Wild Card game sees Division foes renew their rivalry

Article by Gordon Dedman

While each season the AFC North division play in the shadow of the AFC East and the New England Patriots, the North still produces solid, blue collar football. Sunday will showcase the division at its the best when the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to the Cincinnati Bengals in a winner takes all wildcard game.

I could produce every kind of stat that will suggest this team or that team will win, but you can throw the stats out of the window for this one. It will be a tense physical contest.

 

Before the regular season game in Cincinnati kicked off, these two teams confirmed what this rivalry now means when they created quite a spat as their pre-match warm up heated up. Apparently the NFL has warned both teams against repeating the fracas this weekend, especially before a national television audience.

The winner Saturday night will be the team that holds its nerve in the high pressure cauldron that will be Paul Brown Stadium. I’m amazed to see the bookies make the Steelers favourites, but is that because it appears to be men against boys with AJ McCarron as the Bengals quarterback?

In Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers have one of the league’s premier quarterbacks with the ability to turn a game in an instant. He can make unbelievable passes and has the capability to thread the ball through a defense to his receivers.  He can also throw interceptions.

Antonio Brown is Ben’s favourite receiver and has set an NFL record this season by catching 135 passes for the second year running, but the stats show that Antonio Brown has not scored a touchdown in the playoffs. It’s the one accomplishment missing from his résumé while this month he became the first wide receiver to be honoured as the AFC Offensive Player of the Month three times.

Turnovers will again be the key. McCarron hasn’t thrown an interception in 83 pass attempts since he threw two against the Steelers when making his debut for the injured Andy Dalton in Week 14. McCarron has made his mark as the first Bengals quarterback not to have thrown an interception in their first three starts.

McCarron has been taught not to give the ball away to his opponent and the tutelage is obviously working for the youngster while Ben Roethlisberger has thrown two interceptions in each of his last three games.

 

As Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats observed, “I feel like as long as we play our game, don’t turn the ball over, and create turnovers, we match up with any team.”

Cincinnati’s Pro Bowl safety Reggie Nelson offered, “It should be one hell of a game. The last game (December 13) was a terrible one for us, and this time we want to make it a good one. I think a lot of people are going to enjoy this.”

I think the neutrals might just be hoping he’s right. It’s going to be a tough demanding game and should advertise the quality of football in the division.

As I write there are a couple of unknowns, besides who is going to win. It looks unlikely that either DeAngelo Williams for the Steelers or Andy Dalton for the Bengals will play, but if they do it is possible they could make an impact. 

Steelers claim Wild Card spot with tough win; Bengals will host them next week

Article by Gordon Dedman

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns

This game wasn’t as straightforward for the Steelers as the score line reflects. Although Pittsburgh took a 14-9 lead at the half, they didn’t find the going easy against a team with only three victories on the season.

The Browns totally dominated the second and third quarters in time of possession, but failed to transfer that superiority into points. They could only kick two field goals while the Steelers manged to put together one drive of eighty yards in six plays that took just 58 seconds finishing with Antonio Brown’s 17-yard touchdown catch.

Two Cleveland fumbles in the final period helped the Steelers to add eleven points and take a 28-12 victory that earned them the sixth seed wildcard spot with the Jets losing in Buffalo. As expected, the poor season for the Browns saw them part ways with their head coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer.

Since the seventies, Pittsburgh fans have never known the barren years that Browns fans have experienced. Cleveland fans would die for a 10-6 record while Steeler fans believe nothing less than a Super Bowl win completes a season.

The major concern for the Steelers was DeAngelo Williams going off with an ankle injury. Pittsburgh’s playoff progress was dashed last season with an injury to Le’Veon Bell, which is why they brought Williams in. If absent next weekend, it could affect their ability to overcome the division champions.

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals

The Ravens were rewarded with only three field goals as they dictated the opening half of this game while Cincinnati struck late with Tyler Eifert’s thirteenth touchdown for the season.

In the final two quarters, the Bengals and AJ McCarron found their feet aided by two Ryan Mallett interceptions. The Bengals added touchdowns from AJ Green and Jeremy Hill plus a field goal to take the 24-16 win. With Denver’s defeat of San Diego, Cincinnati finished as the AFC’s third seed to host the Steelers.

"It's a great matchup and a great rivalry and we are excited," said McCarron looking forward to the wildcard game. "We are just excited about getting to play in the playoffs, especially a game at home, and to make the most of it."

Most Cincinnati fans will be hoping that Andy Dalton returns from injury, but it won’t be any bonus if his broken thumb hasn’t healed properly.

Steelers need to win and have outside help for playoff football

Article by Gordon Dedman

Happy New Year and I wish you all a prosperous and healthy 2016.

Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) at Cleveland Browns (3-12)

After their loss in Baltimore last Sunday there has been a lot of social media traffic regarding Mike Tomlin’s Steelers poor performances against sub .500 teams. A defeat in Cleveland will not only provide the Tomlin haters with more ammunition, it will mean another barren year for the fans who expect so much after being spoilt with six Lombardi trophies.

 

The Steelers not only require a win to make the playoffs, but they also need help from the Bills to defeat the Jets. Coach Rex Ryan will ensure it will be a hot contest in Buffalo with the visit of the team that fired him last year.

The Browns will face yet another change at quarterback with Johnny Manziel remaining in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Austin Davis will make his second start of the season in Manziel's place. Cleveland re-signed Pat Delvin, but they have the option of using ex-quarterback, now wide receiver, Terrelle Pryor as back-up.

