BRIAN BATKO’S SCOUTING REPORT
The Steelers prepare for a rematch with the unexpectedly resurgent Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Steelers insider Brian Batko breaks down each aspect of the game and lists the team’s keys to victory.
burgh, much has changed about that Bengals defense since then, including the addition of a defensive back who knows Rudolph well.
“We’ve just got to prepare for whoever,” said Bengals nickelback Mike Hilton, who spent his first four seasons with the Steelers — the final three with Rudolph. “Obviously, they’re not going to do too much different. Their system is the system. They’re gonna get the ball to their playmakers, but no matter who’s at quarterback, No. 1 we’ve got to defend the run and make them one-dimensional. Then, we’ll have our chances to make plays on the ball down the field no matter who’s at quarterback.”
Both the Steelers and Bengals know that Hilton is capable of making game-changing plays on opposing QBs, be it an interception or a sack on a blitz from the slot. But he also can be exploited in coverage, especially by taller receivers. Rudolph surely will have some rust to knock off, so he’ll be trying to walk the fine line of taking chances through the air
without making the big mistake.
Hilton expects the Steelers to try to run it right at his front four, which is without hulking defensive tackle DJ Reader, who was knocked out of their last game with a season-ending quadriceps tear. The Steelers couldn’t get anything going on the ground the last couple weeks to help Mitch Trubisky, but that works both ways. If Rudolph can make some throws against one of the league’s leakiest pass defenses, that should loosen it up for the running game.
And it would go a long way toward showing that he’s still capable of winning games as an NFL quarterback.
“The guy goes out there and does every single warmup routine that he’s done since he’s been here,” said Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt. “He’s acted like he’s the starter as far as how he practices and how he approaches the game. I know he would’ve loved to get more reps, but I never saw him complain about it. I’m excited for him to get to show himself again on the big stage.”