The interception was his third in a span of four games, and it set up Josh Brown’s 43-yard field goal that lifted the Bengals to a 13-10 victory and sent them into the playoffs while eliminating the Steelers.
Nelson added another interception against Roethlisberger in the third quarter of last year’s game, but it was what happened five plays earlier than Steelers fans remember most. Nelson’s tackle of Le’Veon Bell on a 19-yard reception not only knocked the running back out of the game but ended his season with a shattered right knee.
Asked if he was prepared for his role as a villain today, Nelson said, “What happened? I don’t know nothing about Le’Veon.”
Television cameras caught Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin yelling at Nelson after the game. Asked if he has spoken with Tomlin since that night, Nelson said, “No comment” before adding, “Tomlin’s a great coach, and he’ll have his guys ready. Marvin’s going to do the same with us.”
Nelson’s past trips to Pittsburgh and the upcoming one are the subject of this week’s Bengals High 5:
Q: Your teammate Michael Johnson described Heinz Field as a fun place to play. Do you agree?
A: It is. Definitely. You see the towels, and everybody's screaming and cussing at you. There's just so much energy in that stadium. They've got a great fan base and a great team over there.
Q: What's the crowd like when you drive in on the bus?
A: It's cool when you're driving in. It's the simple fact of when you come out what the crowd will be doing. Like I said, it's a great crowd, a great atmosphere to play in and we just can't wait til Sunday.
Q: With the Steelers expected to get Ben Roethlisberger back at quarterback, it means the cornerbacks have to stick with the receivers a little longer. How does it affect what you do as a safety?
A: I have to do the same thing, stay deep, because he extends plays. The corners have to cover their guy, but they still have to have over-the-top help. The hit some deep ones on us last year, beat us twice and won the division.
Q: Do you remember the play in 2012 when you picked off Big Ben at the end to set up the game-winning field goal?
A: Nah. I don't. That's too long ago. I'm trying to correct these other memories right now. Hopefully if you ask me that question on Monday I can give you a good answer.
Q: How would you define the Bengals-Steelers rivalry?
A: It's a great rivalry. It's always a great game when we play against them, just like when we play against Baltimore. It's going to be a great show. I just can't wait to get out there and play.
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