Cincy Jungle - Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Everything to know for Week 11 at Acrisure StadiumWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2022-11-26T19:39:45-05:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/232144512022-11-26T19:39:45-05:002022-11-26T19:39:45-05:00George Pickens, Myles Jack not fined for hits against Bengals
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<figcaption>Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Excuse me?</p> <p id="nf8fFy">The <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> have taken many hits this year, so the NFL decided to not hit the pockets of two of their players, even though they probably should have.</p>
<p id="IdS6r6">Wide receiver George Pickens and linebacker Myles Jack were not fined by the league for their hits against the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> during last week’s game. Jack speared Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow on the ground with his head, while Pickens did the same to Tyler Boyd on one of the last plays of the game. </p>
<p id="twFMyq">Mind you, Pickens was penalized and ejected for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Boyd.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Steelers LB Myles Jack was not fined for his hit on a sliding Joe Burrow.<br><br>Steelers WR George Pickens was not fined for his hit on Tyler Boyd that got him ejected.</p>— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayMorrisonATH/status/1596622171438485504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2022</a>
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<p id="CywPob">There’s not much to say in the defense of the league, who reviews these incidents regardless of the real-time ramifications. Jack’s hit was made a non-issue when it happened, so the review process would be when the league can step in and say, “Yeah we messed up, we’ve docked his check to prove it.” Instead, nothing.</p>
<p id="y5H14Z">As for Pickens... I mean, what? </p>
<p id="wAlXN5">We would never claim the NFL has favorite franchises. We would never even come close to insinuating that. The shield simply knew the Steelers’ offseason is set to begin soon, and didn’t want to force either player to cut down on vacation spending. </p>
<p id="Gj2Ylp">Very thoughtful for the holidays!</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/11/26/23479660/steelers-george-pickens-myles-jack-bengals-news-nfl-finesJohn Sheeran2022-11-26T11:58:49-05:002022-11-26T11:58:49-05:00Bengals Weekly Awards in 37-30 win over Steelers
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<figcaption>Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>Cast your vote and sound off on your winners for the Bengals’ weekly awards in their big win against the Steelers!</p> <p id="yRxsA9">What a game and statement by the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a>. They notched their first divisional win of the season on Sunday and improved to 6-4. </p>
<p id="OzGzzT">In the win, there were a number of great performances and moments. Cast your vote and sound off on your winners on the Bengals’ Week 11 awards!</p>
<h2 id="zzoRdV"><strong>Most Valuable Player</strong></h2>
<p id="flw3qc"><em><strong>Joe Burrow:</strong></em></p>
<p id="q2bczc">The Bengals’ signal-caller played extremely well on Sunday afternoon, putting him in consideration for the FedEx Air Player of the Week award. He had 355 passing yards, four touchdowns, along with a 104.1 quarterback rating. Burrow hit seven different receivers, even with Joe Mixon and Ja’Marr Chase out of the lineup. </p>
<p id="QiXNQ3"><em><strong>Samaje Perine:</strong></em></p>
<p id="sXNx4P">After his first touchdown reception, we thought, “Hey, good Unsung Hero material this week!”. But, two more and Perine cemented himself as one of the best players in the entire NFL this week. Along with the three touchdown catches, Perine had 82 yards from scrimmage (30 rushing, 52 receiving) on 15 total touches. </p>
<p id="5dI1PB"><em><strong>Tee Higgins:</strong></em></p>
<p id="NGTK4L">Without Chase, Cincinnati has had to drastically alter its offensive approach—particularly with Mixon also out of the lineup. Higgins once again dominated the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>, putting up 148 yards (second-most in his career) on nine catches. </p>
<p id="fVzVh4"><em><strong>Evan McPherson:</strong></em></p>
<p id="83ckiF">What a great bounce-back game after a couple with struggles before the bye. McPherson accounted for 13 total points (three field goals, four extra points), including a huge 54-yard boot in the second half. </p>
<p id="wbVO2E"><em><strong>Trey Hendrickson:</strong></em></p>
<p id="Nr2u8A">The veteran edge defender had a somewhat-quiet first half, but turned it up another notch in the final two quarters to help stifle the Steelers’ offense. He had two sacks, five tackles, a pass defended and four total hits on Kenny Pickett. </p>
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<h2 id="sQqEmT"><strong>Unsung Hero of the Week</strong></h2>
<p id="98M6Hz"><em><strong>Trayveon Williams:</strong></em></p>
<p id="iZOOvA">With Chris Evans out of the lineup and Brandon Wilson still rehabbing from a knee injury, Williams got the call against the Steelers. He had 124 yards on kickoff returns, including a 42-yarder, as well as a clutch eight-yard run late in the contest. Both of those plays led to drives collecting 10 total points and at critical points in the game. </p>
