## Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Not Taking Joe Burrow, Bengals Lightly Ahead of Week 13 Game: ‘He’s MVP-Caliber’
**Pittsburgh, PA** – As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to host the Cincinnati Bengals in a pivotal Week 13 matchup, head coach Mike Tomlin is leaving no stone unturned in his assessment of the opposition. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Tomlin heaped praise upon Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, labeling him as “MVP-caliber” and emphasizing the need for his team to respect the threat he poses.
### Burrow’s Stellar Season
Burrow, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has emerged as one of the league’s most exciting and productive quarterbacks in his third season. Through 12 games, he has thrown for 3,341 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions, while completing 69.4% of his passes. His 108.9 passer rating ranks third in the NFL.
“Joe Burrow is a special talent,” said Tomlin. “He has all the tools you want in a quarterback. He’s accurate, he’s mobile, he can make all the throws, and he has a great understanding of the game.”
### Bengals’ Offensive Dominance
Burrow’s brilliance has translated into success for the Bengals, who currently sit atop the AFC North with a 7-4 record. Cincinnati’s offense ranks fourth in the NFL in scoring (27.8 points per game) and fifth in total yards (390.6 yards per game).
“They have a lot of weapons around him,” Tomlin said. “Ja’Marr Chase is a superstar, Tee Higgins is a great complement, and Tyler Boyd is a very underrated receiver. They also have a solid running game with Joe Mixon.”
### Steelers’ Defensive Challenge
The Steelers’ defense, which ranks 17th in the NFL in points allowed (22.1 per game), will have its hands full trying to contain Burrow and the Bengals’ high-powered offense. Pittsburgh has struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season, with just 16 sacks through 12 games.
“We have to find a way to get pressure on Burrow,” said Tomlin. “We can’t let him sit back there and pick us apart. We also need to be disciplined in our coverage and make sure we don’t give up any easy completions.”
### Impact on AFC Playoff Race
Sunday’s game between the Steelers and Bengals is a crucial one in the AFC Playoff race. Pittsburgh currently holds a 5-6 record and is in the thick of the wild-card hunt, while Cincinnati is looking to secure the AFC North title.
“This is a big game for both teams,” said Tomlin. “We know what’s at stake. We’re not going to take the Bengals lightly. They’re a very good team with a lot of talented players. We’re going to have to be at our best to beat them.”
### Conclusion
As the Steelers prepare for their Week 13 showdown with the Bengals, they are fully aware of the challenge that awaits them. Joe Burrow is playing at an MVP level, and Cincinnati’s offense is one of the most potent in the NFL. Pittsburgh’s defense will need to step up and find a way to pressure Burrow if they want to come away with a victory and keep their playoff hopes alive.