Steelers swept in season series by Bengals

It was stinky cheese day at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh as the Steelers took an afternoon nap against the Bengals. The Bengals beat the Steelers 18 to 12 and sweep the season series.

This game was odd although both defenses went at it. Both QB's were bad in my opinion.

• Roethlisberger was 20 for 40 for 174 yards. 1 INT and plenty of bad throws. Sacked 4 times.
• Palmer was 18 for 30 for 178 yards. Sacked 2 times.

Nobody ran the ball particularly well.

• 18 rushing plays for 80 yards for Pittsburgh. Mendenhall 13 carries for 36 yards.
• 29 for 61 yards for Cincy. 13 for 33 for Bernard Scott.

Problem?:

Notice the score and then notice the rushing attempts by the Steelers. What is wrong with Arians and Roethlisberger? Why do you have such a huge disparity between pass attempts and rush attempts? This was the kind of game you needed to hold onto the ball and also keep the opponent guessing. Some will say "but we were not running the ball well". Well we weren't throwing it any better! As long as I have watched the NFL the facts prove overwhelmingly that you need to keep both the run and pass on the mix unless you are desperate. When we had a 9 to 6 lead we needed to hog the ball! I don't mean rush more than pass either. It always sickens my stomach when I see to much one way or the other.

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RED ZONE DISASTER: 0 for 4? Unacceptable if you have Super Bowl plans.

3rd Down Conversions: 3 for 15? You're kidding right?

Another kick off return TD allowed! Yes ANOTHER! That makes at least 3 this season. Special Teams Coach should be half way out the door.

Along that theme - Jeff Reed is a joke in trying to make a tackle. He can trash bathrooms at convenience stores in the off season but he can't grab hold of a guy holding a football?

Hey I guess we need to tip our hat to the Bengals defense. They did appear to step it up. The Bengals are undefeated on the road. They have swept the Steelers and the Ravens this season. They are finally competitive again. Credit Marvin Lewis and his team.

Random Thoughts:

• The Troy Polamalu situation doesn't look good.
• The O-line had been playing pretty good in prior weeks. This was not a good game for them. Honestly I blame the lack of balance somewhat. The Bengals did not blitz much at all.
• The D held Cincinnati to 4 for 14 on 3rd downs. NO TD's allowed.
• Santonio Holmes did not have a bad day. 7 catches for 88 yards.
• Hines Ward did not have a great stat day but he gave it everything today as he always does.

The Steelers have their 3rd bye week this week as they visit Kansas City. Yes 3rd bye week. 1 - Detroit - 2 - Week 8 and 3 - KC. I would count Cleveland but that is a division game and that does make some difference.

NOTE: My pre-view of the Bengals game could not have been more wrong!

By: Andy Natalie
ProFootball-fans.com Pittsburgh Steelers Correspondent