By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

In the shadow this season of Johnson and Johnson, wide receiver Peter Warrick quietly is having his best year as a pro.

With the one-two punch of Rudi Johnson and Corey Dillon at running back, and with Chad Johnson emerging as one of the NFL's top wide receivers, Warrick sometimes is the skill player opposing defenses overlook.

The Steelers will use up to four cornerbacks, but Warrick should see plenty of Deshea Townsend on Sunday.

Townsend has moved into the starting lineup ahead of Dewayne Washington at right cornerback. Townsend has started the previous three games, and he has broken up seven passes and forced one fumble for the Steelers this season.

Worried about the Bengals' rush offense and their suddenly potent passing game, the Steelers are expected to play a lot of nickel coverage (a fifth defensive back).

Warrick has become a vital contributor in both the Bengals' pass and rush offenses.

A solid 192 pounds, Warrick has impressed teammates with his downfield blocking in the past month, sometimes at the expense of his reception total.

Still, he has 54 receptions for 592 yards - an 11-yard average - and has five touchdown receptions. He is tied for third in the AFC with 20 third-down receptions.

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