Bengals defense focusing on stopping Steelers RB
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CINCINNATI -- For the Cincinnati Bengals this week, heading into an AFC North matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers with first place in the division on the line, a successful day on defense starts with handling Steelers running back Jaylen Warren.
Warren has two 100+ yard rushing games in his last three matchups against the Bengals. Back in their Week 3 meeting in Pittsburgh, an explosive run from Warren set up the game-deciding field goal in a 30-27 win for the Steelers.
"They're really comfortable with their run game, and we'll have to be really good at executing," defensive coordinator Al Golden said. "(Warren) is extremely talented. I've always thought he was. He has great ballast. Power. They're getting the ball to him a lot on the perimeter, and he's making people pay."
Warren ranks sixth in the NFL in rushing yards and first in yards per carry.
The Bengals' defense has allowed the eighth-most rushing yards per game in the NFL this season. They've specifically struggled on runs outside of the tackles. On Wednesday, Golden emphasized the importance of needing to be better at toss runs toward the sideline.
Last week, when the Bengals beat the Atlanta Falcons, 34-17, Atlanta got some early momentum on a game-opening touchdown drive with a 19-yard run on a toss play.
The Bengals responded after the opening drive and kept Robinson in check for most of the rest of the game. He didn't have a run of 10+ yards after the first quarter.
The Bengals' success against Robinson, an All-Pro, gives the defense momentum heading into this week's matchup against Warren.
Golden said that he's seeing improvement from Bengals' second-year linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter.
"I love the trajectory of both of those guys," Al Golden said. "We have to keep going. Obviously, we're eight games in going on nine now. We have to continue to make positive gains."
Golden said that Carter is coming off of one of his best games in the NFL. Knight has made several splash plays in the backfield recently.
"Linebacker is one of the most challenged positions in football," Golden said. "Especially the way the game is going. There's so much eye candy pre-snap. You have shifts, motions, jet motions. A lot of things to mess with your keys. A lot of key breakers. Those guys are in the middle of it. They're both responding really well."
A big question in the Bengals' run defense is what they can expect at the slot corner position. Josh Newton took over as the starter last week, becoming the Bengals' third different slot corner to start a game for the team this season. He has room to grow as a tackler, and this is his chance to show his development as a player.
"(Newton) plays with a lot of fire," coach Zac Taylor said. "It's really important to him. Emotional player, does his job. Does exactly how we want him to do it. So I think that he's been a good addition over there and helped us."
A Giants win
The Commanders (2-5-1) missed a chance to win the first meeting last month because they screwed up the clock and settled for a tie. Jayden Daniels is 3-0-1 against the Giants (5-2-1). He has to watch out for Arvell Reese, who had three sacks last week against Philadelphia. J.J. McCarthy makes his first home start for the Giants (1.5-point favorites) and Cam Skattebo is expected to return from a hamstring injury. McCarthy hasn't thrown a TD pass in his two starts. The Giants lost 10 straight games on Thursday nights before beating the Eagles last year. Giants, 23-19
Ryan in trouble
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Former NFL coach Rex Ryan turned himself in for allegedly hitting pedestrians with his truck in Nashville and leaving the scene.
Police say two pedestrians had the right of way crossing a main street Thursday night when Ryan allegedly turned at a red light, running over their feet. Ryan faces misdemeanor charges of leaving the scene of an accident, failing to give information or render aid and failing to obey a traffic control signal. Ryan turned himself in early Wednesday and was later released.
Elsewhere:
n The Dolphins are hopeful quarterback Malik Willis' stint on injured reserve will not be an extended one. Coach Jeff Hafley said when and if he returns, he will be Miami's starter. Willis went on injured reserve after an MRI revealed he had a core muscle injury in a loss to the Lions. Backup QB Kyle McCord will take over and Brady Cook will be the backup.