​Steelers Keys to Victory vs. Bengals in Week 10 NFL Game originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Pittsburgh Steelers will look to take control of the AFC North when they visit the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10.Pittsburgh enters Sunday’s matchup at 6-2 after a bye week. The Steelers have won four consecutive games and will have an opportunity to move into sole possession of first place in the division with another victory.Cincinnati also holds a 6-2 record and has won four straight games. The Bengals are coming off a victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid and will look to maintain their momentum in front of their home crowd.The Steelers defeated Cincinnati 30-27 in their first meeting of the season in Week 3, giving them the opportunity to complete the season sweep.Here are four keys to victory for the Steelers in Week 10.Steelers defensive keys to victory vs. BengalsPressure Joe BurrowPittsburgh’s pass rush will be especially important against a Cincinnati offense that has been one of the most productive passing units in the NFL.Joe Burrow has thrown for 2,386 yards and 23 touchdowns through eight games, leading the league in completion percentage while second in passing touchdowns. He also completed 24 of 29 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns in the Bengals’ most recent meeting with Pittsburgh.The Steelers have several defensive playmakers capable of making life difficult for Burrow, including T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Pittsburgh has recorded 26 sacks this season, tied for the fourth-most in the NFL entering Week 10.The Steelers also have a history of creating problems for Burrow, having sacked him 24 times in eight career meetings.Generating consistent pressure without leaving opportunities for Cincinnati’s receivers downfield will be important. Pittsburgh needs to disrupt Burrow’s timing and force him into uncomfortable situations rather than allowing him to operate comfortably from the pocket.Limit Cincinnati’s Passing AttackThe Steelers also must find a way to contain Cincinnati’s collection of offensive weapons.Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins give Burrow two dangerous options on the outside, while tight end Mike Gesicki provides another threat in the passing game. All three players have recorded at least six receiving touchdowns through Cincinnati’s first eight games.The Bengals are averaging 285.5 passing yards per game, the highest mark in the NFL. Burrow has also completed 74% of his passes this season, making it difficult for opposing defenses to consistently get stops.Pittsburgh’s secondary will need to communicate effectively and avoid giving Cincinnati easy opportunities for explosive plays. The Steelers have been one of the better defenses against the run this season, so forcing the Bengals into uncomfortable situations on passing downs could be an advantage.If Pittsburgh can limit Chase and Higgins while making Burrow work for ever