<p id="cLV7Uu"><em><strong>Trenton Irwin:</strong></em></p>
<p id="zItbLl">Like Williams, Irwin was pressed into more action than originally designed this week. But, he answered the call, nabbing three catches for 42 yards and his first NFL touchdown. </p>
<p id="w7s0ds"><em><strong>Drue Chrisman:</strong></em></p>
<p id="Ed5QKz">The former <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a> Buckeye finally got the call this week with Kevin Huber struggling. He boomed three punts for 150 total yards, including two that ended inside of Pittsburgh’s 20-yard line. </p>
<p id="Y21l3X"><em><strong>Germaine Pratt:</strong></em></p>
<p id="MGTuoX">Pratt was solid this week and great against the run. He was second on the team in tackles with eight, including two for loss. He had a 91.2 score against the run, per Pro Football Focus. </p>
<p id="hHpywL"><em><strong>Cam Taylor-Britt:</strong></em></p>
<p id="heuT2S">The young corner still had some ups and downs, but was definitely a physical presence. He’s growing nicely into his new starting role, notching a team-high 12 tackles on Sunday. </p>
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<h2 id="Cbi3KJ"><strong>Play of the Week</strong></h2>
<p id="uyVA3n"><em><strong>Samaje Perine 29-yard touchdown reception:</strong></em></p>
<p id="CU7z2f">The first in Perine’s hat trick was a thing of beauty. Cincinnati’s blockers set up the screen pass beautifully, while Perine navigated his way into the end zone. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cross screen for the Samaje Perine tudder<br><br>Ted Karras <br>Stanley Morgan clamping Minkah<br>Volson and Irwin convoy <a href="https://t.co/5cZI2tgB6y">pic.twitter.com/5cZI2tgB6y</a></p>— Mike (@bengals_sans) <a href="https://twitter.com/bengals_sans/status/1594780245349044244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a>
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<p id="Z68OFr"><em><strong>Trenton Irwin’s one-yard touchdown pass:</strong></em></p>
<p id="ah1nZp">It may not have been his biggest yardage gain of the game, but Irwin’s touchdown on a Burrow rollout was huge in the team’s eventual win. He finished with three total catches for 42 yards and this score. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trenton Irwin: 3 receptions 42 yards and 1 TD<br><br>Stats doesn’t do him justice, he made two huge catches that were pivotal for the game <a href="https://t.co/5vjdBLq3Ia">pic.twitter.com/5vjdBLq3Ia</a></p>— Cincy Stripes (@StripesCincy) <a href="https://twitter.com/StripesCincy/status/1594689562021855232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a>
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<p id="ZoHFNn"><em><strong>Evan McPherson’s 54-yard field goal:</strong></em></p>
<p id="NiCJCn">In his outstanding day against the Steelers, McPherson hit a deep field goal as the third quarter expired. Quite the kick, given the weather, venue, as well as the level of the moment and game itself. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Money Mac from 54 <a href="https://t.co/gkWmARPSOU">pic.twitter.com/gkWmARPSOU</a></p>— Orange&Black Insider (@BengalsOBI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BengalsOBI/status/1595524588506447873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2022</a>
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<p id="R2nm1w"><em><strong>Samaje Perine’s 6-yard touchdown reception:</strong></em></p>
<p id="q1zU7d">The final of Perine’s touchdown was the eventual nail in the coffin, giving the Bengals an 11-point lead late in the fourth quarter. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Samaje Perine with the hat trick!!! Matches his career receiving TD total in this game alone. Definitely the Player of the Game. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhoDey?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhoDey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RuleTheJungle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RuleTheJungle</a> <a href="https://t.co/8JgUItTUuN">pic.twitter.com/8JgUItTUuN</a></p>— Cincinnati Sports with Strawberry Ice (@JeffATrennepohl) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffATrennepohl/status/1594723296775671809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/awards/2022/11/26/23475713/bengals-weekly-awards-in-37-30-win-over-steelersAnthony Cosenza2022-11-24T11:41:00-05:002022-11-24T11:41:00-05:00Weekly Lineman: Moments from Jonah Williams’ “lights out” outing vs. Steelers
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<figcaption>Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Cincinnati’s left tackle helped the offense put up 37 points in Pittsburgh.</p> <p id="rrz45p">In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> should be thankful that Jonah Williams—of all players—represents the most erratic component of their offensive line. It wasn’t too long ago he was the exact opposite.</p>
<p id="7gbbAS">Before actual investment was made into the Bengals’ offensive line, Williams established himself as the lone building block for a group that was maligned to no end. His technical abilities and spatial awareness, at the ages of 22 and 23 mind you, allowed him to be a productive left tackle while facing daunting gauntlets of the best edge rushers the NFL has to offer. </p>
<p id="ZRVQOo">Starting 40+ games at Alabama forged Williams into a capable edge protector, but not a perfect one. In 2021, Williams’ first full regular season without injury, he allowed the second-most sacks out of every starting left tackle. He jumped into first place when you include the postseason. He was charged with 10 in the 20 games he played in. </p>
