The last time these two teams squared off it resulted in Andy Dalton getting injured, DeAngelo Williams recording 2 rushing touchdowns, and a cumulative $140,000 in fines.
Fast forward to their third meeting and suddenly it's January and the playoffs are upon us. For us to really understand what it meant to have DeAngelo Williams as the Steelers running back we must look at their first game against the Bengals. Not a single touchdown was scored by a running back in that first meeting and the Bengals went on to win it 16-10.
Do not be fooled by these powerful offenses with incredible playmakers, this is a defensive game and the Steelers always play their best defense against a division rival. Between the last two meetings of these teams the quarterbacks have thrown a total 8 interceptions and the Steelers did not throw a receiving touchdown in the 2nd meeting. A.J. Green has had over 100 yards and a touchdown in both of these games. So what does this have to do with Williams?
Well it is all about game flow. With Williams the Steelers could control the clock or punch in a touchdown if they needed too, now they will have an X factor at the running back position with Fitzgerald Toussaint as their starter.
The Steelers may struggle to keep up with the Bengals offensively as they continue to be proficient at their balanced attack. Bottom line not having Williams is bad news for this Steelers offense.