5 bold predictions for the Steelers against the Bengals

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Running back Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against cornerback Damon Arnette #20 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth quarter of the game at Heinz Field on September 19, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – SEPTEMBER 12: Devin Bush #55 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

The Steelers will grab an interception

The Steelers still have no interceptions through two games. After the performance they put up against the Raiders, expect them to play angry and with a point to prove against the Bengals.

Even without Joe Haden, giving up nearly 400 yards through the air is inexcusable. Whether it was Hunter Renfrow or Henry Ruggs III, the Steelers couldn’t slow down the Raiders air attack.

The problem with the Steelers strategy was that they keyed in on Darren Waller, and didn’t adjust when Renfrow and Ruggs were picking them apart. The deep touchdown pass to Ruggs occured because Minkah Fitzpatrick came down to cover Waller because he expected the pass to go to the tight end.

This left no help deep, and by the time Fitzpatrick realized it, it was too late. He couldn’t get back in time and it led to Ruggs celebrating in the end zone with less than 10 minutes left.

It’s likely that Joe Haden will be back in Week 3, as will Devin Bush. This will help both the secondary and the linebackers in shallow coverage. Guys like Fitzpatrick and Haden need to have big days Sunday.

Joe Burrow is coming off a three-interception performance against the Bears, and the Steelers are playing angry. That will lead to takeaways and more offensive opportunities.

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