Behind the Steel Curtain - Steelers vs. Bengals Postgame: News, updates and info following Pittsburgh's 20-10 lossA level-headed news-discussion site with a sense of history and communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47293/steel_curtain_fave.png2013-09-18T09:00:12-04:00http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/rss/stream/45036412013-09-18T09:00:12-04:002013-09-18T09:00:12-04:00Adams, Paulson struggled vs. Michael Johnson
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<figcaption>Andy Lyons</figcaption>
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<p>Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson probably had fun Monday night. Neither Mike Adams nor David Paulson could contain him. Both second-year players struggled in other areas of the game as well, and the Steelers will need much better play if they expect to run the ball in the future.</p> <p>Whomever's fault it is, it doesn't look good.</p>
<p>In what appears to be significant communication or comprehension issues, both <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> left tackle Mike Adams and tight end <span>David Paulson</span> are significant liabilities as far as overall protection on this team is concerned.</p>
<p>In reviewing the Steelers' loss to Cincinnati, neither blocked particularly well, but the big misses for each of them are coming off what appears to be missed assignments.</p>
<p>It started on the first play of the game. Paulson motions from left to right, then back to the left, outside Adams. The play is a power run to the right with left guard <span>Ramon Foster</span> pulling ahead of RB Felix Jones.</p>
<p>Paulson follows Foster, but Adams seems to assume Paulson is blocking the backside defensive end Michael Johnson.</p>
<p>Johnson goes untouched into the backfield after Adams whiffs on a recovery attempt. Loss of a yard after <span>Vontaze Burfict</span> gets the credit for the play Johnson made.</p>
<p>There was, of course, Paulson's fumble. We'll just leave that alone for now. The Steelers next possession is nearly just as troubling.</p>
<p>Paulson got beat again on the edge on first down. Roethlisberger handed off to Jones out of shotgun, and Adams blocked down on <span>Geno Atkins</span> (Adams probably lost the battle, but Atkins wasn't in on the play). Paulson couldn't move Johnson off the edge, Johnson shed Paulson and forced Jones to run horizontally for a few steps. That allowed the linebackers to flow over and make the tackle. The play was blocked well enough to have gotten five or six yards, but these are the kinds of plays the dominant running team makes where the poor teams don't.</p>
<p>Adams failed to anchor on a bullrush by Johnson on second down, who pushed him back into Roethlisberger on an incompletion on the next play - a drop by Cotchery that should have gone for a first down.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> overloaded the Steelers' left side on the next play, as WR Antonio Brown was in close to Adams. Paulson motions down to that side before the snap. Roethlisberger got the ball out of shotgun. Adams again blocks down on Atkins and Paulson lets Johnson rush past him, electing to reach for <span>James Harrison</span>, who was spying Roethlisberger. Jones nearly has to dive across Roethlisberger's face to try to stop Johnson. It took all of Jones' body to somehow stop Johnson from teeing off on Roethlisberger in the pocket, but he delivers a poor deep throw to Cotchery on a corner route to the right sideline.</p>
<p>Third down on the next series, Johnson beats Adams with an outside move. <span>Zoltan Mesko</span> punts again.</p>
<p>The Steelers have some success out of the hurry-up on the next drive, but it seems more due to the fact Johnson is not on the field in these series. Paulson failed to block exposed defensive end <span>Carlos Dunlap</span> on Cotchery's ill-fated end-around attempt. If Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley expected Cotchery to be able to elude Dunlap in the open field, it would seem he has higher expectations for Cotchery than reality indicates.</p>
<p>Even worse, Paulson didn't manage to handle the guy he did block, safety <span>Reggie Nelson</span>, so even if Cotchery rewinds time and escapes the cat-like Dunlap, he wouldn't have gained a yard. Paulson, with about 10 yards of momentum behind him, ran into the much smaller Nelson, and got knocked square on his butt. Nelson arrived on Cotchery only a milisecond after Dunlap did.</p>
<p>It goes on like this for the remainder of the game.</p>
<p>Ultimately, the Steelers need both considerably better play from Adams, and an in-line tight end who can help protect the edge. Whether that's <span>Heath Miller</span>, who will practice this week, or just an improved performance from Paulson, the Steelers will not run the ball well with the level of play we saw from them in Week 2.</p>
<h4>More from Behind the Steel Curtain:</h4>
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<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739600/steelers-bengals-final-score-news-updates-highlights-statistics">Steelers vs. Bengals Postgame news updates and info</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/18/4743660/steelers-ben-roethlisberger-statistics-nfl-2013">Sharp decline in QB play helps explain recent slide</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/18/4743700/steelers-rushing-statistics-nfl-2013">Steelers hiding outside zone running scheme</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/18/4743650/steelers-report-card-grades-week-2-cincinnati-bengals">Polamalu, Sanders get top PFF grades</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740272/steelers-statistics-2013">Steelers recent trends becoming alarming</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740964/steelers-injury-report-heath-miller-status-week-3-chicago-bears">Bears vs. Steelers: Heath Miller to practice fully this week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740906/steelers-injury-report-leveon-bell-status">Le'Veon Bell will do individual drills this week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740560/steelers-grades-evaluation-week-2-bengals">Grading the Steelers' new starters in Week 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740608/nfl-power-rankings-week-2-pittsburgh-steelers">Steelers 27th in recent power rankings</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740094/steelers-snap-counts-wide-receivers-depth-chart-markus-wheaton-jerricho-cotchery-fantasy-football">Cotchery has 47 snaps to Wheaton's 5</a></li>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/18/4743746/steelers-film-review-bengals-week-2-mike-adams-david-paulsonNeal Coolong2013-09-18T05:40:34-04:002013-09-18T05:40:34-04:00Polamalu, Sanders get top PFF grades vs. Bengals
