Steelers Secondary v Bengals Receivers

[Discipline of Steel]

This is a good little article and it mentions 'the Shark' will see a lot of action on Monday, probably as the nickel CB in light of Cortez Allens inactive status. Hopefully those ballhawking skills will be on display. Also, looks like William Gay is the second corner like we feared. [URL]http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/steelers-vs-bengals-news-and-updates-leading-into-week-2/2013/9/12/4722402/steelers-bengals-week-2-matchups-nfl-analysis[/URL] The [URL="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/pittsburgh-steelers"]Steelers[/URL]' secondary is one of the better all-around groups in the league. It has been the main contributor to the Steelers' top-ranked pass defense numbers over the last two seasons.It is rarely challenged the way Cincinnati is capable of challenging them. Particularly now, with a year of experience for Mohammad Sanu and the acquisitions of tight end [URL="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/193319/tyler-eifert"]Tyler Eifert[/URL] and running back [URL="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/193381/giovani-bernard"]Giovani Bernard[/URL], the [URL="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/cincinnati-bengals"]Bengals[/URL] have one of the deepest passing offenses in the league.
The Steelers drafted [URL="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/193611/shamarko-thomas"]Shamarko Thomas[/URL] for these kinds of match-ups. Due to the Bengals' ability to hit the deep seam and fly pretty much at will, teams will have to play most even downs (not short-yardage) and long downs from a nickel package.
Thomas, as confirmed by Steel City Insider's [URL="http://pit.scout.com/"]Jim Wexell,[/URL] was playing as the team's nickel cornerback in the absence of [URL="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/130894/cortez-allen"]Cortez Allen[/URL] against Tennessee - [URL="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/16789/william-gay"]William Gay[/URL] was the second corner. It's not a version of the Big Nickel package the Steelers played last year, but rather, simply another way to use the versatile Thomas while keeping experienced and talented [URL="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1588/ryan-clark"]Ryan Clark[/URL] and [URL="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1626/troy-polamalu"]Troy Polamalu[/URL] on the field.
Thomas getting on the field against Cincinnati would be more of a product the status of Allen's ankle. No word suggests he's expected to miss this game, but he'd be out there if Allen is unable to go.
He still might, considering his ability to play the run from the secondary. Cincinnati will still want to establish the run, hoping to get their tight ends - Eifert and [URL="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/108519/jermaine-gresham"]Jermaine Gresham[/URL] - in short coverage with Pittsburgh's shorter safeties. The Bengals kill the seam, and if there isn' t much of a cushion to eat up off the line, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Dalton look for his power forward-sized receivers down the middle.

[Jooser]

I think I'd faint if we actually pulled down a few INT's tomorrow night. I hope Shark is up to the task.

[DukieBoy]

Dalton does not have the big arm, so that he may leave a hanging slider up for our guys to pick. Hopefully. Pressure on Dalton will help alot ... so hopeully there too.

[Shoe]

I think I'd faint if we actually pulled down a few INT's tomorrow night. I hope Shark is up to the task.

As a long-time viewer (as I'm sure you are), I'd probably faint too.

[thor75]

I hope Shark is up to the task.

Anxious to see if he matches up with Eifert, which may be a battle for years to come. We could really use Cortez for this one, unfortunately he's out.

[flippy]

Anxious to see if he matches up with Eifert, which may be a battle for years to come. We could really use Cortez for this one, unfortunately he's out.

We match up really well with Cincy's WRs/TEs/RBs. The only concern I have is Cincy will move Eifert out wide to get him lined up on Gay who can struggle with bigger guys.

[Discipline of Steel]

Curtis Brown also doubtful so I guess the only real option at #2 CB is Gay. Interesting if Gay (or Ike) is injured, Shark would probably take the field as the #2 CB and Golden would become the nickle. I don't believe they would let Antwon Blake sniff the field outside of ST.

[thor75]

We match up really well with Cincy's WRs/TEs/RBs. The only concern I have is Cincy will move Eifert out wide to get him lined up on Gay who can struggle with bigger guys.

I have no doubt this will happen. If I was Cincy's OC I would do this as well. If Ike is on AJ, then Gay will be on Haskins maybe. Not a good matchup either imo. Haskins is pretty fast. I imagine Troy will be on Gresham.

Sorry Hawkins, not Haskins. And he is on IR-designated to return. Mohammed Sanu will get the start opposite Green.

[SidSmythe]

who was the promising CB that had an INT in Week 16 vs. the Bungles??? Came in when Allen was injured? was it Josh Victorian??

[Discipline of Steel]

I think so but he is no longer with the team, not even the PS. I think he was really too skinny, plus he made some mistakes on ST during the preseason.