Cincinnati Bengals: Players to watch vs. Steelers in Week 13

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 19: Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick #27 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates along with KeiVarae Russell #20 after sealing the game with a turnover on downs against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 19, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 19: Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick #27 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates along with KeiVarae Russell #20 after sealing the game with a turnover on downs against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 19, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – OCTOBER 8: Vontaze Burfict #55 of the Cincinnati Bengals and Pat Sims #92 of the Cincinnati Bengals attempt to tackle LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – OCTOBER 8: Vontaze Burfict #55 of the Cincinnati Bengals and Pat Sims #92 of the Cincinnati Bengals attempt to tackle LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Pat Sims

This hasn’t exactly been a strong season for Sims. His role has fallen off since last season (37.63 percent of defensive snaps in 2016; 24.31 percent so far in 2017) and was even cut for about a game. Based on his actual on-field performance, maybe that should’ve been permanent. The veteran defensive tackle has 20 tackles and a half-sack in nine games, but has overall been ineffective.

That’s a problem for numerous reasons. He’s not only a detriment and a target when he plays, but his participation also prevents numerous young and better players from seeing time on the field. While it would help the team if other players were picking up his snaps, Cincinnati has once again decided to stubbornly stick with their unproductive veteran option. Since he’s going to be in the game, he should at least try to be passable this week.

That’s a high order in this matchup. Lining up across from Sims will be David DeCastro — PFF Edge’s top-rated guard this season. If Sims can’t hold his own, Pittsburgh will have a two-fold advantage: not only will the running lanes up the middle will be there for Le’Veon Bell, but Ben Roethlisberger will have the time and space to step up in the pocket and hit downfield throws to Antonio Brown.

Sims isn’t winning this matchup consistently, but even busting through on a few plays could make a major difference and ruin the rhythm of Pittsburgh’s offense.