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Steelers-Bengals live chat and updates
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Brian Batko
7:56
Hi everyone, and happy holidays. 20 minutes from game time. Steelers-Bengals on Monday Night Football. Thanks for joining the chat.
Nick
7:56
Brian, I continue to be nervous about tonight's game. They have lost 2 in a row. No running game, offense is only short passes and very predictable and injured defense. Did you and Ray pick them to win? I could not find your weekly podcast this week.
Brian Batko
7:59
We both picked Steelers, although I had the Bengals covering and losing by 10 (with a late touchdown to make it look good). I don't think there's much reason to be nervous about a loss. Bengals are bad and not even a desperate bad like the Jets were when they pulled off that upset of the Rams yesterday. Although if they're motivated by JuJu's pregame dancing...
Steelers leading WR tonight:

JuJu Smith-Schuster (34.8% | 8 votes)
 
Chase Claypool (30.4% | 7 votes)
 
Diontae Johnson (26.1% | 6 votes)
 
James Washington (4.3% | 1 vote)
 
Other (4.3% | 1 vote)
 

Total Votes: 23
Steelers North
8:00
Hey Bats!  Any news on why Derwin Gray over JC?
Brian Batko
8:01
Hey, friend! I haven't heard that, and I'm not at the game to see warmups. If they do give Derwin Gray the start, it'll probably be to have a bit more physicality in the run game, which they really need to get going. Gray goes 6-4, 320, while Hassenauer is a bit undersized, listed (generously?) at 6-3, 295.
Steelers North
8:02
I don’t know for sure but MNF starters had Gray listed
Brian Batko
8:02
Gotcha. Yeah, that would be a surprise to me if they go with Gray, but we'll see.
LadySteelersNationUnited
8:03
#HEREWEGO!
Charlie
8:03
Is the game only on espn what about us folk who dont subscribe to cable are we out of luck?
Brian Batko
8:03
Yes it is. Sorry, Charlie. Go to a bar to watch - wait, no, nevermind. Well, maybe one with outdoor seating?
Nick
8:05
I listen to the game on KDKA radio, better than TV commentators.
Rich
8:05
Hopeful less stress  and easy  game to watch.
Brian Batko
8:05
Last Bengals game was pretty relaxing
LadySteelersNationUnited
8:06
Deonte Johnson can't catch! Hope he's not a target tonight...
Angie
8:06
We need Gunslinger Ben back.
Brian Batko
8:07
That's all well and good if Gunslinger Ben is throwing the ball deep and stretching the field, but not so much if he's serving up picks to a Bengals tandem that is about the only positive for that team this year.
Dale
8:07
Its time to play football
Tim
8:07
Predict big night for diontae tonight
Entmd
8:07
How about some run blocking?
Brian Batko
8:07
Perhaps Maurkice Pouncey and Dave DeCastro will be energized by their recent Pro Bowl nods.
Angie
8:08
Vince still on the Covid list?
Paul
8:08
Is VW playing tonight?
Brian Batko
8:09
Nope, two games missed for Vince Williams. Would expect him back next week.
The Dude
8:09
Play action and 15-20 yard passes in the middle of the field. That’s my game plan for tonight.!
Paul
8:10
Have a feeling McFarland pops a few good runs tonight.
Rich
8:12
Will they be able to run the ball  at least for 50 yds?
Brian Batko
8:12
Yes, I think they'll go for more than 50 yards rushing. Bengals defensive front is hurting.
Brad
8:13
Bombs are nice, but even mid range passes would help stretch the Bengals defense. That should help the run game, too.
Tim
8:13
Turnovers are only thing that keeps the Bengals in this game.
Yates
8:14
Hi Brian -  How do you see snap distribution for RBs?   Assume at least 25 run plays.
Brian Batko
8:14
I'd like to see more McFarland. But Benny Snell did have a nice game last year in Cincy, for whatever that's worth.
Steelers North
8:15
Somebody pay The Dude!  I’m down with his game plan!  And break out our rarely used Watt at FB!  Heck, you could even use the one that gets a lot of use at FB!
Brian Batko
8:15
"The Dude" from the chat for OC.
The Dude
8:15
PLAY ACTION
Run game 0
8:16
Divisional games are never sure things
Jim
8:16
Are the Bengals as banged up as the Steelers?
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