<p id="b25ckZ">He’s up nine in 10 games this season. </p>
<p id="oCGXZb">We can either accept this at face value, or provide the appropriate nuance that’s buried just under the surface. </p>
<p id="qfFdl3">Williams’ pass blocking grade of 62.7 this year ranks 47th out of 58 qualifying tackles. Of the 12 tackles with a grade equal or worse, he has the most individual games with a grade of 70 or higher, including three north of 80. It’s a close race at the top, but the list features other notable names, such as Williams’ bookend partner La’el Collins.</p>
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<p id="TSbObi">There’s weight to the fact that a subpar overall grade is not due to a lack of success, but a lack of consistency. High variance is a dangerous quality for a blindside protector though, and the Bengals have had to live with it for over two months.</p>
<p id="KIMCdn">Since most people just care about the sacks, let’s look at where those came from. Four were allowed in the first three weeks, including two against Alex Highsmith and the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> in Week 1. Williams then started to hit his stride the following four weeks and surrendered just one sack against the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> in Week 6. This is even more interesting when you factor in that he <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/10/12/23400909/jonah-williams-injury-bengals-lt-dislocated-kneecap-ravens"><strong>dislocated his knee</strong></a> against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> in Week 5.</p>
<p id="RJeSm5">Things were looking fine until Myles Garrett and the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> popped up in Week 8. Williams was the culprit of three Joe Burrow takedowns in that game, and they represent the bulk of the four sacks he’s allowed in the last three weeks.</p>
<p id="cerOT7">The variance is simply out of this world, and while most of it can be attributed to the strength of his opposition, there are still clear examples to his ability against quality edge rushers.</p>
<p id="fJ6cVH">Week 1 kicked all of this into motion. The offensive line was still gelling as a unit, but the shortcomings from Williams in that game had little to do with the chemistry he had yet established with his teammates. Highsmith straight up got the better of him that day, which is what made this past Sunday so important for him. How would he respond against a familiar foe?</p>
<p id="zzDZb7">The answer was a resounding positive for the Bengals. After the game, Burrow called Williams and Collins “<a href="https://twitter.com/FOX19Joe/status/1594502575721791488?s=20&t=fT6b7nCG3tqTudRbTv8KsQ"><strong>lights out</strong></a>” for their protection against the Steelers’ formidable edge rushers/ Check out a few notable reps from Williams here: </p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/11/24/23470253/bengals-film-room-jonah-williams-steelers-nfl-week-11John Sheeran2022-11-24T07:00:00-05:002022-11-24T07:00:00-05:00Film Room: Tee Higgins goes off vs. Steelers
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<p>Higgins destroyed Pittsburgh’s defense.</p> <p id="9DtEAE">All the way back in Week 1, the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> turned the ball over five times against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, which promoted chatter regarding how the Steelers’ Cover 2 defense was the Bengals’ kryptonite. </p>
<p id="T3MB5C">10 weeks later, the Steelers didn’t think to bring it back out without having to face Ja’Marr Chase again. The result was the Bengals’ other No. 1 receiver, Tee Higgins, having himself an extraordinary day featuring nine receptions and 148 yards. </p>
<p id="WadaQZ">Not much went down in the first quarter for Higgins, but Joe Burrow hit him on three consecutive plays early in the second quarter, and the Steelers stayed in the same coverage for all three plays. </p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">11:30 2nd 3-4 -14 <a href="https://t.co/z02dGw9SLX">pic.twitter.com/z02dGw9SLX</a></p>— Matt (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1595158913359368192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a>
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<p id="DdnaiE">The Steelers brought a five-man pressure on this play and played man coverage with a free safety helping out in the deep middle. </p>
<p id="t89fK8">The Bengals were in a single-width formation, with all-three wide receivers and Samaje Perine lined up to the left side and only Hayden Hurst line up to the right. </p>
<p id="0ZwqlL">The Steelers elected not to flip their corner to the other side if the formation, so Levi Wallace was matched up with Hurst while safety Terrell Edmunds matched up with Higgins in the slot. This was a mistake. </p>
<p id="6FBhsk">On this 3rd and 4 play, Burrow found Higgins across the middle for a 24-yard pickup. </p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">10:50 2nd 1-10 -38 <a href="https://t.co/YpfK5pITSu">pic.twitter.com/YpfK5pITSu</a></p>— Matt (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1595159049838157825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a>