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<figcaption>Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Pro Football Focus had something of a different perspective on the Steelers' performance against Cincinnati. </p> <p>As often is the case after a loss, it's more about who did not play well as opposed to who did.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641774&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fdata%2Fgstats.php%3Ftab%3Dby_team%26season%3D2013%26gameid%3D2773%26teamid%3D25%26stats%3Do%26playerid%3D&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.behindthesteelcurtain.com%2F2013%2F9%2F18%2F4743650%2Fsteelers-report-card-grades-week-2-cincinnati-bengals" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Pro Football Focus gave a team-high +3.1</a> grade to <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a> safety <span>Troy Polamalu</span>, and a +1.8 given to <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> led the offenese.</p>
<p>Left tackle Mike Adams was given a career-low -5.1 in the loss, the lowest rating of any player in the game. Inside linebacker <span>Lawrence Timmons</span> was given a -4.6, which only seems a little less correct than the -1.9 grade they gave cornerback <span>Ike Taylor</span> (with a -2.0 in pass coverage).</p>
<p>Taylor, covering A.J. Green the vast majority of the night, was targeted 14 times, giving up seven receptions for 53 yards (3.8 yards per attempt), 15 yards after the catch and no touchdowns. Timmons was targeted four times, allowing completions on all four, 40 yards after the catch and a touchdown. He had a +0.1 in coverage.</p>
<p>Someone may have to explain how that works.</p>
<p>Oddly, <span>Kion Wilson</span> was given a -1.8 overall, most of it stemming from blown pass coverage, which appeared much worse than that, and rookie <span>Vince Williams</span> a -1.0 overall, with a positive run defense grade. It's possible Timmons was really at fault for a lot, but it certainly seemed like Wilson and Williams missed quite a bit in this game.</p>
<p>We ripped tight end <span>David Paulson</span> quite a bit after this game, and PFF gave him a -1.4 overall, with a -0.9 in run blocking. I'd be interested to hear how that is explained, but it seems likely they gave blame to Adams more often than Paulson.</p>
<p>Either way, the numbers seem to generally reflect the team moreso than the players, but I haven't given the game a thorough second viewing. The 20-10 stat still stands out as the important one, and clearly, the Steelers didn't play well enough to change that.</p>
<h4>More from Behind the Steel Curtain:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739600/steelers-bengals-final-score-news-updates-highlights-statistics">Steelers vs. Bengals Postgame news updates and info</a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740964/steelers-injury-report-heath-miller-status-week-3-chicago-bears">Bears vs. Steelers: Heath Miller to practice fully this week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740906/steelers-injury-report-leveon-bell-status">Le'Veon Bell will do individual drills this week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740560/steelers-grades-evaluation-week-2-bengals">Grading the Steelers' new starters in Week 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740608/nfl-power-rankings-week-2-pittsburgh-steelers">Steelers 27th in recent power rankings</a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740064/steelers-bengals-week-2-recap-analysis-report-card-defensive-line-cameron-heyward">Heyward coming alive for Steelers defense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740028/steelers-bengals-reactions-monday-night-football-final-score">Twitter reaction to Steelers loss to Bengals</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739992/steelers-defense-statistics-2013-nfl">Power has gone out of the Steelers defense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739980/steelers-nlf-offensive-stats-week-2-bengals">Steelers offense ranks among bottom-feeders statistically</a></li>
</ul>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/18/4743650/steelers-report-card-grades-week-2-cincinnati-bengalsNeal Coolong2013-09-17T16:30:03-04:002013-09-17T16:30:03-04:00Steelers bungle chance at redemption
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<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After a performance of titanic ineptitude in week one against the Tennessee Titans, the Steelers had the opportunity to redeem themselves in Cincinnati but they bungled it, losing 20-10 against a divisional opponent.</p> Whether it was the offensive line being its usual porous self allowing two sacks, repeated hits and constant penetration, the receiving corps obviously not in synch with its quarterback or Ben Roethlisberger for whatever reason not throwing accurate passes, or the revolving door of bodies in the backfield masquerading as running backs, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>' offense is showing signs of dry rot that is threatening the foundation of the Steelers 2013 season.
