The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense is simple. That can be a good thing because it allows players to play fast and adjust to almost anything an offense throws at them. However, when it becomes too predictable, the Steelers face trouble against teams that know how to exploit it.

The Cincinnati Bengals haven't lived up to their expectations so far this season, but they still have a chance to get hot and make the playoffs. The primary burden of that falls on star quarterback Joe Burrow, who has played some of the best football of his career this season.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin seems to be specifically focused on his team competing against Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who in Tomlin's mind is having an "MVP-caliber" season even if the team is only 4–7. Tomlin paid Burrow this high compliment when discussing this weekend's matchup.