By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis has rushed for 1,278 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 career games against the Bengals.

"The Bus" is idling this year, with 184 yards in four games, an average of 46 a game.

The Bengals had better not let "The Bus" out of the garage today. Bettis can control a game, as he did against the Bengals on Oct. 7 last season in Pittsburgh. He gained 153 yards on 23 carries, and his early 48-yard run set the tone for the Steelers' 16-7 victory.

Bettis' hamstring injury was one reason the Bengals rallied and beat the Steelers 26-23 on Dec. 30. With Bettis out, the Bengals forced punts, intercepted Pittsburgh quarterback Kordell Stewart and came back from a 23-10 fourth-quarter deficit.

The Bengals' defense is improving against the run this season.

San Diego and Atlanta rushed for 241 and 156 yards in Games 1 and 3, respectively, but the Bengals held Cleveland to 75 yards in Game 2 and Indianapolis to 87 last week. The Bengals are ranked 25th in rushing defense at 129.4 yards a game.

Keeping Bettis in neutral would force the Steelers into a pass offense and make second-game starting quarterback Tommy Maddox win it.

Bettis has been all but forgotten in the pregame hype this week. The Bengals would be wise to remember his track record against them.

PICK ON CORNERS: The Steelers defense isn't playing up to its standard this season.

Pittsburgh has given up 30 or more points in three games, and no Bill Cowher-coached team has given up 30 four times in a season.

Besides the loss of inside linebacker Kendrell Bell, who is expected back today after missing time with a high ankle sprain, the Steelers - like the Bengals - have suffered because of poor play from their cornerbacks.

New Orleans Saints coach Jim Haslett, who had cornerbacks Chad Scott and Dewayne Washington when he was the Steelers' defensive coordinator, had his offense go after Scott and Washington with double-moves last week.

It worked, especially against Scott. He is an aggressive corner who often jumps on the fake and gets beat deep, which happened several times in New Orleans. The worst example was a 64-yard reception by Jerome Pathon.

The Steelers are ranked 23rd against the pass at 241.8 yards a game.

The opportunities will be there for Bengals quarterback Jon Kitna and his receivers.

Consistent gains in the pass offense, which the Bengals achieved last week in Indianapolis, again would open up running room for Corey Dillon.

"Last week, we finally threw it on first down a little bit, and that helped get them on their heels," Kitna said. "If you can get guys to be off balance on defense and not know what's coming at them, you have a chance."

MAN VS. NATURE: In addition to having the NFL's worst teams, the AFC North has the two worst grass playing fields in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

Coaches and players - including kickers - have complained about the poor footing and loose condition of the grass at Heinz Field and Paul Brown Stadium.

Cowher doesn't want to hear excuses from his team.

"There is nothing you can do about it," he said. "Both teams are playing on it. I know it wasn't in the best shape last year when we played there. I look at it and say, 'So deal with it.' "

Bengals kicker Neil Rackers has missed just one field goal at home this season, but that attempt had more to do with a bad hold than the field.

Pittsburgh kicker Todd Peterson is 4-of-6 on field goals.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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