Dec 11, 2015 4 min read

PITTSBURGH – There’s no such a thing as a shutdown defense in the NFL anymore.

Don’t think so?

Look at how much things have changed since 2008, when the Steelers led the league in total defense and points allowed.

Pittsburgh led the league that year, allowing a paltry 237.2 yards and 13.9 points per game. Seven other teams allowed fewer than 300 yards, while nine teams gave up less than 20 points per game.

As the Steelers (7-5) head into Sunday’s game at Cincinnati (10-2), the Bengals boast the league’s most stingy defense in points allowed at 16.3 per game and are 10th in total yards.

In 2008, Cincinnati’s points allowed total would have been a more than respectable fourth overall. Their yardage total, however, would have ranked 23rd.

A greater emphasis on defensive holding in the secondary and the league’s crackdown on big hits to limit concussions have opened things up to more passing than ever before.

The Bengals hope to improve on their current defensive numbers against the Steelers, who have tied an NFL record by gaining 450 or more yards in four consecutive games.

Since a 16-10 loss to Cincinnati Nov. 1 in quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s first game back after sitting out four games with a knee injury, the Steelers have averaged nearly 36 points and 529 yards per game. They have scored 30 or more points in four consecutive games, the first time in franchise history that has occurred.

One of those games came at Seattle, which had the league’s second-rated defense. The Steelers put up 538 yards in that game, a 39-30 loss, but showed they can move the ball and score on anyone when Roethlisberger is healthy.

“When we played him last, it was his first game back,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis of Roethlisberger. “They’ve settled in with their running back now, and they have the full complement of receivers back. Everyone has been playing back together for a bit, which has made a difference for them.”

The Steelers used to intimidate opponents with their hard-driving defense. Now, things have gone the other way.

Like other teams, Pittsburgh’s defense yields yards at a higher rate, allowing just over 365 per game. Opposing offenses must watch the Steelers’ offense with an eye on the scoreboard, wondering if they can keep up.

“It’s great for us. It’s great for our guys,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley. “We aren’t going to back down. We are going to keep attacking. We have the players with the skill sets to do it.”

The next two opponents – Cincinnati and Denver – might have the best opportunity to at least slow Pittsburgh’s offense.

The Bengals did it in the first meeting, limiting the Steelers to 356 yards, their lowest total in a game in which Roethlisberger played at least three quarters. Denver has the league’s top-ranked defense and is the only team holding opponents to fewer than 300 yards per game.

“Ben’s a very good quarterback and has a great command of what they do on offense,” said Lewis, a McDonald native and Fort Cherry High School graduate. “We were fortunate to do it. We’ve got to work hard to take care of things again and execute our game plan.”

Tight ends Heath Miller and Matt Spaeth, hobbled with injuries earlier in the week, each were a full participant at Friday’s practice and are listed as probable to play against the Bengals. … Cornerback Adam Jones (foot) and offensive tackle Jake Fisher (concussion) are doubtful for the Bengals, while cornerback Leon Hall (back) and safety George Iloka (groin) are questionable.