Pittsburgh Review

As the regular NFL season draws to a close, the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18. This matchup holds particular significance for the Steelers, who have shown success when rushing for over 103 yards during the Joe Burrow era, boasting a 3-0 record under such conditions. Conversely, when they fail to reach that mark, the Bengals lead with a 4-2 record.

The outcome of this game is expected to hinge on performance in the trenches, emphasizing time of possession. The focus will be on controlling the clock through effective running plays, which would keep Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow off the field.

Key to this matchup is Bengals defensive tackle BJ Hill. At 6-foot-3 and weighing 311 pounds, Hill is known for his run-stopping abilities and lateral movement. Despite modest statistics of 52 tackles and three sacks this season, Hill's impact goes beyond numbers.

Hill often lines up as a 3-technique over both guards and occasionally takes on nose tackle duties. As a pass rusher, he employs techniques like the one-arm power "stab," similar to Cam Heyward's approach. Although primarily a bull rusher, Hill can also penetrate twist-stunts and occasionally challenge blockers with an uppercut move.

However, due to his lighter frame compared to other linemen, Hill may struggle against double-teams and powerful run-blocking guards—a potential advantage for the Steelers. Pittsburgh's offensive line features strong guards like Isaac Seumalo and Mason McCormick, who are expected to play crucial roles in establishing their running game.

The Steelers aim to leverage their strengths in this final regular-season clash against Cincinnati by focusing on their ground attack and exploiting any vulnerabilities in Hill's defensive play.