Analyzing Cincinnati Bengals' Offensive Line Ahead of AFC North Matchup with Pittsburgh Steelers

The Bengals are hoping to end a two-game losing streak on Sunday when they host the Steelers at Paycor Stadium.

Author:
Parker Blake
Publish date:
Nov 23, 2023 8:17 AM EST

In this story:

Through 10 games, the Bengals offensive line looks much improved according to my grades. While they have been up and down overall, they are on a positive trajectory.

The line looks most improved from center to right tackle. This should not be too surprising as Ted Karras and Alex Cappa were my highest graded players on last year's line and Jonah Williams has the most experience in the Bengals' system.

Cordell Volson is sitting right at the same mark he finished the 2022 season with, while the left tackle position seems to have regressed slightly. That shouldn't be much reason for concern though, as Orlando Brown Jr. is the newest piece on the line.

Week 11: Recap

While it was a below average week for the unit, their were bright spots! Cappa had the bounce back game we all hoped was coming and finished the week with an overall grade of 88.52 to pair with his clean sheet in pass protection. Brown and Volson both finished with above average grades on the week.

Volson looked great with an 81.58 run blocking grade. Though it was one of their worst weeks as a unit with three different players allowing sacks, I expect them to get back on pace for an improved year as far as stats go. They are still allowing a decent amount of pressure from the left side, but both Brown and Volson seem to be hitting their stride as we get into the late part of the season. Being the weaker points of the line, I am hoping they can keep that up and finish the season strong.

Week 12: Preview

I have been waiting for the first matchup against the Steelers. Williams versus T.J. Watt will be a big matchup for anyone that is considering extending the Bengals' right tackle after this season. I gave Volson his worst grade of the 2022 season after he saw the Steelers for the second time in his career. I am looking forward to seeing how he handles himself in round three as this should be a good benchmark for how he has improved in his second season.

Of course, I have to bring up Brown's matchup against Alex Highsmith on the left side. With Brown having the most time left on his contract of the offensive line room, it is always exciting to see him face off against higher quality talent in the division.

The Steelers' defense has been a force this season. Watt and Highsmith are both sitting around a 15% pass rush win rate (per PFF) while rookie interior defensive lineman Keeanu Benton is at 10%.

They have forced 12 fumbles and have 11 interceptions on the season. However, for as aggressive as their pass rush is, their run defense has some give. If the Bengals are able to lean on the run game, they should be able to manufacture some extra time for Jake Browning with the play action game. There's no doubt that the first battle between these teams will be exciting on Sunday!

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