And on offense, it appears that Arians has finally gotten the message. Running is a very necessary part of winning in the NFL. The O-line has steadily improved in each game since the debacle in Chicago. Last night, the much improved blocking schemes — cross-blocks, pulling guards, unbalanced offensive line, and crushing double-teams at the point of attack –made Mendenhall’s 155 yards possible. However, Arians still has a tendency to abandon the run prematurely, as in the first half of the game. When you have one of th league’s premier QBs, that tendency is understandable, but strategically fatal. Ben’s interception on the doorstep of a TD (not the first time that’s happened) is not only Ben’s mistake, it is Arians’ mistake. Our O-line is good enough to run it in. Or it should be.

We’re meeting the Bengals next. Their running game is exactly what the Steelers used to be. To beat them, our running game has to be what the Steelers used to be. The aerial circus won’t get it done by itself. We need a commitment to the run to control the clock and time of possession; to wear the opposing defense down; and to keep our aching defense rested. Mendy is not the power runner Benson is, but he is good enough if the O-line is allowed to develop a little rhythm. If we rush for 100+ against Cincy we win; if we don’t, we won’t.