PITTSBURGH – Rivalries in the Premier Madden League are built on history, bruises, and grudges that never fully die. And as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their Week 9 showdown, they find themselves staring straight at an opponent who checks every box: a divisional rival, a team ahead of them in the standings, and a head coach who has spent the last two weeks desperately trying to convince the world that he finally belongs.
The 5–3 Cincinnati Bengals, led by their loud, animated, and newly emboldened head coach Cammy, are coming to town with momentum, bravado, and an inflated sense of confidence. The Steelers sit at 4–3 after stacking three straight wins, but Cammy believes he has the upper hand heading into this matchup.
He has been chirping in Discord. He has been sending subliminals in game day chats. He has been subtweeting without the tweets. And above all, he has been trying to get under the skin of Coach DK LaFleur. a man who has owned him historically, beaten him soundly in past matchups, and rarely bothered to acknowledge Cammy’s competitive existence.
Cammy Wants Smoke, And He Picked the Wrong Week for It
League insiders have reported that Cammy has been “talking spicy” since the moment the Bengals moved above .500. He has thrown shade about LaFleur’s coaching ability, mocked last year’s late season collapse, and even implied that Pittsburgh’s current winning streak is “fluky.”
One coach in the AFC North summed it up perfectly:
“Cammy talks a whole lot for someone DK has cooked every time they played.”
History supports that. The battles between LaFleur and Cammy have never been close. LaFleur has out-schemed him. Out-adjusted him. Outplayed him in every meaningful statistical and narrative sense.
But now, somehow, someway, Cammy believes the tides have turned.
Maybe it is the 5–3 start.
Maybe it is the illusion of new beginnings under a new regime.
Maybe it is plain old delusion.
Whatever the cause, Cammy has made one thing clear: he wants this matchup.
DK LaFleur’s Response? Classic, Direct, and Savage
When asked earlier this season what he thought of Cammy’s sudden burst of confidence, LaFleur delivered his now iconic quote:
“He can hold my nuts.”
This week, when asked again during the early practice availability, LaFleur doubled down.
“I am not worried about Cammy. I never have been. If he wants attention, he can earn it Sunday. Not with his mouth. With his play.”
The message was unmistakable: Pittsburgh is preparing for a football game. Cammy is preparing for a podcast episode.
Bengals at a Glance: Improved, But Far From Proven
To Cammy’s credit, the Bengals have been more competitive than in years past. Their 5–3 record includes gritty wins, clean offensive performances, and a defense that has delivered timely turnovers. They have explosiveness at receiver, stability at running back, and Joe Burrow at quarterback who has bought into Cammy’s system.
But their weaknesses remain glaring:
- They rely too heavily on downfield shots
- Their run defense collapses against physical teams
- Their offensive line struggles against elite pass rushers
- They crumble when forced into long, methodical drives
Guess which team has been thriving in those exact areas during their three game heater?
The Steelers Are Evolving And Dangerous
Pittsburgh enters this matchup with their clearest identity of the season.
The offense is balanced.
The ground game is lethal.
Ridder is playing his best football since joining the black and gold.
The defense is forcing turnovers with surgical precision.
But what stands out most is the team’s chemistry.
The thunder and lightning running back duo is humming.
The offensive line has settled.
The receivers are stepping up in the absence of Amon Ra St. Brown.
The defense is flying around with swagger.
The Steelers feel like a team rising.
The Bengals feel like a team pretending.
The Revenge Narrative Is Real
Pittsburgh remembers what happened last season. They remember dropping games late. They remember letting the playoff push slip away. And they remember hearing from multiple teams, Cammy included, that the Steelers “were not built to finish.”
This matchup is more than a divisional game.
More than standings positioning.
More than statistics.
This is a statement game.
Beat the Bengals, and the Steelers move to 5–3, moving ahead of Cincinnati, and formally reclaiming control of the AFC playoff race.
Losses earlier in the year? Irrelevant.
Slow start? Forgotten.
Doubts about coaching? Silenced.
This game is the crossroads where the Steelers either continue their climb or lose grip on momentum.
LaFleur knows it.
The locker room knows it.
The fanbase knows it.
And Cammy knows it too, which is exactly why he is talking so much.
Keys to Victory for Pittsburgh
1. Pressure Joe Burrow
Given Cincinnati’s inconsistent quarterback protection, T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith must feast. If the Bengals fall behind the sticks, the Steelers will control the rhythm.
2. Let Nate Carter and Kaleb Johnson eat
Cincinnati has struggled all year against physical runners. This is a game tailor made for smashmouth football.
3. Make Cammy play patient
He hates it.
He avoids it.
He self destructs when forced to be methodical.
If the Steelers force long drives, the turnovers will come.
4. Ridder must stay turnover free
The Bengals thrive on momentum plays. As long as Ridder keeps distributing and avoids hero ball, Pittsburgh will dictate the pace.
What This Game Means in the PML Landscape
If Pittsburgh wins, the AFC North becomes a three team race.
If Cincinnati wins, Cammy gets his first real bragging rights over LaFleur.
But deeper than that, this game is about respect. Earned, not claimed.
Cammy has been talking like a coach ready to rewrite the rivalry.
LaFleur has been responding like a coach ready to remind him of the history.
Sunday decides which version becomes reality.
The Final Word
The Steelers have climbed from 1–3 to 4–3, fueled by momentum, unity, and belief. The Bengals sit at 5–3, puffed up, loud, and ready to test themselves.
One team is rising.
One is boasting.
On Sunday, both collide.
And if Cammy truly believes that this rivalry has finally shifted?
He might be in for a harsh reminder.
The receipts are waiting.
– Forged In Steel Times
