Steelers' Defense w/Firepower to Contain Bengals' Explosive Offense Again? | AFC North Power Shift?

Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast, and is joined by Jake Liscow of Locked on Bengals for Crossover Thursday.

The Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers set the stage for an AFC North showdown with playoff implications. Both teams, sitting at 6-2, reignite their fierce rivalry as they battle not only for divisional dominance, but also to silence critics questioning the legitimacy of their hot starts. Can Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase outgun a resurgent Steelers defense led by Cam Heyward and Jamel Dean, or will Jaylen Warren’s explosive run game and Darnell Washington’s physicality give Pittsburgh the edge?

The conversation focused on key matchups—Amarius Mims vs. T.J. Watt, Dexter Lawrence vs. Zach Frazier—and how each team’s strengths could shift the game’s momentum. One concept discussed was the Bengals' feast-or-famine run defense against creative Steelers ground schemes like crack toss. A key theme that emerged was the battle for red zone efficiency, with both teams boasting top-tier units on offense and defense. Will the Bengals' explosive passing attack break through, or will Mike Tomlin’s bully ball control the clock?

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to LOSTEELERSTOPICBAG@GMAIL.COM

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire, Barry Reeger, Eric Canha

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