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<p id="VatuXf">On the very next play, the Bengals came out in another empty formation, with two receivers spread out to the right and three receivers spread out to the left. Higgins was the the second receiver on the left. </p>
<p id="ILYi71">Matched up against the Steelers’ nickel back, Higgins threatened vertically and got the defender to turn his hips. This opened up Higgins for a six-yard gain on the hitch route. </p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">10:03 2nd 2-4 -44 <a href="https://t.co/sRrFhMl8Qa">pic.twitter.com/sRrFhMl8Qa</a></p>— Matt (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1595159178779430913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a>
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<p id="AskibD">Higgins lined up outside on the top of the formation for his third consecutive reception. This time he ran an out route that Cameron Sutton could not get to fast enough and picked up 13 yards. </p>
<p id="thVl8D">The Bengals were able to take advantage of bad matchups to get the ball to Higgins for his first two receptions, but this time he got it done against the Steelers’ best cornerback.</p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">7:23 2nd 2-4 +23 <a href="https://t.co/a98bQ8nQgZ">pic.twitter.com/a98bQ8nQgZ</a></p>— Matt (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1595159358052380672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a>
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<p id="9xnXpB">The Steelers ran a more traditional Cover 1 on this play. They had man coverage with inside help both underneath and over the top. </p>
<p id="GwO8eg">The Bengals came out in a bunch formation with Higgins on the outside. Once again, Higgins threatened the defender vertically, but hitched up and picked up 12 more yards. </p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">1:35 2nd 2-10 -24 <a href="https://t.co/oWxF0J8QuK">pic.twitter.com/oWxF0J8QuK</a></p>— Matt (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1595159484598734848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a>
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<p id="Xoo1hJ">The Steelers tried to get tricky on this play. Although they lined up with two deep safeties, Minkah Fitzpatrick ends up playing robber, looking to jump the underneath routes. He’s too late to the party, though, and allows Higgins to make the catch for a 17-yard gain.</p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">1:05 2nd 2-10 -41 <a href="https://t.co/f9y04hYRHa">pic.twitter.com/f9y04hYRHa</a></p>— Matt (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1595159683752656897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a>
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<p id="Q53zk5">On this play the Steelers run Cover 3, a defense which is notorious for giving up the flats. Higgins runs another out and makes a leaping catch to haul it in for 12 yards. </p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">13:27 3rd 1-10 -30 <a href="https://t.co/UiUZl1utYB">pic.twitter.com/UiUZl1utYB</a></p>— Matt (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1595159927416270850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a>
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<p id="U9uuIg">With the Steelers in Cover 3 yet again. Burrow hit Higgins in a tight window to add 16 yards on this play. </p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">8:15 3rd 2-2 +39 <a href="https://t.co/XYmLW6LCSg">pic.twitter.com/XYmLW6LCSg</a></p>— Matt (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1595160190135197697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a>
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<p id="7E0lnF">The Bengals lined up in the bunch again on this play, and Pittsburgh countered with Cover 1. Higgins had a great release. He stemmed to the outside, but once Wallace turned his hips, Higgins came back inside, releasing vertically right off his back. After stacking Wallace, Higgins continued to gain separation and was able to haul in the pass for 33 yards.</p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">4:19 3rd 2-10 -42 <a href="https://t.co/PMDCBJeMP2">pic.twitter.com/PMDCBJeMP2</a></p>— Matt (@CoachMinich) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachMinich/status/1595160297308041216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a>
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<p id="ZDrxJ1">This was another great route by Higgins. He lined up inside, once again, drawing the coverage of nickel back Arthur Maulet. A subtle jab step to the outside was enough to get Maulet to lean and turn and allow Higgins to get inside leverage and pick up 15 more yards with a catch. </p>
<p id="X1g804">The Bengals did a tremendous job of taking advantage of what the defense was giving them, specifically by moving Higgins in the formation and creating matchups. This will be even more fun to watch when Chase is added back to the equation, </p>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/11/24/23474053/bengals-film-room-tee-higgins-goes-off-vs-steelersMatthew Minich2022-11-23T16:04:03-05:002022-11-23T16:04:03-05:00Rookie Report: Various plights of Cordell Volson and Cam Taylor-Britt
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<p>Volson got a taste of some savvy defensive line play on Sunday.</p> <p id="tIsCa5">All bets are off when the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> and <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> agree to play football. That’s how you end up with a struggling rookie quarterback showing signs of competency, two reserve skill players combining for four touchdowns, and 67 combined points scored on a poorly-kept field in freezing temperatures.</p>
