AFC North – Week 14 Divisional Recap
The Steelers clinched the division and the Ravens are holding on to their playoff hopes while the Bengals hurt their chances. And the Browns are still the Browns.
Pittsburgh Steelers 11-2
Baltimore Ravens 7-6
Cincinnati Bengals 5-8
Cleveland Browns 0-13
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Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers clinched the AFC North with a 39-38 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
What they did well
The Steelers played this game for Ryan Shazier, who was still in the hospital after suffering an injury to his spine last Monday night. Ben Roethlisberger became the first quarterback in NFL history with three 500 yard games. Antonio Brown had another incredible day with 11 catches for 213 yards. Le’Veon Bell had 125 yards from scrimmage with 3 touchdowns (2 rushing and 1 receiving). The Steelers scored the first 14 and last 10 points of the game. Chris Boswell once again kicked the game winning field goal, though there were still 43 seconds left this time.
Where they needed improvement
The Steelers were in danger of losing at home after having a 14 point lead for the first time in team history. Their 14-0 lead became a 31-20 deficit after the third quarter. The defense gave up 413 total yards, including 152 on the ground. They allowed the Ravens to come back and take a commanding lead in the third quarter. The Steelers had 101 yards in penalties, including 96 in the second half.
What is Next
The Steelers host the New England Patriots in a key matchup that could decide home field in the playoffs in Week 15.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens lost a heart breaker to the Steelers in Pittsburgh, 39-38.
What they did well
The Ravens had 152 rushing yards, including 120 and a touchdown from Alex Collins. Collins added 46 yards on a pair of receptions. The Ravens had a 31-6 run in the second and third quarters to take a 31-20 lead. Their defense had 3 sacks, which is an accomplishment against Ben Roethlisberger.
Where they needed improvement
Joe Flacco threw an interception on the first drive that set up the first Steeler touchdown. The Ravens defense had a horrible day, giving up more than 500 yards passing, including 62 in less than 2 minutes on the final drive for the Steelers. The Ravens could not hold on to a 9 point lead with under 7 minutes to play.
What is Next
The Ravens travel to Cleveland to take on the Browns in Week 15.
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Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals got beat at home by the Chicago Bears, 33-7.
What they did well
Giovanni Bernard had a good game with 130 yards from scrimmage. He was the leading rusher and receiver for the Bengals. Michael Johnson had a pair of sacks, both of them helping to stall a Chicago drive. They did a much better job with the penalties, with just 56 penalty yards a week after setting a franchise record with 173 penalty yards.
Where they needed improvement
The Bengals did not have a good game. They gave up 482 total yards, 232 of them coming on the ground. They had no answer for Jordan Howard, who ran for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns. Offensively, they could not extend drives. They were 3 of 12 on third down and did not convert on either fourth down try. A.J. McCarron came in to replace an ineffective Andy Dalton in the fourth quarter.
What is next
The Bengals travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings in Week 15.
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Cleveland Browns
The Browns were so close to their first win, but fell to the Green Bay Packers at home in overtime, 27-21.
What they did well
The Browns had the Packers on the ropes. They had a 21-7 lead going into the fourth quarter and the Packers were still without Aaron Rodgers. DeShone Kizer threw for 214 yards and 3 touchdowns and Isaiah Crowell ran for 121 yards. The Browns still had a lead with under a minute to go, and it looked like Cleveland might finally enjoy their first win of the season.
Where they needed improvement
The Browns could not convert late in the first half as Kizer threw the first of his two interceptions with 17 seconds left. His other interception came in overtime and set up the game winning touchdown. The defense allowed 265 yards through the air and 3 passing touchdowns against a quarterback that has not looked good since taking over for Rogers. Ultimately, the Browns just found another way to lose.
What is Next
The Browns host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 15.
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