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The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to limit Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense as they look to strengthen their position atop the AFC North Division in Week 11. In their last meeting in Week 7, Cincinnati’s receiving duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins combined for 22 receptions, 257 yards, and two touchdowns against Pittsburgh’s secondary.
Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the team’s defensive progress on Tuesday with particular emphasis on recent changes in the secondary. Despite dealing with ongoing injury concerns, Tomlin expressed confidence in the new safety pairing that has helped limit explosive plays in recent weeks.
“Mike Tomlin says he ‘feels stability’ in Jalen Ramsey and Kyle Dugger being at safety and how they’ve limited explosive plays. Says they haven’t had a lot of that this season before the change,” Christopher Carter posted on X.
Mike Tomlin says he “feels stability” in Jalen Ramsey and Kyle Dugger being at safety and how they’ve limited explosive plays. Says they haven’t had a lot of that this season before the change. #Steelers
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) November 11, 2025
The Steelers paired Ramsey with Dugger two weeks ago following a trade that brought Dugger from New England. Chuck Clark was sidelined by illness while Jabrill Peppers dealt with a quad injury, forcing Ramsey into a full-time safety role.
The three-time All-Pro cornerback has adapted to the position and delivered improved results compared to Pittsburgh’s previous rotation. His performance helped solidify the decision to release Juan Thornhill earlier this week.
When Darius Slay left Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Ramsey remained at safety while James Pierre moved outside to cover the cornerback position. Slay is currently in concussion protocol, with his availability for the Bengals game uncertain.
Pittsburgh appears comfortable relying on its current secondary group even as Peppers returns to practice. The team added Asante Samuel Jr. to the practice squad on Tuesday for additional depth.
Pierre has earned Tomlin’s trust through steady play that has allowed the coaching staff to keep Ramsey at safety rather than moving him back to his natural cornerback position.
NEXT: Steelers’ Playoff Chances Take Huge Hit After Sunday’s Loss