<p id="Pt2FDO">It’s games like these where first-year players are just learning on the fly, realizing that some things can’t be prepared for. </p>
<p id="c6EXh2">Per usual, the Bengals had two rookies starting with another as a featured rotational piece. Their first-round pick Dax Hill watched from the sidelines as he works through a shoulder injury, but his rookie teammate in the secondary got plenty of run.</p>
<h3 id="FVeZlh">Cam Taylor-Britt</h3>
<p id="5Yb1fG">It’s the rookie roller coaster, and Taylor-Britt’s got a seat way in the back to feel every twist and turn. </p>
<p id="o31dyE">The Bengals’ second-round pick was the most active he’s been in his third start of the year. He ended the game with nine solo tackles and was targeted six times, allowing five receptions for 36 yards. For most of the afternoon, he kept with his assignments and prevented explosive plays. The mistakes he made, however, were hard to hide.</p>
<p id="roOCG9">Two plays come to mind—both ended up not mattering in terms of the score. Taylor-Britt failed to carry George Pickens’ vertical route in his quarters coverage, but an off-target deep ball from Kenny Pickett and a holding penalty from the Steelers negated the miscue entirely. Pickens nearly hauled in a touchdown later in the game as he beat Taylor-Britt down the sidelines, but the rookie receiver couldn’t secure the reception.</p>
<p id="R5OgSo">But Taylor-Britt couldn’t get away with everything, and the majority of his yardage allowed came on this play, when he was undisciplined in his deep zone again, this time in Cover 3. His recovery speed wasn’t enough to impact the catch-point as the Steelers moved the chains.</p>
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<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/vu5rmweXfz">pic.twitter.com/vu5rmweXfz</a></p>— not kevin durant (@nevkinturand) <a href="https://twitter.com/nevkinturand/status/1595285322954416128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2022</a>
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<p id="B1YhOi">When the Bengals were scouting Trae Waynes before inking him to a three-year, $42 million deal back in 2020, they saw a physical cornerback who could use 4.3 speed to run with boundary threats, but get occasionally burnt in zone and off coverage. </p>
<p id="FHrcdn">This is pretty much who Taylor-Britt is right now. His tackling is commendable, but the errors, whether inexperience is involved or not, are bound to hinder the pass defense eventually.</p>
<h3 id="plcxZJ">Cordell Volson</h3>
<p id="hjDmeL">Bengals center Ted Karras stated this week Volson wasn’t a rookie anymore at this point in the season. But even grizzled veterans of many seasons have no counters to effective defensive holding.</p>
<p id="t3I1ob">This was a common occurrence in Sunday’s game from All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward. It’s a uniquely gray area considering it’s a forgotten infraction and is very rarely penalized, mainly because it doesn’t look like much in real time as defensive linemen being held is more visibly apparent.</p>
<p id="bZhmh1">Heyward managed to weaponize it against Volson multiple times, which led to the ugly plays the rookie guard was associated with. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cam Heyward holding 3x and not getting called. One led to a pressure, one to a sack. This is an art form that some of the best veteran IDL have perfected on stunts, but still surprising to not see one of these called. <a href="https://t.co/iMGvWZNaef">pic.twitter.com/iMGvWZNaef</a></p>— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandonThornNFL/status/1594792026939195396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a>
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<p id="N2LcjK">Aside from these plays, Volson put together a clean outing and even got a highlight of his on Samaje Perine’s first touchdown. His downfield block helped seal Perine’s lane towards the end zone.</p>
<h3 id="OXbhiJ">Zach Carter</h3>
<p id="VW6ZAg">As expected, Carter’s usage took a dip in terms of snap percentage from recent weeks. Carter played in just 37% of the defense’s snaps as the third defensive tackle with DJ Reader back in the fold, but Reader didn’t quite look 100% in his first game back. </p>
<p id="vgoV6V">Carter’s value hasn’t dropped just because Reader is available. He’s still out there next to Reader when the Bengals go with their five-man fronts. When—or if—Josh Tupou gets back on the field, then we can have a conversation about where Carter falls in the rotation. </p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/11/23/23472457/nfl-week-11-bengals-steelers-rookie-report-cordell-volson-cam-taylor-brittJohn Sheeran2022-11-23T09:00:00-05:002022-11-23T09:00:00-05:00Joe Burrow 2.0: How the QB has thrived, even without Ja’Marr Chase
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<figcaption>Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>The third-year QB is quietly dominating without his favorite receiver. </p> <p id="vRDPNJ">The legend of Joe Burrow continues to grow. At this point, the man is putting up 37 points at Pittsburgh by throwing touchdowns to Samaje Perine and Trenton Irwin. </p>
<p id="syFF6R">How good has he been this season? </p>
<p id="TsuUHe">Well, clearly the best passer in his division according to Pro Football Focus. </p>