<p>The defense played decently, but once again failed to make any splash plays; there were no interceptions, no forced fumbles. In fact, maybe decent isn't the right adjective, because while they did not allow many big plays, they allowed too many little ones. Indeed, one surprising issue with the Steelers was with many players' inability to tackle properly. In particular <span>Ryan Clark</span> and rookie <span>Shamarko Thomas</span>, two players with reputations for delivering heavy hits, failed to tackle cleanly several times, allowing the ball carrier to gain extra yards and first downs. For all the seemingly good coverage <span>Ike Taylor</span> provided against the Bengals' <span>A.J. Green</span>, when it came time to actually tackle Green, Taylor repeatedly needed help from other Steelers in bringing him down. In fairness however, it was Taylor's heads-up play at the close of the first half that prevented the score from being worse; he accurately read the Hail Mary Bengals QB Andy Dalton threw as time ran out and broke away from his assignment, leaped up and batted the ball out of WR Mohamad Sanu's hands and denying what otherwise would have been a Bengals touchdown for a 6 point lead going into halftime.</p>
<p>While the first half of the game was close, the final drive of the half foretold what was to come. The Bengals received the ball after the Steelers' sole touchdown of the game (how galling is that to read for the second week in a row?)and proceeded to rattle off 11 plays in just one minute 45 seconds, moving from their 11 yard line to the Steelers 42, gaining 3 first downs along the way before time ran out at the half.</p>
<p>The time of possession stats best illustrate the depths to which the once vaunted offense led by <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> has fallen. While the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> possessed the ball 11minutes and 8 seconds longer than the Steelers, over four quarters that would only average about three minutes a quarter, or the average length of a Bengals possession throughout the game.</p>
<p>But statistics like this can mask the real issues. Over the first two quarters the time of possession was in the Steelers favor by 40 seconds and the score was tied at 10-10 at half-time. However, when the Bengals received the second half kickoff, which they had deferred to at the coin toss, they proceeded to control the ball for over 10 minutes in each of the two final quarters.</p>
<p>After going three-and-out to open the second half, the Bengals put together drives of 5:08, 4:10, 6:51 and 3:12, which despite the Steelers' defenses' best efforts, resulted in Punt, TD, Punt, FG and Punt, respectively. Looking at it one way, the Bengals did rather poorly scoring only 10 points in nearly 21 minutes of the second half; however, that was more than enough to outscore Ben Roethlisberger and his band of misfit backs and too short receivers. For the third and fourth quarters, the Steelers managed to Punt, Punt, Punt, Interception and...oh yea, run out of time at the end. Roethlisberger was patently off on his timing, either throwing ahead of the receivers, or too high; his throw to <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> on the possession after the Bengals scored their fourth quarter FG was so far over his head that even if Sanders had borrowed 6 inches of height from <span>Plaxico Burress</span> it is unlikely he would have caught the ball. Instead, despites a leaping stretch, the best Sanders could do was tip the ball which allowed Bengals FS Reggie Nelson to intercept Roethlisberger for the second time in the teams' last two games.</p>
<p>If a win is a win, no matter how ugly, how bad is a loss with little positive to show for it? The Steelers are 31<sup>st</sup> in the league in terms of offensive yards per game; 30<sup>th</sup> in first downs per game, but hey, they're 25<sup>th</sup> in Penalty Yards, so that's something, right? On the defensive side of things, the Steelers currently are 10<sup>th</sup> in the metric that has consoled Steeler Nation the last two years, Yards per Game Allowed, but so far have allowed 43 yards more than they did last year. The Steelers are ranked 6<sup>th</sup> in terms of fewest yards allowed per play, which is good, but they're ranked ninth in terms of most plays allowed per game.</p>
<p>Worse yet however, how ugly is a loss to a divisional opponent that wasn't as close as the final score might deceptively indicate? The Steelers aren't just 0-2; they are down one in their own division, and are tied with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> for worst AFC Conference records.</p>
<p>Fortunately for the Steelers, their next two games are against NFC opponents so any losses won't be compounded by further wild card ground lost; the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> come to Heinz Field, then the Steelers travel to England to play the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>. After the Vikings, the Steelers face the toughest opponent they'll face this year; a week off to themselves to dwell on how things have gone so wrong so fast.</p>
