By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Amos Zereoue became the Steelers' top running back this season, relegating Jerome Bettis to backup duty, but Zereoue and the traditionally strong Pittsburgh rush offense are off to rough starts.

The Bengals can't let the Steelers get healthy in the run game if they want to pull the upset Sunday.

It's up to Bengals linebackers to keep Zereoue - and Bettis - in check. Middle linebacker Kevin Hardy is the Bengals' leading tackler, with 10.

If the Bengals can stop the run, they will force Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox to beat them, and he has been prone to mistakes - three interceptions and six sacks.

Zereoue ran 11 times for 48 yards last week in the Steelers' loss at Kansas City. He was not happy afterwards, saying, "As a back, you want to get some rhythm, and it's tough to get into that when you're sitting on the sideline."

Zereoue has 104 yards in two games, and Bettis - who has a 104.7-yard average in 14 career games against the Bengals - has just 21 yards. Opponents have out-rushed the Steelers 246-148 yards.

Pittsburgh's offense is out of balance, having thrown 82 passes with just 49 rushing attempts.

"We can't be a team that goes in and throws the ball 40-45 times and expect to win games on a regular basis," coach Bill Cowher said. "We still have to have balance, still have to establish the running game."

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