Bengals stress battle in trenches vs. Steelers
By Ralph N. Paulk, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, November 12, 2011
CINCINNATI — Despite their 6-2 start, the Cincinnati Bengals aren't going to be impressed with what they've accomplished unless they can defeat the Steelers on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium.
The Bengals are confident and on a five-game win streak, their best run in 23 years. But most Bengals acknowledge they can't win six in a row if they don't dominate at the line of scrimmage. Their offensive line has been inconsistent, and the Steelers' revamped defensive front continues to improve.
"It's going to take a huge effort to win the battle in the trenches," center Kyle Cook said. "Everyone — tight ends and receivers — have to play well. That's the way it's been all year long. ... (Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau) runs a good scheme. I can't say what they're vulnerable to, but you look at their personnel and you're reminded that they've won some championships."
Cincinnati has some work to do offensively. It is 10th in the AFC in total offense, ninth in passing and 11th in rushing.
"We went into the season knowing we had to play well on the offensive line," coach Marvin Lewis said. "There have been moments we've played well."
Andre Smith, a 6-foot-4, 335-pounder playing right tackle, has fared well during the winning streak. And the third-year pro won't have to deal with Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley, who will be sidelined again with an injured left hamstring.
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