<h4>More from Behind the Steel Curtain:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739600/steelers-bengals-final-score-news-updates-highlights-statistics">Steelers vs. Bengals Postgame news updates and info</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740272/steelers-statistics-2013">Steelers recent trends becoming alarming</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740964/steelers-injury-report-heath-miller-status-week-3-chicago-bears">Bears vs. Steelers: Heath Miller to practice fully this week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740906/steelers-injury-report-leveon-bell-status">Le'Veon Bell will do individual drills this week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740560/steelers-grades-evaluation-week-2-bengals">Grading the Steelers' new starters in Week 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740608/nfl-power-rankings-week-2-pittsburgh-steelers">Steelers 27th in recent power rankings</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740094/steelers-snap-counts-wide-receivers-depth-chart-markus-wheaton-jerricho-cotchery-fantasy-football">Cotchery has 47 snaps to Wheaton's 5</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740064/steelers-bengals-week-2-recap-analysis-report-card-defensive-line-cameron-heyward">Heyward coming alive for Steelers defense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740028/steelers-bengals-reactions-monday-night-football-final-score">Twitter reaction to Steelers loss to Bengals</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739992/steelers-defense-statistics-2013-nfl">Power has gone out of the Steelers defense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739980/steelers-nlf-offensive-stats-week-2-bengals">Steelers offense ranks among bottom-feeders statistically</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739572/winners-and-losers-from-steelers-20-10-loss-to-the-cincinnati-bengals">Winners and Losers from the Steelers' 20-10 Week 2 loss at Cincinnati</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739600/steelers-bengals-final-score-news-updates-highlights-statistics">Bengals take down Steelers 20-10 in Week 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/16/4738810/maurkice-pouncey-injury-david-decastro-todd-haley-comments">Haley: DeCastro was affected by Pouncey's injury</a></li>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4741578/steelers-bungle-chance-for-redemptionPaVaSteeler2013-09-17T15:30:06-04:002013-09-17T15:30:06-04:00Forget the "broad brush"
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<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>In his post-game interview, Steelers' coach Mike Tomlin addressed the many points that led to last night's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.</p> <p>Per his normal <a href="http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Coach-Tomlins-Post-Game-Comments/8d52ddda-9fc2-45b7-a22f-bb3e7ebeeec4" target="_blank">response</a> after a loss, Tomlin immediately acknowledged that the team didn't live up to the only standard that matters, the winning one.</p>
<p>Tomlin knows his team didn't play well enough to win, but that they have to accept it to move forward. Remaining "collectively unwavered" was the theme.</p>
<p>"<span>We have work to do," Tomlin said. "We don’t hide from that. We accept that, embrace that and understand there is a certain amount of misery that comes with the position we are in. We’ll wear it. We won’t like it, but we’ll wear it. More importantly we’ll continue to work and get better as a football team and particularly with our next opportunity."</span></p>
<p>Interestingly Tomlin chose not to fully explain the confusion that took place shortly after David Paulson's catch that should have initially been ruled fumble. Immediately after the play, Ben Roethlisberger seemed to be leading the team to snap the ball quickly before the Bengals could challenge the call on the field. However substitutions were sent in from the sideline which delayed the Steelers just enough for Marvin Lewis to get the word from his coaches in the booth and challenge the play. Tomlin simply acknowledged that whatever Ben saw on the field was different from what was being seen on the sideline, and that either way it was a fumble.</p>
<p>Still, with all that has happened so far, Tomlin still believes the answers to the questions are within their own locker room. When asked if rookie Markus Wheaton may be one of them, Tomlin simply said that he would be.</p>
<p>When asked about his offensive line, the 7th year head coach would only acknowledge that although they fought, they still weren't good enough to live up to the standard and fulfill their duties to the team. When asked if he saw any progress in their play, he refused to look at their performance in a manner that may be considered acceptable, just because it may have been better than the previous week.</p>
<p>In the eyes of the coach that leads this team, this week's performance was nothing to take any pride in. The next step is to focus on Chicago team scheduled for next Sunday night.</p>
<h4>More from Behind the Steel Curtain:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739600/steelers-bengals-final-score-news-updates-highlights-statistics">Steelers vs. Bengals Postgame news updates and info</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740272/steelers-statistics-2013">Steelers recent trends becoming alarming</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740964/steelers-injury-report-heath-miller-status-week-3-chicago-bears">Bears vs. Steelers: Heath Miller to practice fully this week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740906/steelers-injury-report-leveon-bell-status">Le'Veon Bell will do individual drills this week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740560/steelers-grades-evaluation-week-2-bengals">Grading the Steelers' new starters in Week 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740608/nfl-power-rankings-week-2-pittsburgh-steelers">Steelers 27th in recent power rankings</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740094/steelers-snap-counts-wide-receivers-depth-chart-markus-wheaton-jerricho-cotchery-fantasy-football">Cotchery