Whereas the Pittsburgh Steelers are centered on the Cleveland Browns forward of tonight’s recreation, the Cincinnati Bengals are specializing in the Steelers. On a Week 12 bye and at 4-7, needing to mainly run the desk to have playoff hopes, the Bengals are headed in the direction of a must-win recreation in opposition to the Steelers in Week 13. Taking to Twitter Thursday, Cincinnati LB Germaine Pratt assured victory.
“We are going to win subsequent week. Consider that,” his tweet partially reads.
Pratt doesn’t take a shot on the Steelers however the message is all the identical. Cincinnati will beat Pittsburgh. It’s not the primary time he’s chirped the Steelers’ approach, calling out their predictable offense in 2022.
Week 13 will probably be this season’s first matchup between the 2 sides. The Steelers swept the Bengals final yr though QB Joe Burrow didn’t begin both recreation. Out with harm, Jake Browning confronted Pittsburgh in 16-10 and 34-11 losses.
Anticipated to bounce again with a wholesome Burrow, the Bengals have been one of many NFL’s greatest disappointments. They once more began slowly, starting the yr 0-3 and attempting to dig out of a gap. They confirmed indicators of life by successful three of their subsequent 4 however as their offense confirmed it might be amongst of probably the most potent in soccer. However their protection has been a legal responsibility, giving up 41 factors in an extra time loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5 earlier than permitting 35 within the rematch in Week 10, ending in one other Cincinnati loss. On the season, the Bengals are No. 6 in scoring offense however twenty eighth in scoring protection.
A livid comeback bid fell brief in Week 11 in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers. Down 27-6 late within the third quarter, the Bengals tied the sport at 27 early within the fourth quarter. However Ok Evan McPherson missed essential kicks and the Chargers gained on a landing with 18 seconds left, dropping the Bengals to 4-7 and dashing any hopes of successful the AFC North.
Now, their Wild Card odds are slim. Already 0-2 within the division, they’ll’t afford a loss to the Steelers in Week 13. Each groups will probably be well-rested. Cincinnati will probably be coming off their bye whereas Pittsburgh will get pleasure from 10 days off following tonight’s recreation in opposition to the Cleveland Browns.
Germaine Pratt is second on the workforce with 97 tackles and one interception. He’ll should decelerate Pittsburgh’s operating recreation and show Cincinnati can maintain the rating down, one thing he couldn’t do in opposition to RB Jaylen Warren final season. Or else the Steelers will put the ultimate nail into the coffin that’s the Bengals’ playoff possibilities.
