deep into traffic is essentially his only strength. A.J. Green will continue to do most of his work downfield on the perimeter, with Marvin Jones playing an expanded and similar role on the other side of the field. They'll go two tight ends often, with Tyler Eifert seen as a bigger catch-and-run threat than Jermaine Gresham, and Bernard being used frequently in the screen game. Green and Jones will be the primary red-zone targets when they throw, as both have the athleticism to win the jump ball.
The Bengals lost defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to Minnesota, but new DC Paul Guenther, promoted from linebackers coach, won't change much from an attacking unit that placed among the top-five defenses in points, yards and turnovers in 2013. FS Danieal Manning and rookie CB Darqueze Dennard are nice additions. | | PITTSBURGH: The Steelers tried to implement a zone-blocking scheme last season under offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr., but they never completely implemented it after center Maurkice Pouncey's season-ending knee injury in Week 1. Ex-Titans head coach Mike Munchak was brought in to finish the job. Le'Veon Bell will be a three-down workhorse in the one-cut system, one that will likely utilize a lot of inside zone plays. LeGarrette Blount will fit the system as a one-cut power runner, though he won't be an option to relieve Bell on passing downs. Rookie Dri Archer will get some grabs on passing downs.
Through his first two seasons with the Steelers, offensive coordinator Todd Haley has emphasized the importance of getting the ball out of Ben Roethlisberger's hands quickly in order to limit the hits he absorbs. They utilize relatively shorter timing routes to set up catch-and-run situations. Antonio Brown is used as a moving chess piece and will continue to be heavily featured. Markus Wheaton gives them a field stretching presence, while tight end Heath Miller and veteran slot man Lance Moore'they use three receivers often'will be traditional possession receivers. Haley continues to go to the air inside the 10 often, though Pittsburgh lost its top two red-zone threats (Jerricho Cotchery and Emmanuel Sanders). Look for Miller to see an expanded red-zone role, with Darrius Heyward-Bey possibly working his way into the mix.
The Steelers defense took a step back in 2013, placing tied for 27th in turnovers and tied for 25th in sacks. They helped themselves in the draft with OLB Ryan Shazier and DE Stephon Tuitt, and also signed FS Mike Mitchell, but Dick LeBeau's unit is still lacking playmakers and run-stoppers to return to their Steel Curtain glory days. |
| | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PA SPORTSTICKER PRO FOOTBALL PREVIEW (CINCINNATI-PITTSBURGH) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*Bengals-Steelers Preview* ==========================
By JORDAN GARRETSON STATS Writer
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals have been two of the NFL's hottest teams since enduring bumpy stretches.
One will head into the playoffs on a winning note - with a home game awaiting them - after Sunday night's matchup in Pittsburgh, which serves as a de facto AFC North title game.
These teams are tied for the league's second-most wins since Week 8 with both going 7-2 in that span. Pittsburgh (10-5) started 3-3, blowing a fourth-quarter lead against Tampa Bay and suffering losses at Cleveland and Baltimore by a combined 41 points.
The Steelers, however, clinched their first playoff appearance since 2011 with last Sunday's 20-12 win over Kansas City. They're now a victory shy of their first four-game winning streak in a season since 2012.
"We knew we had the talent, and that it was just a case of us being consistent and putting it together," said Le'Veon Bell, who is tied for the league lead with eight touchdowns from scrimmage since Week 11. "It might not have looked like we were making progress, but we knew that if we kept doing what we were supposed to be doing, we'd be all right."
Cincinnati (10-4-1) followed a 3-0 start with an 0-2-1 stretch that included 26- and 27-point losses to New England and Indianapolis.
The Bengals have since found their footing, clinching a fourth straight playoff berth with Monday's 37-28 win over Denver on Monday night. They also bucked the trend of poor prime-time performances after entering with a 2-6 record in night games since 2011, including two blowout losses earlier this year.
Cincinnati can set a franchise record with a fifth straight road win.
"We answered a lot of questions, especially on this Monday night thing," defensive tackle Domata Peko told the team's official website. "Everybody was talking about it. We kept it in-house and just got it done. We're just getting started."
The Bengals would clinch a home playoff game with a win or a tie and are still in play for the AFC's No. 2 seed, though they would need the Broncos to lose to Oakland. Pittsburgh will be playing on wild-card weekend regardless of the result but can avoid traveling with a victory.
The Steelers already have two more wins than they had in each of the past two seasons and are seven points shy of the single-season club record of 416 from 1979. They weren't necessarily celebrating the end of their brief postseason drought, however.
"We're going to treat that like a playoff game like we've had the last three weeks," said Ben Roethlisberger, who is one TD shy of becoming the 18th quarterback to throw for 250. "We still have work to do."
Pittsburgh has only trailed for five minutes since going ahead of Cincinnati with a 25-point, fourth-quarter outburst in a 42-21 road win Dec. 7. Bell recorded 235 yards from scrimmage and three TDs, while the Bengals were limited to 86 yards on 21 carries. The Steelers are limiting opponents to 99.3 rushing yards per game, sixth-best in the NFL.
Cincinnati has bounced back with its first back-to-back, 200-plus yard rushing performances since 2003. Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard combined for 227 yards on 40 carries in a 30-0 win at Cleveland on Dec. 14, then Hill ran 22 times for 147 yards against the Broncos' second-ranked run defense. He joined Eric Dickerson and Curtis Martin as the only rookies to run for 140-plus four times and ranks second among running backs this season with 5.2 yards per carry.
The ground game has the Bengals confident that they can make a deeper playoff run after being one-and-done each of the last three seasons. They rank fifth in the NFL with 135.4 rushing yards per game after finishing no better than 18th in the last three years.
"We just have a new attitude," left tackle Andrew Whitworth said. "The running game has really sparked kind of a feistiness, a will to make something happen for us. At times, we haven't had that, for whatever reason."
The ground game may need to be particularly good if the passing attack is off a bit after Andy Dalton missed practice time this week due to the flu. The illness also has caused tight end Jermaine Gresham to miss practice along with defensive backs Terence Newman and Reggie Nelson.
The Bengals expect Dalton to be fully recovered by game day.
"It's always a big deal when you don't have your quarterback at practice," offensive coordinator Hue Jackson said. "Again, it's also not good if the guy's sick and can't practice."
Pittsburgh's passing attack, second in the league at 300.5 yards per game, had its way in the first meeting as Roethlisberger was 25 of 39 for 350 yards and three TDs. The Bengals have since held two opponents to a combined 50.6 passer rating and picked off Peyton Manning four times.
Cincinnati's A.J. Green, who caught 11 passes for a career-high 224 yards against the Steelers, is expected to play after suffering a bruised right biceps Monday. Green, who was held without a catch for the second time in his career, has averaged 98.7 receiving yards in three games at Pittsburgh.
Antonio Brown is two catches shy of eclipsing Herman Moore and Wes Welker's shared mark (123) for the second-highest single-season total in league history.
A Bengals win would mark the third consecutive season series split.
Game Notes: |
| | Last Updated: 4/25/2024 11:40:46 AM EST. |
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