The Cincinnati Bengals are trying to qualify for the playoffs in back-to-back years for the first time since 1982, which ironically was the year Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was born.

And Roethlisberger has been as instrumental as any opposing player in keeping the Bengals from achieving repeat postseason berths since coming into the league in 2004.

First there was the 2006 season finale, when the defending AFC North Division champion Bengals could have clinched a second consecutive playoff berth with a victory at home against the Steelers. Roethlisberger rallied Pittsburgh in the fourth quarter to force overtime and then ended the Bengals season when he hit Santonio Holmes with a 67-yard game-winning touchdown on the third play of the extra session.

In 2010 Roethlisberger and the Steelers came to Cincinnati on a Monday night and dealt the Bengals a 27-21 setback for their fifth loss in a row, essentially ending any hope Marvin Lewis’ team had of defending its 2009 AFC North title following a somewhat promising 2-1 start. A month later, Roethlisberger would be responsible for the Bengals’ 10th loss in a row with another come-from-behind victory.

And the Miami University product can do it again when the Bengals and Steelers meet in de facto playoff game Sunday at Heinz Field. A Cincinnati win would clinch a playoff berth and eliminate Pittsburgh. But if Roethlisberger, who already has one victory against the Bengals this season, can improve to 15-4 in his 19th career game against Cincinnati, he would all but dash the franchise’s back-to-back hopes once again.

Here is an early look at 2012 version of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

OFFENSE

In what has been an evolving trend since Roethlisberger arrived in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are more of passing team than a running one. The Steelers rank 10th in the NFL in passing offense (248.6 yards per game) and just 26th in rushing (96.5) under first-year offensive coordinator Todd Haley.

Roethlisberger has thrown 22 touchdowns and just six interceptions, and his 98.1 passer rating ranks sixth in the league among quarterbacks with at least 200 attempts. He has thrown 82 passes in the two games since returning from a ribs/shoulder injury, both losses. In fact, the Steelers are 0-5 this year when Roethlisberger attempts 40 or more passes.

The running game is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry, and Pittsburgh hasn’t topped the 100-yard mark as a team in five games. Third-year back Jonathan Dwyer (131 carries for 532 yards) has emerged as the No. 1 option after having a breakout game against the Bengals in the first meeting, rushing for a career-high 122 yards.

DEFENSE

While the Pittsburgh offense has morphed into something new, the defense has not. The Steelers are ranked No. 1 in total defense (273.3) and passing defense (180.6) and fourth in rushing defense (92.7).

Dallas’ Tony Romo became the first quarterback in more than two years to throw for more than 300 yards against the Steelers, going for 341 in the Cowboys’ 27-24 overtime win Sunday.

Linebacker Lawrence Timmons leads the team with 116 tackles and three interceptions, while four other linebackers have at least four sacks — Jason Worilds (five), LaMarr Woodley (four), James Harrison (four) and Larry Foote (four).

SPECIAL TEAMS

Shaun Suisham has been one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL, making 26 of 27 field goal attempts, including 25 of 25 from 49 yards and in. Punter Drew Butler ranks just 29th with a 43.8-yard average, and his net average of 37.3 is 30th-best in the league.

SERIES

Pittsburgh leads 53-32, including the 2005 playoff victory in Cincinnati. The Steelers have a 27-14 edge in games played in Pittsburgh, including 7-4 at Heinz Field.