The wheels keep rolling on the Bengals wagon, and the Steelers hit some new heights

Article by Gordon Dedman

The man of the weekend has to be Ben Roethlisberger. OK you say, the writer is a Steelers fan so that was pretty obvious? Compare the fact please. Andy Dalton played against a poor Browns team and managed 220 yards with two touchdowns while Roethlisberger had his fourth straight 300-yard game with four touchdowns and I rest my case.

 

 

Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns

Cleveland’s backup quarterback Travis Davis had no touchdowns and one interception while Cincinnati’s Dalton threw two touchdowns with no interception. The difference was obvious. Davis was chased all over the field by the Bengals defense, while Dalton was supreme behind an offensive line that gave him time to find his receivers.

The Browns defense appeared to be playing in slow motion allowing Dalton to take advantage as his offense excelled for a 37-3 win that advanced the Bengals to 10-2 for the first time since 1975.

While under pressure, Davis was penalised twice for international grounding as he sought desperately to find open receivers that were not there while his interception led to a Cincinnati field goal.

"Part of being a professional is showing up to work when things are tough and when there is adversity," said Browns tackle Joe Thomas. "We will find out the character of our teammates moving forward." And before you know it, Johnny Manziel is named as the starter for next weekend.

Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins

Ending a streak of five straight losses to the Ravens, Miami managed to grind out a 15-13 win. The Dolphins managed only eight first downs as quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw for just 86 yards, but they held onto a 15-point lead built in the second quarter before Baltimore came up short with their fightback.

Ravens quarterback Matt Schaub threw for 308 yards, but his two interceptions led to both of Miami’s scores as the offense struggled to reduce the deficit.

Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers

Will this game be remembered for the post touchdown celebration of Antonio Brown when he was penalised for, “using a goalpost as a prop?” That was the polite way the referee addressed the 15-yard penalty after Brown had jumped onto the goal post after he had returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown.

Hopefully, it will be remembered for the dominance that Ben Roethlisberger found using the plethora of available weapons. Calling the game for NBC was Al Michaels and towards the end of the broadcast, as the Steelers lined up with goal to go, he said, “Pick your poison.”

The toxic offense that Roethlisberger had available for the Steelers 45-10 win against the Colts can be compared to that of Cincinnati, so watch out for next weekend’s preview when the division leaders host the Steelers.