Bengals' Barrett Carter Identifies Key Formula for Beating Steelers in Week 11
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a season that has been full of ebbs and flows in 2025. The group started the year off hot with a record of 4-1, but the team has gone 1-3 in their last four games and currently sit with a record of 5-4. Pittsburgh once had a commanding lead in the AFC North, but that lead has dwindled down to just one game. The skid began with a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals back in Week 7, and that was a game where the offense performed well, but the defense had no answers for Cincinnati.
Pittsburgh lost the first matchup of the two teams in 2025 by a score of 33-31. The game was exciting, but that was mainly due to the lack of defense being played by both sides. The Steelers lost the turnover battle, and that was ultimately the difference in the game as Pittsburgh fell to a game-winning field goal from the Bengals late in the fourth quarter. Cincinnati's defense has been putrid all season long, but the group was able to get the key takeaways that were needed in their win over Pittsburgh. Bengals rookie linebacker Barrett Carter spoke to the media on Wednesday, and he shared the defense's mindset entering the matchup in Week 11.
"Absolutely. We've gotta get the ball back to our offense and let them do what they do," Carter said. "We have a bunch of playmakers on that side of the ball, and that's what they do. They put points on the board. That's the goal, plus-two, at least plus-two turnovers. Just get the ball back to our guys and let them go make plays."
Carter was able to identify how key those takeaways were for the Bengals in the first matchup between the two teams. Both interceptions came in the second quarter of the game, and they led to 10 points for the Cincinnati offense which gave them the lead heading into halftime. Pittsburgh started the game off with a 10-0 lead, and that quickly went away after the Bengals' defense was able to pick off Aaron Rodgers twice.
The Bengals currently rank 32nd in both yards allowed and points allowed, but their offense has the ability to keep up with anyone. Joe Flacco has settled in nicely in Cincinnati, and he gets the pleasure of throwing to arguably the best wide receiver duo in the league. It is clear that Carter and the rest of the defense have the mindset of getting them the ball back, because that is how they have been able to win games.
Cincinnati could give up yards and points, but the offense will be able to keep pace and even get ahead if they are able to take the ball away from Pittsburgh. The Steelers' defense could not stop anything when going up against the Bengals the first time around, but the group has changed a lot since then and has been playing better football. The additions of Kyle Dugger and Asante Samuel Jr. will be interesting to watch, especially if Samuel is elevated to the active roster for the game.
Steelers' Offense Has The Chance To Get Back On Track Against The Bengals
Bengals struggle defensively, which means this is a great chance for Rodgers and the Pittsburgh offense to get back on track. That side of the ball has had a string of rough games, and this could be the game where the run game and passing game come together for an impressive team effort.
Rodgers likely won't be as bad as he was against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10, and Pittsburgh's offensive line should be able to play better against a worse Cincinnati defense.
Key Lions returns set to make a playoff push a lot easier (but not right away)
Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reed have been sorely missed in the Detroit Lions' starting lineup. The Lions' pass rushing and secondary have suffered the most this season, although not to the detriment of the team's record. They're atop the NFC North at 6-3 ahead of Week 11, just waiting to get healthier ahead of a big December push.
The practice window was started for both Davenport and Reed ahead of the Lions' game against the Philadelphia Eagles, meaning the team expects to get them back within the next 21 days. It's unlikely that they both play right away, but with a few key NFC games coming up for Detroit, it's better to let them get back up to speed before throwing them back out there against top competition.
Until then, Detroit continues to plug the holes left by the two defenders, and to some decent success.
Lions set to get back two key returns, likely ahead of Packers game
While it's unclear when either will be back on the field, Reed seems more than motivated to help out the Lions - especially since they will probably be without Terrion Arnold for Sunday Night Football.
"Me, I'm a gamer, so I’m ready, but that’s not my call. Obviously, they’re going to be smart about it, but if you ask me, I’m ready to play. That’s just my mindset,"
Reed would be a huge addition to the Lions' secondary alongside Brian Branch, as it currently looks like the team is going to trot out their Legion of Whom against Philadelphia. While they are the most recent Super Bowl champions, the Eagles aren't the most formidable foe the Lions have coming up.
So, it would make sense if they decide to keep Reed and Davenport at bay until they're 100 percent ready to go against the Green Bay Packers, for example. That's the team's biggest November contest by far.
Davenport, on the other hand, could help to add back some firepower behind Al-Quadin Muhammad, Tyrus Wheat, and Tyler Lacy. They've been more than serviceable next to Aidan Hutchinson, but the Lions clearly still need someone to get after the quarterback at a higher rate aside from Hutchinson.
A healthy defense could be the difference maker for Detroit as they charge towards capturing the 1 seed. Without a pass rush attack and a shutdown secondary, the Lions will be far too reliant on an offense that lives and dies by their offensive line, another unhealthy and questionable part of their team.
