Cincinnati Bengals: 3 Bold predictions vs. Steelers in Week 3
By Tadhg Flynn
1. Joe Burrow will have 300+ passing yards as well as multiple interceptions
Even from just watching him play without any additional statistics, there should be no denying that Joe Burrow is an exceptionally talented quarterback. After his devastating injury in the 2020 season, Bengals fans are pinning all their hopes on the quarterback to push the team forward in his second year. However, young quarterbacks need more than just talent to be successful in the NFL. They need the right support. Against the Bears in Week 2, that support was not present.
Burrow objectively played pretty badly on Sunday. Three interceptions on three straight drives late in the game took away any competitive chance the team had against the Bears. At least one of his interceptions was down to bad reads. It is not surprising that Burrow would have felt pressure to perform because all he faced was unending pressure from the pass rush of the Bears.
The protection from his offensive line was simply not good enough, and the team ran multiple empty-set, five-wide offensive plays. Without extra teammates in the pocket, Burrow is being forced into difficult throws and the pressure he is under is obvious.
His ability to move the ball downfield was evident in abundance against the Vikings, but it evaporated last Sunday. The Bears pass rush really targeted Burrow. Because of their effectiveness in dominating the Bengals’ offensive line, Chicago seemed comfortable in their defensive secondary, an area Joe Burrow could have targeted. Chicago has a good defense, but it is not as explosive as it was two or three years ago.
The Steelers represent a much more difficult prospect at the defensive line than the Bears. But their secondary can be exposed this coming weekend due to bad luck. Injuries have carved through the defensive starters of the Steelers. Key defensive players T.J. Watt, Stephon Tuitt, Tyson Alualu (all members of the defensive line), linebacker Devin Bush, and cornerback Joe Haden are all questionable or listed as out for the weekend.
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This presents an opportunity for the Bengals to rack up offensive yards targeting downfield. Joe Burrow will throw for 300+ yards against this weakened Steelers’ defense in spite of the pressure he will face. However, because of rushed throws and mounting hits throughout the game, he will also throw three-plus interceptions to the defense and give opportunities for the Steelers to stay in the game.