The Cincinnati Bengals take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football in a rivalry game that could get ugly. In the best way, of course.
Both teams are 0-1 and looking to avoid a dreaded 0-2 start. The clear favorite to win is the Bengals. However, Big Ben Roethlisberger and the Steel Curtain should never be underestimated.
This is a big game, and Big Ben is a big game quarterback. He’s already won two Super Bowls. His first ring came in only his second season.
The Steelers looked terrible in their season debut against the Titans though and need a bounce back game. The Bengals offense looked great against the Bears, although the defense was another story.
Andy Dalton is yet prove himself with a signature big game win. Tonight should be the night. Both teams are headed in opposite directions. The Bengals up, the Steelers down.
The most interesting part of Monday Night Football should be the matchup of James Harrison versus Big Ben. Harrison spent his entire career with Pittsburgh before signing with the Bengals last offseason. The last time he had a chance to hit Ben Roethlisberger was in college.
That game was all the way back in 2001. Harrison sacked Roethlisberger to end Ohio State’s chance at a comeback . Kent State won 24-20. Harrison had a hand in all five of Big Ben’s sacks that day. He’ll be looking to repeat that performance tonight.
Another thing to watch for is the Steelers run game. They don’t have one. If they can find one they might be able to win. But it’s not good when you release a running back (Jonathan Dwyer) only to bring him back by week two to start.
The Bengals need to establish their game also to free Dalton in the passing game. Benjarvis Green-Ellis needs to find his footing before he loses his job to Gio Bernard.
Here’s a video preview:
Will you be watching Monday Night Football? Who should win tonight?
[image via Wikimedia Commons ]