has 47 snaps to Wheaton's 5</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740064/steelers-bengals-week-2-recap-analysis-report-card-defensive-line-cameron-heyward">Heyward coming alive for Steelers defense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740028/steelers-bengals-reactions-monday-night-football-final-score">Twitter reaction to Steelers loss to Bengals</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739992/steelers-defense-statistics-2013-nfl">Power has gone out of the Steelers defense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739980/steelers-nlf-offensive-stats-week-2-bengals">Steelers offense ranks among bottom-feeders statistically</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739572/winners-and-losers-from-steelers-20-10-loss-to-the-cincinnati-bengals">Winners and Losers from the Steelers' 20-10 Week 2 loss at Cincinnati</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739600/steelers-bengals-final-score-news-updates-highlights-statistics">Bengals take down Steelers 20-10 in Week 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/16/4738810/maurkice-pouncey-injury-david-decastro-todd-haley-comments">Haley: DeCastro was affected by Pouncey's injury</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740670/steelers-mike-tomlin-press-conference-bengals-week-2Christopher Carter2013-09-17T14:00:07-04:002013-09-17T14:00:07-04:00Steelers recent trends are pretty alarming
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/B-66E9hD4PfK_Q7HRYTNUxbrQGk=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19684375/180854235.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirk Irwin</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Steelers were 8-8 a year ago, 0-4 in the preseason and now, following a 20-10 defeat in Cincinnati on Monday Night Football, are 0-2 to start the 2013 regular season. All pretty alarming trends. But if you examine some of the underlying (and maybe under the radar) trends, it's easier to see why Pittsburgh has struggled as of late. </p> <p>Trends have always been a very important part of sports. Trends are basically history, and like the saying goes, if you ignore history, you may wind up repeating it.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, for the 2013 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>, I don't know if there's anything they can do about some of their recent trends.</p>
<p>For example, as Neal Coolong pointed out, <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739992/steelers-defense-statistics-2013-nfl" target="_blank">following another less than opportunistic</a> showing in a Week 2 loss to the Bengals, Monday night, Pittsburgh's defense has a mere 35 takeaways in the last two-plus seasons. Also, if you go back to the time <span>Ike Taylor</span> strip-sacked quarterback <span>Mark Sanchez</span> and <span>William Gay</span> returned the fumble for a touchdown in the 2010 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/afc-championship-game">AFC Championship</a> Game, Dick Lebeau's unit has two defensive touchdowns in the last 36 games that have counted.</p>
<p>Other recent trends of note:</p>
<p>--Dating back to a Week 9 match-up last season against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a> at MetLife Stadium, the Steelers have been behind by two scores or more in eight of their past 11 games--including the last six in-which they weren't already eliminated from the postseason.</p>
<p>--Since December 4, 2011, Pittsburgh has scored 30 points or more one time in the last 19 games--including zero times since Week 3 of last season.</p>
<p>--In the past 15 games, the Steelers have scored less than 20 points seven times.</p>
<p>--The last time Pittsburgh led by as many as three touchdowns at any point in a game was Christmas Eve of 2011--a 27-0 rout of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a>--and the team's biggest margin of victory since then was a 17 point defeat of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a> in Week 2 of the 2012 season.</p>
<p>Finally, maybe the most glaring trend of all:</p>
<p>--In the last eight games with playoff implications, dating back to Week 11 of last year, the Steelers are 1-7.</p>
<p>How impactful are top 10 draft choices during their first year in the NFL? If the Steelers don't do something about their recent history, draft trends will soon dominate the discussions about the 2013 season.</p>
<h4>More from Behind the Steel Curtain:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739600/steelers-bengals-final-score-news-updates-highlights-statistics">Steelers vs. Bengals Postgame news updates and info</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740094/steelers-snap-counts-wide-receivers-depth-chart-markus-wheaton-jerricho-cotchery-fantasy-football">Cotchery has 47 snaps to Wheaton's 5</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740064/steelers-bengals-week-2-recap-analysis-report-card-defensive-line-cameron-heyward">Heyward coming alive for Steelers defense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740028/steelers-bengals-reactions-monday-night-football-final-score">Twitter reaction to Steelers loss to Bengals</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739992/steelers-defense-statistics-2013-nfl">Power has gone out of the Steelers defense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739980/steelers-nlf-offensive-stats-week-2-bengals">Steelers offense ranks among bottom-feeders statistically</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739572/winners-and-losers-from-steelers-20-10-loss-to-the-cincinnati-bengals">Winners and Losers from the Steelers' 20-10 Week 2 