The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a losing performance in Week 11, a 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, and while it was the team’s fourth loss, it was also a performance which didn’t lift many fans’ hopes. The hope is there is a better performance on the horizon on Sunday in Week 12 when the team travels to play the Cincinnati Bengals.

What exactly do the Steelers need to do to claim their seventh victory of 2023? Let’s break it down by offense and defense…

Offense

Mix it up

New offensive coordinator does not mean it will be a new offense; however, it does mean the style/scheme should change. How will it look different? Hopefully by mixing the play calls up, and being less predictable. Just start there, and build off of that and most fans would be happy with the results which will naturally follow.

Run the rock

The Steelers have rushed for over 160 yards the last three games, and that trend should continue for a fourth against a poor Bengals rush defense. Who cares if it’s Jaylen Warren or Najee Harris…just run the ball down the Bengals’ throats. Not to mention, a good running game is a quarterback’s best friend.

Aggressive, not careless

I think anyone who has watched the Steelers play in 2023 will admit the team, and the quarterback, could be more aggressive at times. Heck, most would agree the team would be okay if Pickett threw an interception from time to time. Risk often equates in reward. Nonetheless, you can’t be careless with the football either. It’s a thin line Pickett and the new-look offense will have to decipher.

Defense

Stop the run

With Joe Burrow done for the year, the Bengals will want to make things easier for their back-up quarterback by running the ball. The Steelers have to stop Joe Mixon and force Browning to try and beat them with his arm. Not that it’s an impossible task, just ask Dorian Thompson-Robinson, but it should set up the team for success.

Pressure the QB

The Steelers’ pass rush hasn’t been what many thought it would be coming into this season. Some might suggest it is the opposition scheming to stop T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. I get it, but at some point the pressure has to come from somewhere else. If they are doubling the edge defenders, it’s time for Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi to feast. Have to pressure the quarterback.

Keep taking it away

The Steelers have a +11 turnover differential, and that number is astounding. The key here is to just keep it up. It isn’t a fluke at this stage of the game, so just keep doing what you’re doing and keep giving the offense extra possessions. There’s a good chance they’ll need them.

I talk about this, and MUCH more on the latest episode of “Let’s Ride”, and you can hear that podcast in the player below this article. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they gear up for game time!