<div id="2oqQrN">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">AFC North passing grades thru 11 weeks: <br><br>1. Joe Burrow - 82.7<br>2. Jacoby Brissett - 75.3<br>3. Mitchell Trubisky - 71.5<br>4. Lamar Jackson - 68.3<br>5. Kenny Pickett - 58.7</p>— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) <a href="https://twitter.com/Andrew_Russell7/status/1594761848666345472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a>
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<p id="5qmggd">And he’s near the top of the league for almost every traditional statistical category. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Top Qbs through 11 weeks… <a href="https://t.co/vHh4feIIU7">pic.twitter.com/vHh4feIIU7</a></p>— ZIM (@zimwhodey) <a href="https://twitter.com/zimwhodey/status/1595195518178705413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a>
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<p id="zJpaQB">The best part? He’s still flying high even without Ja’Marr Chase. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">How is Joe Burrow doing without Ja'Marr Chase? <br><br>He's the 2nd highest-graded passer in the NFL since week 8.</p>— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) <a href="https://twitter.com/Andrew_Russell7/status/1594695789334364167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a>
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<p id="yky52Z">He’s been able to lead the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> to their two highest point totals of the entire year (42 points against the Carolina Panthers and 37 points against the Pittsburgh Steelers) over the last two weeks by throwing to guys like Irwin, Trent Taylor, and Perine and putting them in position to pick up yards after the catch. </p>
<p id="TM85Ir">Burrow only seems to be getting better at utilizing all of his weapons. He was PFF’s highest graded QB in the entire NFL last week. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joe Burrow: QB1 in Week 11 <a href="https://t.co/ZUlxZRyxfM">pic.twitter.com/ZUlxZRyxfM</a></p>— PFF (@PFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1595107344144166912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a>
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<p id="H9vFLW">And that was against an impressive Steelers defense.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Think about this. This was the first time that the Steelers had their entire defense together all healthy. What Joe did to them was insane. Watch how dominant that defense looks the next couple of weeks. They won’t tell you the truth because of pride but remember this tweet.</p>— ZIM (@zimwhodey) <a href="https://twitter.com/zimwhodey/status/1595265456931217409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2022</a>
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<p id="jTiYWC">Burrow had great trust in guys like Irwin, throwing to him in tight spaces and when pressured.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trenton Irwin: 3 receptions 42 yards and 1 TD<br><br>Stats doesn’t do him justice, he made two huge catches that were pivotal for the game <a href="https://t.co/5vjdBLq3Ia">pic.twitter.com/5vjdBLq3Ia</a></p>— Cincy Stripes (@StripesCincy) <a href="https://twitter.com/StripesCincy/status/1594689562021855232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a>
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<p id="F9cGS1">But he’s also been throwing some absolute dimes to Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd to compensate for the separation that Chase usually provides. </p>
<div id="GN8Ai2">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">the corner maintains his outside leverage so Tee Higgins (top) wins inside and does a great job of reestablishing his path on the route <a href="https://t.co/w2Hr8uJqHn">pic.twitter.com/w2Hr8uJqHn</a></p>— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nate_Tice/status/1594923254010941440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a>
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<p id="vWwW9C">What Burrow is doing now is timing his passes and placing the ball perfectly to allow receivers to pick up key first downs and set up shorter touchdowns like the second two scores by Perine. </p>
<div id="GkFTmZ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">this Slant throw was exquisite <a href="https://t.co/LlMZ2MN5bH">https://t.co/LlMZ2MN5bH</a></p>— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nate_Tice/status/1595125583406505984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a>
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<p id="cFkT4z">We discussed Burrow’s new approach and why it’s working with John Sheeran and o-line coach Parker Blake: </p>
<div id="Ug3ghR"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yp__aPVYZII?rel=0&start=1498" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="z2xAuH">You can also <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bleav-in-the-1-bengals-podcast/id1530835181">listen on iTunes</a> or using the player below: </p>
<div id="SrGsLs"><iframe src="https://player.bleav.com/?episode=76e4ddcc-0bed-49ef-b2ff-1c5cc341d4d3" style="width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/11/23/23474541/joe-burrow-2-0-bengals-qb-jamarr-chaseDadio Makdook2022-11-23T07:00:00-05:002022-11-23T07:00:00-05:00Joe Burrow shreds when his offensive line wins