loss at Cincinnati</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739600/steelers-bengals-final-score-news-updates-highlights-statistics">Bengals take down Steelers 20-10 in Week 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/16/4738810/maurkice-pouncey-injury-david-decastro-todd-haley-comments">Haley: DeCastro was affected by Pouncey's injury</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/steelers-vs-bengals-news-and-updates-leading-into-week-2/2013/9/16/4738508/steelers-bengals-week-2-deactivated-list-roster-depth-chart">Steelers bring Graham to Cincinnati even as Suisham was listed as probable</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/steelers-vs-bengals-news-and-updates-leading-into-week-2/2013/9/16/4735584/steelers-bengals-james-harrison-week-2-depth-chart">James Harrison represents the past, and the Steelers future is clear</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/steelers-vs-bengals-news-and-updates-leading-into-week-2/2013/9/16/4737006/steelers-steve-mclendon-defensive-line-nose-tackle-depth-chart-bengals">McLendon to show off ballet background on Monday Night Countdown segment</a></li>
<li> <a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/steelers-vs-bengals-news-and-updates-leading-into-week-2/2013/9/16/4736082/steelers-bengals-monday-night-football-depth-chart-secondary">Polamalu praises Thomas, who was surprised at his promotion</a> </li>
</ul>
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740272/steelers-statistics-2013Anthony Defeo2013-09-17T12:00:13-04:002013-09-17T12:00:13-04:00Evaluating the Steelers new starters in Week 2
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b5LLZrAcLsX5cf8h5OU-BWIWAeo=/0x246:4000x2913/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19695485/20130916_kkt_ab8_1329.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kion Wilson and Jarvis Jones got their first starts of the season in Monday's loss to the Cincinnati Begnals. A first-reaction analysis suggests it looked like they were starting for the first time. Fernando Velasco, on the other hand, played a solid game.</p> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> rookie OLB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/193281/jarvis-jones">Jarvis Jones</a> has brought with him a lot of hype - and perhaps deservedly so. In many ways, he's exceeded expectations to this point in his very young career.
<p>
The spotlight shines a bit brighter on him now, having made his first start of the season. And magnified in that spotlight is a player who provided a marginal-at-best pass rush in the Steelers' Week 2 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a>.
</p>
<p>
The Steelers have one sack this season - coming from <span>LaMarr Woodley</span> in Week 1. They've gotten pressure as a group, but the right outside linebacker position, as manned by Jones and <span>Jason Worilds</span>, has not been creating much pressure.
</p>
<p>
The Bengals tested the rookie early and often with their ground atatck, and had success running at and right around him. He didn't always appear to recognize the play and gave up a step or two because of that.
</p>
<p>
Such things are expected of a younger player, and Worilds, who has considerably more experience than Jones, was guilty of much of the same.
</p>
<p>
<span>Kion Wilson's</span> first start told a similar, but worse, story. He looked overwhelmed and overmatched at times, most likely because he is. He was put into an extremely difficult position, and even trying to use both Wilson and <span>Vince Williams</span> (who looked lost in pass coverage) in an effort to minimize their exposure didn't help. Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau did what he could to help the young linebackers out, as <span>Troy Polamalu</span> was, for all intents and purposes, an inside linebacker in this game.
</p>
<p>
There are no moral victories, but considering the circumstances, holding the Bengals to 7-for-17 on third down and 5.2 yards per play can be considered positive statistics. The fact they ran an astounding 79 plays (to Pittsburgh's 55) speaks as much to defensive shortcomings than to offensive inefficiency.
</p>
<p>
That said, center <span>Fernando Velasco</span> looked far superior to in-game replacement <span>Kelvin Beachum</span> in his time against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a>. In turn, <span>David DeCastro</span> played a decent game, particularly considering the challenges they faced. <span>Geno Atkins</span> and <span>Domata Peko</span> make up probably the best pair of interior defensive linemen in the NFL. Peko had half a sack (along with defensive end <span>Carlos Dunlap</span>) and Atkins had a sack on a play in which Roethlisberger held onto the ball well beyond any reasonable expectations for pressure.
</p>
<p>
Their pass protection was decent enough in this game, but they again struggled to open up consistent lanes for their running game. They rushed 16 times for 44 yards with a long of 14 and a short of -5.
</p>
<p>
The addition of Velasco suggested a step in the right direction, with the qualifying statement of comparing their performance to Week 1. There's still plenty of work to be done, particularly at their abysmal tight end position, in which <span>David Paulson</span> showed again he's largely incapable of blocking in-line. The Steelers used him in motion often enough, even even then he was unable to hold the point of attack. After a while, the Steelers just sent him in patterns.
</p>
<p>
The return of <span>Heath Miller</span> will help the team in the run game from the outside in, and, frankly, it'd be a surprise if Miller is not activated against Chicago in Week 3.
