The hot start to the Cincinnati Bengalsseason has reignited the fan base and brought positive national attention to the organization, but it won't be good enough if they can't beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3.
The Bengalsbegin AFC North play against the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on Sept. 27, and the first divisional game of 2026 is a must-win, receiver Ja'Marr Chasesaid Sept. 24, "so we can be in the position we want to be later."
While Cincinnati's convincing 2-0 start in 2026 has been ideal in many ways, the team simply can't afford to fall behind in the race for the AFC North, especially against a Steelersorganization that's in Year 1 under veteran head coach Mike McCarthy.
Here's what the Bengals need to do if they're going to handle
business on the road against the Steelers:
Bengals must protect Joe Burrow from Steelers pass rush
Much like in the Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans, the Bengals are once again facing an elite pass-rushing team in Pittsburgh. TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith lead the Steelers in that area, and there's rotational depth behind them in the form of players like Nick Herbig.
It's especially important for Cincinnati to be aware of these players given the battering quarterback Joe Burrow was subjected to against the Texans. Burrow's been vague about the back-tightness issue he was dealing with entering the Houston game, and he indicated afterward it didn't get worse. But Burrow sustained more than enough contact that it could have worsened, so the Bengals need to double down on pass blocking and protecting their franchise player.
The offensive line, and left guard Orlando Brown Jr. in particular, has another big task in front of them toward protecting Burrow. Not only is Burrow getting hit part of the recipe for Steelers success this weekend, but it's part of the recipe for risking Burrow's health.
Spark the Bengals run game
The whole world knows the Bengals are a pass-heavy offense. What's more impressive is the usual cast of Bengals characters − Burrow, Chase and Tee Higgins − still find ways to be effective even when opponents know they're coming. Still, a balanced offense with a formidable run game would be the best way for Cincinnati's offense to keep its passing game lethal.
On Sept. 20 against Houston, the Bengals were close to getting the run game going via Chase Brown. Some of his progress, and at least one explosive run, was cancelled out by penalties. Head coach Zac Taylor and offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher both said this past week they think the run game is close to a breakout performance. Given that Cincinnati is without preferred No. 3 receiver Andrei Iosivas (surgery for torn thumb ligament) and could be forced to utilize one or several inexperienced receivers in his absence, the Steelers game is a perfect opportunity for Brown and Semaje Perine to have an increased workload, and hopefully results to pair with that.
Show the Bengals the tape of Joey Porter Jr. talking smack
Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr.,who might not even play against the Bengals, committed an unforced error in the days leading up to the Cincinnati-Pittsburgh showdown when he opened his mouth and emitted provocative comments aimed at the Bengals.
"I never really struggled against them," Porter said. "So, it's always been fun for me getting out there."
That might not seem like much, but it doesn't take much to activate the sensitive hearing many professional athletes possess. And when does smack-talk ever work out well for the instigator? Chase and Higgins are going to hear that, let it fuel their fire, and there's a real chance they'll inflict serious damage with the added motivation (and Chase should already be motivated after his altercation with Pittsburgh cornerback Jalen Ramsey on Nov. 16, 2025).
Let the whole Bengals locker room know what Porter said, for that matter. If you're the Bengals and you can find a small edge − the imagery of a smiling, seemingly-carefree Porter flaunting his perception of past successes against you − use it. Bang that drum, It could be the separating factor in this rivalry game.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Key for Bengals is to keep Steelers defense away from Joe Burrow
