Steelers Aim to Maintain Division Lead
The Pittsburgh Steelers will look to solidify their position atop the AFC North when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals in a crucial Thursday Night Football matchup this week. The Steelers currently sit at 4-1 on the season, having won four straight games after an opening-week loss.
However, the Bengals have struggled of late, dropping four consecutive games after a promising start. With starting quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined by a turf toe injury, Cincinnati will turn to veteran Joe Flacco to try and get their season back on track.
Rodgers Calls Out NFL Schedule
One of the main storylines heading into this game has been the comments from Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers regarding the NFL's scheduling. The 41-year-old signal-caller, now in his 21st season, has been outspoken throughout his career and didn't hold back when discussing the quick turnaround for this Thursday night contest.
"It's just a brutal schedule," Rodgers said. "These Thursday night games are tough on the players, and I'm not sure the league does enough to protect us." The Steelers are coming off a Sunday game, while the Bengals played just last week, giving Pittsburgh less time to recover and prepare.
Key Matchup: Steelers Defense vs. Flacco
With Burrow out, the Bengals' offense will be led by the veteran Flacco, who was recently acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. Flacco has had success against the Steelers in the past, but Pittsburgh's defense has been stifling this season, allowing the fewest points per game in the NFL.
The Steelers will look to put pressure on Flacco and force the 36-year-old quarterback into mistakes. If they can disrupt the Bengals' passing attack, Pittsburgh should be able to maintain their division lead with a victory on Thursday night.
TL;DR
- The Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) face the Cincinnati Bengals (1-4) in a key AFC North showdown on Thursday Night Football.
- Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers criticized the NFL's scheduling, calling the quick turnaround for this game "brutal" on players.
- With Bengals starter Joe Burrow out, the Steelers defense will look to pressure veteran QB Joe Flacco and force turnovers.
- A Steelers win would solidify their position atop the division, while the Bengals hope to get their season back on track.