</p>
<h4>More from Behind the Steel Curtain:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739600/steelers-bengals-final-score-news-updates-highlights-statistics">Steelers vs. Bengals Postgame news updates and info</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740964/steelers-injury-report-heath-miller-status-week-3-chicago-bears">Bears vs. Steelers: Heath Miller to practice fully this week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740906/steelers-injury-report-leveon-bell-status">Le'Veon Bell will do individual drills this week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740560/steelers-grades-evaluation-week-2-bengals">Grading the Steelers' new starters in Week 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740608/nfl-power-rankings-week-2-pittsburgh-steelers">Steelers 27th in recent power rankings</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740094/steelers-snap-counts-wide-receivers-depth-chart-markus-wheaton-jerricho-cotchery-fantasy-football">Cotchery has 47 snaps to Wheaton's 5</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740064/steelers-bengals-week-2-recap-analysis-report-card-defensive-line-cameron-heyward">Heyward coming alive for Steelers defense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740028/steelers-bengals-reactions-monday-night-football-final-score">Twitter reaction to Steelers loss to Bengals</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739992/steelers-defense-statistics-2013-nfl">Power has gone out of the Steelers defense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739980/steelers-nlf-offensive-stats-week-2-bengals">Steelers offense ranks among bottom-feeders statistically</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739572/winners-and-losers-from-steelers-20-10-loss-to-the-cincinnati-bengals">Winners and Losers from the Steelers' 20-10 Week 2 loss at Cincinnati</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739600/steelers-bengals-final-score-news-updates-highlights-statistics">Bengals take down Steelers 20-10 in Week 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/16/4738810/maurkice-pouncey-injury-david-decastro-todd-haley-comments">Haley: DeCastro was affected by Pouncey's injury</a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/NealCoolong" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @NealCoolong</a>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740560/steelers-grades-evaluation-week-2-bengalsNeal Coolong2013-09-17T11:00:15-04:002013-09-17T11:00:15-04:00Steelers at 27 in SB Nation Power Rankings
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iDRTwS9fiUsxdG8LIwjucMUdI44=/0x0:3990x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19688557/180854231.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirk Irwin</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In wake of a 20-10 loss at Cincinnati, the Steelers fall to one of their lowest points in recent memory.</p> <p>It's tough to recall if there's been a time the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a> have been at or lower than 27 in any serious power rankings list.</p>
<p>SB Nation's Ryan Van Bibber <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/9/17/4736954/nfl-power-rankings-week-3" target="_blank">has them at 27 in his latest edition</a>, and as painful as it is, it's hard to dispute it as well.</p>
<p>RVB's reasoning: "Watching this team makes me feel old. Time to start thinking about next year in Pittsburgh. At least the Pirates are good this year."</p>
<p>When references to other sports teams begin making for better commentary on where a team stands, things aren't good.</p>
<p>Things aren't good in Pittsburgh.</p>
<p>Fortunately, it's only two games. Statistics may suggest there's a considerable issue recently with making the playoffs after starting 0-2, statistics show where things were, not where they will be. Most likely. Maybe.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a> are No. 1, followed by the Seahakws, <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">49ers</a>, <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Texans</a> and <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a>. The <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bears</a>, the Steelers' Week 3 opponents, are No. 8.</p>
<p>Carolina, Oakland, Tampa Bay, Cleveland and Jacksonville finished behind the Steelers at 28-32, respectively.</p>
<h4>More from Behind the Steel Curtain:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739600/steelers-bengals-final-score-news-updates-highlights-statistics">Steelers vs. Bengals Postgame news updates and info</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740964/steelers-injury-report-heath-miller-status-week-3-chicago-bears">Bears vs. Steelers: Heath Miller to practice fully this week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740906/steelers-injury-report-leveon-bell-status">Le'Veon Bell will do individual drills this week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740560/steelers-grades-evaluation-week-2-bengals">Grading the Steelers' new starters in Week 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740608/nfl-power-rankings-week-2-pittsburgh-steelers">Steelers 27th in recent power rankings</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740094/steelers-snap-counts-wide-receivers-depth-chart-markus-wheaton-jerricho-cotchery-fantasy-football">Cotchery has 47 snaps to Wheaton's 5</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740064/steelers-bengals-week-2-recap-analysis-report-card-defensive-line-cameron-heyward">Heyward coming alive for Steelers defense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740028/steelers-bengals-reactions-monday-night-football-final-score">Twitter reaction to Steelers loss to Bengals</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739992/steelers-defense-statistics-2013-nfl">Power has gone out of the Steelers defense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739980/steelers-nlf-offensive-stats-week-2-bengals">Steelers offense ranks among bottom-feeders statistically</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739572/winners-and-losers-from-steelers-20-10-loss-to-the-cincinnati-bengals">Winners and Losers from the Steelers' 20-10 Week 2 loss at Cincinnati</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739600/steelers-bengals-final-score-news-updates-highlights-statistics">Bengals take down Steelers 20-10 in Week 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/16/4738810/maurkice-pouncey-injury-david-decastro-todd-haley-comments">Haley: DeCastro was affected by Pouncey's injury</a></li>