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<figcaption>Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>Surprise, surprise. </p> <p id="nzjHQl">Since the start of the 2021 season, the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> have won 19 of 31 games, including three playoff games. Their quarterback is the biggest reason why.</p>
<p id="J0Tz6B">Joe Burrow has elevated into the upper echelon of quarterbacks since his second season began last year. And when the protection in front of him holds up, there might not be a more productive passer playing.</p>
<p id="zL8C0L">Courtesy of ESPN producer Paul Hembo, Burrow ranks first in the NFL in <strong>completion percentage</strong>, <strong>yards per attempt</strong>, <strong>first downs per attempt</strong>, and <strong>passer rating</strong> when the Bengals’ offensive line collectively beats their opposition. </p>
<div id="MEInrU">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">No one is even close<br><br>Joe Burrow when his O-line wins<br>(last 2 seasons): <br><br>72% Comp pct (1st in NFL) <br>9.4 Yds/att (1st) <br>41% 1st downs/att (1st) <br>114.4 Pass rtg (1st) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulHembo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PaulHembo</a> </p>— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) <a href="https://twitter.com/danorlovsky7/status/1594798470791139328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2022</a>
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<p id="A4kVn0">What does it mean for the offensive line to win? It’s not always total domination, but it’s usually enough for a clean pocket to last until the pass is thrown. ESPN’s pass block win rate conveys “<a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34536376/2022-nfl-pass-rushing-run-stopping-blocking-leaderboard-win-rate-rankings-top-players-teams"><strong>the rate linemen can sustain their blocks for 2.5 seconds or longer</strong></a>.”</p>
<p id="Z2beKU">2.5 seconds is usually all Burrow needs to pick apart opposing defenses.</p>
<p id="exKfmJ">The numbers and eye test certainly match and provide the conclusion that Burrow is certifiably surgical in the pocket. In his most recent game against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, Burrow was kept clean for 30 of his 39 pass attempts and threw for 325 of his 355 yards on those drop backs, per Pro Football Focus. His average time to throw was exactly 2.5 seconds. </p>
<p id="WfcfZb">Cincinnati’s offensive line has gotten better and better as the 2022 season has progressed, with only minor setbacks here and there. We discuss the o-line’s play against the Steelers in the latest episode of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@DHSports/streams"><strong>#1 Bengals Podcast</strong></a>.</p>
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<div id="2X7OIz">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Joe Burrow has three of the top-20 highest graded games by a QB this season.<br><br>5) 91.8 - Week 7 vs Falcons<br>12) 90.8 - Week 11 @ Steelers<br>17) 89.9 - Week 9 vs Panthers<br><br>Only Josh Allen (4) has more in the top-20.<br><br>Burrow’s 93.1 PFF grade since Week 7 is the best in the NFL <a href="https://t.co/z9Jehcy6mm">pic.twitter.com/z9Jehcy6mm</a></p>— PFF CIN Bengals (@PFF_Bengals) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_Bengals/status/1595186599066755076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/11/23/23473646/bengals-joe-burrow-stats-o-line-winsJohn Sheeran2022-11-23T06:30:00-05:002022-11-23T06:30:00-05:00The good, the bad and the ugly in Bengals’ 37-30 win over the Steelers
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<figcaption>Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>The Cincinnati Bengals put together a quality road win on Sunday evening against the Steelers. We go over the best and worst elements from their victory. </p> <p id="UZwWml">Cincinnati got a much-needed win against one of their biggest foes on Sunday, giving them their first division win of the season. There were many positives to be taken from this one, but some areas remain troubling for long-term success. </p>
<p id="Tafc3M">Here are the best and worst facets from the Bengals’ Week 11 win over the Steelers. </p>
<h2 id="crUrST"><strong>The good</strong></h2>
<p id="2HWjjx"><em><strong>Samaje Perine steps up:</strong></em></p>
<p id="jrLFcm">Joe Mixon suffered yet another concussion against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>, causing the Bengals’ to be suddenly depleted in the position group. Chris Evans was inactive, causing Traveyon Williams to be the team’s kickoff return specialist this week, so it was Perine who predictably stepped in for Mixon. </p>
<p id="gcfhlh">Perine had one of those magical games he randomly puts forth for the Bengals from time-to-time, notching three touchdowns through the air. He was decisive with his reads and was his usual, physical self. He had 83 yards from scrimmage on 14 total touches and the trio of scores. </p>
<p id="hDmIwn"><em><strong>Joe Burrow’s gritty, Ja’Marr Chase-less performance:</strong></em></p>
<p id="aYsQ4R">The Steelers’ defensive front and safeties are formidable, so No. 9 had his work cut out for him on Sunday. This was especially the case with Chase still nursing a hip injury. </p>
<p id="4OuXOD">Burrow’s ability to move on from one receiving target to the next in a singular game to throw the defense curveballs remains amazing. He started the game with targets to Hayden Hurst and Samaje Perine, then fed Tee Higgins throughout the middle and later parts of the game, only to then rely on Tyler Boyd for the game-clinching drive in the fourth quarter. </p>
