3 Steelers' defensive keys to victory vs. Bengals on Thursday Night Football in Week 7

With the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ Week 7 primetime matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football just one day away, we’ve got three new defensive keys to victory that could help the Steel City brand of football advance to 5-1 on the regular season.

From creative blitzes to unleashing arguably Pittsburgh’s greatest defender, to neutralizing the Bengals’ most dangerous weapon, here are the three defensive keys to victory.

Bring the blitz

Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) passes against pressure from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Blitzburgh made a triumphant return against the Browns last Sunday, and if it isn’t broke, why fix it? Against the struggling Bengals’ offensive line and a new, yet aging, quarterback still unfamiliar with Cincinnati’s scheme, sending creative blitzes via CB Jalen Ramsey or LB Patrick Queen could wreak havoc on Thursday Night Football.

Unleash Nick Herbig

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 12: Dillon Gabriel #8 of the Cleveland Browns is sacked by Nick Herbig #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter in the game at Acrisure Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Herbig has looked like a man possessed over the past several weeks, and he could be in for a massive game against Cincinnati. He out-snapped both Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt on defense against Cleveland, and Pittsburgh should seriously consider repeating that game plan on Thursday night, as Herbig is beginning to show signs of a Defensive Player of the Year-type season.

Double team Ja’Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) is pulled down by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) and safety Damontae Kazee (23) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 12 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023.

While Pittsburgh heavily invested in their cornerback room this offseason, it doesn’t change the fact that Chase deserves at least two defensive backs in coverage at all times. Having a safety shadowing the matchup over Chase allows the Steelers to choose which talented cornerback should follow the Bengals’ WR2, Tee Higgins — neutralizing the biggest threats on offense.

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, as well as Pittsburgh’s divisional matchup vs. the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers’ defensive keys to victory vs. Bengals in Week 7

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