Connections in the Bengals vs. Steelers rivalry run deep. Look no further than current Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
With a 2-1 record in three games against the Bengals, Zac Taylor interviewed Graham after firing former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo following the 2024 season. Taylor ultimately hired Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden, but the head coach came away impressed with what Graham brings to the table.
“You interview him because you are impressed with the scheme
and the problems you face when you go against him,” Taylor said this week to Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson. “When you meet him, incredibly personable … Thought highly of him before. Thought highly of him even more so afterwards.”
Graham is 47 years old and was the New England Patriots’ linebackers coach when they won Super Bowl XLIX in February of 2015 against Seattle. The Patriots are where Graham got his start in NFL coaching. He’s been a defensive coordinator since 2020 with the New York Giants, spending two years in New York before going to Las Vegas for four years with Maxx Crosby and the Raiders’ defense.
The Bengals were mentioned in trade rumors for Maxx Crosby way back earlier in the offseason. More importantly, Graham knows Dexter Lawrence well. He was in New York during Lawrence’s second and third seasons with the Giants.
This connection adds another intriguing layer to Sunday’s matchup in Pittsburgh, where the 2-0 Bengals will look to improve to 3-0 behind another strong defensive performance. Meanwhile, the Steelers will lean heavily on their defense, which has allowed just 33 points in two games. That’s the same number of points the Bengals have allowed, though seven of those came off a Joe Burrow pick-six.
Sunday could be a defensive struggle that will see the winner be whoever reaches 20 points first.
