Our panel of writers came together to preview this week’s Bengals game, by each finding a single battle they felt would be the “key to the game” for the Steelers to emerge victorious.

Is this division game still a rivalry, with a must-win mojo?

Let’s see what our team of writers think:

Brian

The key to the game is taking the Bengals out of the game as quickly as possible.

There is no doubt that the (expletive deleted) in stripes would love to ruin the Steelers season by damaging our chances of winning the division, and making the playoffs.  They still have the slimmest of hopes that they could come out on top in the AFC North, but a loss on Sunday would end that.

We can’t let this team hang around.

If we can score early, and build a lead, we will take away the one thing that we can’t let them have – hope!

The Bengals are not a very good team, but they also aren’t a bad team. They still have a very talented roster, especially on the defensive side, and A.J. Green may be back on Sunday as well.

Ben in Ohio usually means a Steelers win, and we need to stack win number 5 here and keep our focus on the game in front of us.  The lines (both defensive and offensive) will again be critical to success, and need to play with the same fire and dominance that they did in Buffalo.

Terry

Big Ben. He needs to have a “good day at the office”, all about good decisions, ball protection, and especially in the redzone… just taking what the defense gives you.

We need a 5th win towards our own destiny, but also to send a message to other teams that they do not want to see us in December.

Note of caution: Burfict is back. We did not see him in our first meeting this season due to suspension from dirty hits on our players. He will be gunning for Bell and Brown: not to just shut down, but to take out.

Let’s hope the NFL is watching closely.

Jim

Keep playing balanced, efficient offense.

Roethlisberger doesn’t have to throw for 350, but needs to rebound with a solid day, and no turnovers.

The defense needs to continue their momentum, as the Bengals’ offense isn’t anything special. Stick to the script, no big plays allowed, while making big plays in the clutch.

Most importantly, keep cool heads. Don’t allow chippy play to result in drive-killing or drive-extending penalties.

Let the Bengals hurt themselves; the Steelers need to be disciplined, especially post-play.

Joe

Get out of this one healthy!

Every single time we play the Bengals, a major contributor gets injured… be it Ben, Bell or Brown!

The nonsense has to stop, and I believe Brian hits the nail on the head by getting up early, but not because we want to demoralize Cincy, rather, so we can pull Ben, Bell, and AB for Landry Jones, DeAngelo Williams (who should be back) and even get the newly called up Demarcus Ayers some reps.

Walk out healthy, with a statement win, and onward to Christmas Day!

Eric

My key to the game is penalties.

In recent weeks, the Steelers have had many drive/momentum killing penalties.

Just last week versus the Bills, William Gay had his record-breaking pick six nullified due to a defensive holding penalty.

With the Steelers in crunch time and fighting for the AFC North crown, we can’t allow stupid penalties to hold us back.

Believe it or not, the Bengals are the least penalized team in the league, while the Steelers are flirting with being in the top 10 most penalized.

This game may certainly get heated, but the Steelers must remain smart and disciplined. Anything can happen in these division games.

One play could change the game, and it would really suck if our game changing touchdown or turnover got cancelled by a penalty.