CINCINNATI -- The Steelers are breaking off double-digit-play drives with relative ease and face A.J. McCarron on defense.
No need to get swallowed by the rivalry talk. The edge is there.
The pregame scuffle has carried over to live action, with the Steelers committing unnecessary penalties that are affecting the rhythm of this game. Pittsburgh's up 16-7 and there's no guarantee McCarron is up to the second-half challenge while Andy Dalton nurses a right thumb injury suffered on a tackle attempt of Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt.
Still, the Steelers have let Vontaze Burfict and the Bengals affect them, at least early on.