The Bengals will have revenge on their minds after getting knocked out of the playoffs by the Steelers following Quarterback Carson Palmer’s gruesome knee injury January 8. Running Back Rudi Johnson would do Palmer a great service by running effectively early on and keeping the Steelers’ pass rush at bay. After Pittsburgh rushed for 221 yards in the first meeting last season, the Bengals held the Steelers to 3.9 yards a carry in the next two. Still, they signed Defensive Tackle Sam Adams to anchor the run defense that needs to contain Running Back Willie Parker, especially if Pittsburgh gains an early lead and attempts to grind out a win (47 rushing plays in the first meeting last year). Look for Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to challenge Bengals Corner Back Tory James, who might lose his job soon.
Jones, who missed last Sunday’s game with a sprained ankle, has a fresh face across the line of scrimmage in an old rivalry. Keisel replaced Kimo von Oelhoffen, who made the fateful tackle on Palmer in the playoffs. Keisel earned the job by being a playmaker in limited snaps, including two sacks in the AFC Championship Game. But being consistently effective for four quarters is another thing, and the Bengals didn’t give Jones a six-year, $40 million deal to lose battles against first-year starters. If Jones can’t go, Left Guard Eric Steinbach will move to tackle with rookie Andrew Whitworth in the guard spot.
The Bengals have won five of their past six road games. The Steelers are 21-8 vs. Cincinnati under coach Bill Cowher.
This is a divisional showdown Sunday at Pittsburgh, the Bengals are likely to be without three starters-Linbacker David Pollack, Center Rich Braham and strong safety Dexter Jackson.
The Steelers have an early AFC North showdown. Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger and Cincinnati’s Carson Palmer have come a long way since they last met January 8 in Paul Brown Stadium. Palmer vs. Roethlisberger IV will take place at Heinz Field.
KEY NOTES:
Browns | McGinest speaks out-LB Willie McGinest lashed out at critics who believe McGinest really does not want to play in Cleveland. "If I didn't want to be here, I wouldn't be here," McGinest said. "I wouldn't have signed here. Second of all, I'm not a quitter – I don't care what our record is. Anybody who knows me knows that I hate not playing, and regardless of the situation, I want to be out there. If we're getting beat by 50 points, I'm going to be out there on the last play."
Bengals | Houshmandzadeh practices, upgraded for Week 3-WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (heel) practiced Friday, Sept. 22, and has been upgraded to probable for Week 3. He will likely start this week and will be no worse than the third receiver.
Bengals | O'Neal practices, expected to play Week 3-CB Deltha O'Neal (knee) practiced Friday, Sept. 22, and is expected to play in Week 3.
