AFC North – Week 7 Divisional Recap
The Steelers are dominating the division, with a 3-0 divisional record and a 2 game lead over the Ravens. The Ravens, Bengals, and Browns all lost this week.
Pittsburgh Steelers 5-2
Baltimore Ravens 3-4
Cincinnati Bengals 2-4
Cleveland Browns 0-7
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers took care of the Cincinnati Bengals 29-14 at home this week to improve to 3-0 within the division.
What they did well
The Steelers did a good job of holding on to the ball. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 224 yards and 2 touchdowns, with Antonio Brown catching 4 passes for 65 yards and 1 of those touchdowns. Le’Veon Bell ran for 134 yards and added 3 catches for 58 more yards. The defense held the Bengals to 179 total net yards and recorded 4 sacks and 2 interceptions. Robert Golden even got into the act with a 44 yard pass on a fake punt.
Where they needed improvement
After scoring a touchdown in each of the first two quarters, the Steelers had to settle for 5 Chris Boswell field goals. They converted just 1 of 6 chances in the red zone, which could come back to haunt them if they don’t turn it around.
What is Next
The Steelers travel to Detroit to face the Lions in Week 8.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens went to Minnesota and lost to the Vikings 24-16.
What they did well
The Ravens had a +1 turnover margin this week, and turned an interception into a 3-point lead. Justin Tucker was 3 for 3 on field goal tries, from 47, 48, and 57 yards. Joe Flacco threw a touchdown on their only trip to the red zone. The Ravens kept the Vikings out of the end zone in their 3 trips inside the red zone.
Where they needed improvement
The Ravens gave up 169 yards rushing, including 113 to Latavius Murray. That allowed the Vikings to control the time of possession. The Ravens only gained 208 total net yards, which was hurt by 5 sacks for a total of 42 yards. They only gained 64 yards on the ground. Flacco needs to be able to throw for more than 186 yards and a garbage time touchdown.
What is Next
The Ravens come home to face the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football for Week 8.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals went on the road and got thumped by the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-14.
What they did well
Andy Dalton threw 2 first half touchdown passes, the second of which tied the game at 14 midway through the second quarter. Dalton spread the ball around to 7 different receivers. The Bengal defense kept the Steelers out of the end zone in the second half.
Where they needed improvement
Dalton only threw for 140 yards, and he added 2 interceptions to his 2 touchdowns. The Bengals only managed a total of 179 net yards. Dalton was sacked 4 times, and was frustrated most of the game. His last pass was thrown out of bounds on a 4th down play, a play that the Bengals needed Dalton to make.
What is next
The Bengals host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns lost a tight one in overtime to the Tennessee Titans at home, 12-9.
What they did well
Zane Gonzalez was 3 for 3 on field goal attempts, including a 54 yard field goal with less than a minute left to tie the game and force overtime. The Browns defense held the Titans to just 208 yards passing and sacked Marcus Mariota twice. They also held the Titans to 80 rushing yards.
Where they needed improvement
DeShone Kizer started the game, but was benched in the third quarter after completing 12 of 20 for 114 yards and 2 interceptions. Cody Kessler did not do much better, going 10 of 19 for 121 yards and an interception. The Browns lost 10-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas to a triceps injury in the third quarter. That marked the first offensive snap that Thomas has missed since he joined the team in 2007.
What is Next
The Browns travel to London to take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8.