Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt knows the challenge Joe Burrow presents. Ahead of the teams’ pivotal Week 10 matchup in Cincinnati, Watt said the Steelers have plenty of experience and film to study.
“It’s pretty obvious what Joe’s capable of,” Watt said after Friday’s practice. “You have so much film on him now over the years. Joe’s playing elite football at a high level, and he’ll bring the best out of us.”
Sunday’s game will be Burrow’s ninth start against Pittsburgh. He is 4-4 as a starter against the Steelers.
## Burrow’s Record Against Pittsburgh
Burrow has faced at least seven teams three or more times: his AFC North rivals, the Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers. Against non-division opponents he has played multiple times, he is 10-5. Against division opponents, his career record is 13-17.
His 4-4 mark against Pittsburgh is his best record against an AFC North rival. Burrow is 4-6 against the Cleveland Browns and 5-7 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Despite that even record, Pittsburgh has given him trouble. Burrow has a 96 passer rating against the Steelers, one of his lowest against any team. He has also been sacked 24 times by Pittsburgh and thrown 10 interceptions against them—both the most he has recorded against a single opponent.
## Bengals Face a Key AFC North Test
The matchup is an important test for a Cincinnati team with Super Bowl ambitions. Since Burrow arrived, the Bengals have not consistently controlled their division. Pittsburgh has been a difficult opponent, winning two of the past three AFC North titles.
The Steelers enter the game at 6-2, tied with Cincinnati for the division lead. Pittsburgh has already beaten the Bengals once this season, in Pittsburgh. A Cincinnati loss would leave the Bengals a game behind and give the Steelers two wins in the season series. A Bengals victory would put Cincinnati a game ahead and even the head-to-head record.
Burrow will have a chance to help change the Bengals’ recent pattern against their division rivals. Consistent success in AFC North games is important to Cincinnati’s bid to remain among the league’s top contenders.
