Bengals Facing A True Test Entering Showdown With Steelers

As the NFL regular season is in full swing, the Cincinnati Bengals are off to a hot start, but they could be facing a true test of their might against division rival Pittsburgh. The Bengals are bolstering a 4-1 record and a firm grasp on the AFC North, but will they be able to demonstrate that they are a legitimate playoff team or merely pretenders facing subpar competition.

There have been improvements all across the board to the Bengals’ roster ranging from the emergence of Tyler Boyd, to an improved Offensive line behind Ohio State’s Billy Price, to the appearance of upstart Rookie Jessie Bates. It is clear that the top of the Bengals draft has paid dividends this season on offense and defense. But will it produce a win against the firey Steelers who appear to have found their first of many gears?

The Bengals have had their woes against the Steelers, particularly in the playoffs. If you don’t believe me watch this video.

However, this team feels different. Maybe it was the return of Vontaze Burfict, who will not win any awards for his upstanding character but can help stop an offense, or maybe it has been an unusually consistent and decisive Andy Dalton or a reliable run game. Whatever the reason, the Bengals have been winning primetime games, closing out close games and even coming from behind to steal a win in the fourth quarter against the Dolphins.

But as always, the postseason will be the barometer of Cincinnati’s success and Marvin Lewis seems to agree.