</ul>
<p><a data-show-count="false" class="twitter-follow-button" href="https://twitter.com/NealCoolong">Follow @NealCoolong</a>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740608/nfl-power-rankings-week-2-pittsburgh-steelersNeal Coolong2013-09-17T10:00:12-04:002013-09-17T10:00:12-04:00Cotchery had 47 snaps to Wheaton's five
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nL5Ya15b7w_R5J7vc9R5SGYvYlo=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19679085/180831304.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirk Irwin</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>That differential is a bit wider than expected, even if Wheaton's preseason wasn't quite as outstanding as many believe it was. Still, it didn't seem like Cotchery and QB Ben Roethlisberger were on the same page. </p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> rookie wide receiver <span>Markus Wheaton</span> provided some electricity to an otherwise dark-aged offense this preseason. He also dropped a few passes and missed a few assignments.</p>
<p>The latter reasons are likely why he was on the lower end of a 47-5 snap count split with veteran WR <span>Jerricho Cotchery</span>. The veteran had a drop, was the victim of a seemingly unwise end-around playcall and only hauled in three of the nine passes he was given from quarterback <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span>.</p>
<p>In fact, Roethlisberger only completed half his throws (14-of-28) to his top three targets - Cotchery, <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> (5-for-10) and <span>Antonio Brown</span> (6-for-9).</p>
<p>Wheaton failed to log a catch or a target for the second consecutive game. Fellow rookie <span>Derek Moye</span> got his first catch and touchdown - the Steelers' second touchdown of the season - against Cincinnati, but Wheaton's contributions still appear to only be special teams-related. He had two kick returns in Week 1, but didn't have any against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a>.</p>
<p>This is the natural progression for any rookie receiver. However, it does sting a bit, seeing the plays Houston rookie WR DeAndre Hopkins is making. Granted, Hopkins is a bona fide first round pick and Wheaton was taken in the third - for more reasons than just an alleged less-than-expected 40-yard dash time.</p>
<p>Wheaton is still a work-in-progress, but even considering that, it's a bit odd to see nine targets going Cotchery's way, particularly after a clear miscommunication between him and Roethlisberger on one of several incompletions on the night.</p>
<p>Whether Wheaton gets on the field against Chicago in Week 3 remains to be seen, but it's more indicative of a Steelers' receiving group that isn't on the same page with its quarterback, and production is not consistent.</p>
<h4>More from Behind the Steel Curtain:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739600/steelers-bengals-final-score-news-updates-highlights-statistics">Steelers vs. Bengals Postgame news updates and info</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740964/steelers-injury-report-heath-miller-status-week-3-chicago-bears">Bears vs. Steelers: Heath Miller to practice fully this week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740906/steelers-injury-report-leveon-bell-status">Le'Veon Bell will do individual drills this week</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740560/steelers-grades-evaluation-week-2-bengals">Grading the Steelers' new starters in Week 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740608/nfl-power-rankings-week-2-pittsburgh-steelers">Steelers 27th in recent power rankings</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740094/steelers-snap-counts-wide-receivers-depth-chart-markus-wheaton-jerricho-cotchery-fantasy-football">Cotchery has 47 snaps to Wheaton's 5</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740064/steelers-bengals-week-2-recap-analysis-report-card-defensive-line-cameron-heyward">Heyward coming alive for Steelers defense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740028/steelers-bengals-reactions-monday-night-football-final-score">Twitter reaction to Steelers loss to Bengals</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739992/steelers-defense-statistics-2013-nfl">Power has gone out of the Steelers defense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739980/steelers-nlf-offensive-stats-week-2-bengals">Steelers offense ranks among bottom-feeders statistically</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739572/winners-and-losers-from-steelers-20-10-loss-to-the-cincinnati-bengals">Winners and Losers from the Steelers' 20-10 Week 2 loss at Cincinnati</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4739600/steelers-bengals-final-score-news-updates-highlights-statistics">Bengals take down Steelers 20-10 in Week 2</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/16/4738810/maurkice-pouncey-injury-david-decastro-todd-haley-comments">Haley: DeCastro was affected by Pouncey's injury</a></li>
</ul>
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https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2013/9/17/4740094/steelers-snap-counts-wide-receivers-depth-chart-markus-wheaton-jerricho-cotchery-fantasy-footballNeal Coolong