<p id="9HZWzM">He is now a FedEx Air Player of the Week nominee for his stat line of24-of-39 for 355 yards, four touchdown passes and a 104.1 rating. </p>
<p id="zGUO9t"><em><strong>Pulling away late:</strong></em></p>
<p id="RQ5kvq">Though this was a one-score decision, Cincinnati held a commanding two-touchdown lead with just over three minutes to play. On the final two Bengals’ drives (onside kick recovery one notwithstanding) that netted 10 points, it was on eight runs of the 12 cumulative plays. </p>
<p id="SjbbSQ">It felt quite a bit like when the Steelers would run Jerome Bettis down the Bengals’ throats to crush their spirits late in contests, didn’t it? Satisfying, right?</p>
<p id="F0MJH9"><em><strong>Bengals’ second-half defense:</strong></em></p>
<p id="yV6mqj">Cincinnati gave up quite a few yards and points in the first half. It was a bit surprising because of the struggles the Steelers had been having on that side of the ball with a couple of rookies in big roles. </p>
<p id="VCNdTk">But, as they have done all year, Lou Anarumo’s crew stepped up in the final two quarters. Pittsburgh scored 20 points in the first half, but Cincinnati allowed just a field goal for the better part of the second half, save for a garbage time touchdown that came with under a minute to play. </p>
<p id="Y5nCcj"><em><strong>Ancillary weapons contributing heavily:</strong></em></p>
<p id="8pRxwp">Aside from other predictable players stepping up in Chase’s absence (Higgins, Boyd, Mixon), this week featured contributions from guys lower on the depth chart. We talked about Perine’s big day, but he wasn’t the only one. </p>
<p id="km71yK">Trenton Irwin had his first career NFL touchdown, along with two other grabs that all totaled 42 yards. Hurst had two catches for 28 yards and even Williams had a nice eight-yard scamper late in the contest. </p>
<p id="fc6lwB"><em><strong>The resurgence of the guys who kick the ball:</strong></em></p>
<p id="uRMUwu">There was some chatter abut Evan McPherson not looking like himself going into the bye, experiencing three misses (two field goal attempts, one extra point) in the two games prior to the break. He rebounded nicely this week, kicking three huge field goals (including a 54-yarder) and all four extra points. </p>
<p id="dSGmgp">Meanwhile, the punting transition from Kevin Huber to Drue Chrisman went off without a hitch. He boomed three punts for 150 yards, with two landing inside the Steelers’ 20-yard line. All of this from Chrisman and McPherson in cold and rough weather...impressive. </p>
<p id="bhnBvZ"><em><strong>Trey Hendrickson:</strong></em></p>
<p id="Vk6vnc">The veteran edge defender really wore down the Steelers’ offensive line, garnering two sacks late in the contest. He also had four quarterback hits, a pass defended and five total tackles. </p>
<h2 id="MMo8Io"><strong>The bad</strong></h2>
<p id="jEauih"><em><strong>The rookie Pickett-Pickens connection heats up:</strong></em></p>
<p id="PgEGdR">Pittsburgh’s rookie quarterback had been struggling a bit leading up to this one, but he ended up making a few plays—particularly in the first half. Pickett had the Steelers unexpectedly up at halftime, thanks to the usage of seven different targets. </p>
<p id="ersnOn">One of which had his second-best game in the pros with George Pickens going for 83 yards and a score on four grabs. His 33-yarder was a beauty and the Steelers undoubtedly want to make this a primary connection in the years ahead. </p>
<p id="B0ihYy"><em><strong>No turnovers forced/losing the turnover battle:</strong></em></p>
<p id="kh8baZ">The facet we’ll talk about below feeds into this, but pressures and sacks are coming inconsistently from those not named “Trey Hendrickson”. Regardless, this team manages to get it done without being overly-opportunistic. </p>
<p id="Sfqa8j">But, when you play tough Titans, Chiefs, Bills and Ravens teams, turnovers have to start coming to get the wins. </p>
<p id="8n2Zw8"><em><strong>Where are the other pass-rush options?:</strong></em></p>
<p id="fwXDwB">Sam Hubbard applied pressures on Sunday, but the team needs to find someone who can bring the occasional juice aside from the two starting edge defenders. </p>
<p id="DnhLgK">Cincinnati is missing what they received from the B.J. Hill/Larry Ogunjobi combo last year, while everyone is still waiting for those breakout moments from youngsters Joseph Ossai and Zachary Carter. </p>
<h2 id="vSMivB"><strong>The ugly</strong></h2>
<p id="T49l0M"><em><strong>The batted passes:</strong></em></p>
<p id="FFmr8b">Of eight total passes defended by the Steelers of Burrow, five were at the line of scrimmage. Linemen and/or blitzing linebackers timed their jumps well and T.J. Watt had an insane interception on one of them. </p>
<p id="8kit2U">This is a troubling pattern with Burrow against the Steelers. There were three others by Pittsburgh linemen in the Week 1 contest, including yet another Watt interception. With the offensive line playing better as the weeks go on, other teams may resort to this tactic and hone in on the film from the two games this year to see what they might be able to exploit.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/11/23/23471497/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-in-bengals-37-30-win-over-steelers-joe-burrow-kenny-pickett-tj-wattAnthony CosenzaAnthony Cosenza