In his only start this season, the four-year veteran Davis was overwhelmed in a 3-37 rout by the Bengals in Week 13.

On offense for the Steelers, it should be all systems go although Ben Roethlisberger joined some teammates with flu symptoms mid-week. Steeler fans will be hoping their team doesn’t catch a cold in Cleveland and that the Bills can put some heat on the Jets.

If rumours are to be believed, this could be Coach Mike Pettine’s last game. In ten years, five different coaches have endured life in the hot seat with the Browns while in that same period the Steelers have only known Mike Tomlin as their head coach.

Baltimore Ravens (5-10) at Cincinnati Bengals (11-4)

With the Bengals confirmed as division champions, they now have the number two seed slot in the AFC to chase so it’s unlikely they will be fielding their second string team.

The Bengals have won four straight against the Ravens and hold a 12-7 advantage at home and should extend that record. Cincinnati won this season’s first meeting 28-24 at Baltimore in week 3 after battling back in the final four minutes to turn a three-point deficit into a four-point victory. Five of the last six meetings have been decided by seven or fewer points, so it should provide an exciting contest.

In eight of their ten defeats this season, the Ravens have had an opportunity to tie the game or take a lead in the final two minutes of play so they won’t just lie down and be rolled over – as they proved in last week’s triumph over the Steelers.

With their backup quarterbacks Ryan Mallett and AJ McCarron taking centre stage again both have the opportunity to take another step forward in their football careers.

Steelers can clinch with a win and help, Bengals face Mile High test

Article by Gordon Dedman

With two weeks of the season remaining, there is still a lot of football to be played in the AFC and the North division can play a part in the outcome of the West this weekend as two inter division clashes involve the top teams in the West.

The Monday Night feature with the Bengals travelling to Denver will draw a big audience with Steelers and Chiefs fans hoping for different results. A Denver win might help Pittsburgh gain a higher seeding if they make the playoffs while if Cincinnati triumph, it ensure a tight finish to the West division race.

 

 

Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5) at Baltimore Ravens (4-10)

No way is this the easy game some fans might suspect when viewing the teams’ records. Baltimore will not want to allow their biggest rivals an easy passage and with their dismal season coming to an end what would be sweeter for them than to knock the Steelers from the playoff track.

Ben Roethlisberger has the supporting cast of Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, Markus Wheaton and DeAngelo Williams to overcome a Ravens team struggling with injuries. While Baltimore has only achieved only one win in their last four games – and that was a close one over Cleveland – the Steelers have only lost a shootout in Seattle in their last four.

Roethlisberger was realistic in his assessment of the game, “It’s a very hostile place.”

A win for the Steelers combined with a Jets loss would confirm a wildcard spot in the playoffs for the Steelers.

Cleveland Browns (3-11) at Kansas City Chiefs (9-5)

The Chiefs momentum might knock Johnny Manziel back, but it will be his supporting cast that ensures the team’s failure when they travel to Kansas.

After the Browns loss against Seattle, the trip to Kansas will not inspire any thoughts of a surprise win even with Manziel at the helm. The Chiefs are just too powerful and now hold unexpected ambitions of winning the division so they have all to play for while the Browns will be looking ahead to the draft.

Cincinnati Bengals (11-3) at Denver Broncos (10-4)

Playing in Mile High Stadium will give the Broncos an edge and if their defense shows the same grit as it did in the first half against the Steelers last Sunday, they should dominate the game.

Whether Peyton Manning returns as Denver’s starting quarterback will be decided by his final practice after a setback in his recovery from injury although the signs are not positive. Broncos’ coach Gary Kubiak stated he is "looking for more consistency" at that position with Brock Osweiler being subdued in the second half in Pittsburgh after scoring four touchdowns in the first.

In his first NFL start, AJ McCarron led the Bengals to a 24-14 win over lowly San Francisco achieving a 115 quarterback rating. He will need to improve on that if he is to overcome Denver’s number one ranked defense.

This game is important for both teams as they feel the heat from the teams that sit in second place in their respective divisions.  Results from week 16 could change the fortunes of several teams in the AFC as the season approaches an interesting climax.

Bengals still lead the way, as the Steelers look playoff ready

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Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens

Chasing a wildcard spot, the Chiefs couldn’t afford to lose this game and they didn’t. Both teams scored on their opening drives, but that was the only time Baltimore were in the game before a fumble, a disastrous fake punt and an interception handed 21 points and a 34-14 victory to the Chiefs.

Having begun the season 1-5, the Chiefs have put themselves in a good position for a playoff spot and earned a place in the NFL record book as the only team to follow a 5-game losing streak with 8 consecutive wins.

Cleveland Browns at Seattle Seahawks

Johnny Manziel showed he can get it done when he led the Browns on their opening drive of 80 yards that finished with his 7-yard touchdown pass to Gary Barnidge. Then the Browns showed they can’t when they only gained another 150 yards as the Seahawks rolled over them 30-13.

Seattle clinched a playoff spot for the seventh time in ten years while the Browns haven’t seen any post season action for twelve years.

"The margin of error against a team like the Seahawks is slim and, at the end of the day, we weren't good enough," Browns Coach Mike Pettine offered.

Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers

With the Steelers you certainly get entertainment. Denver had not scored a touchdown on their previous 23 drives, but against Pittsburgh, after fumbling their first possession away they scored on their next four.

The Steelers are a conundrum. Having given up 27 points and 295 yards in a first half that Denver dominated, Pittsburgh looked to be heading for defeat. The Steelers then fought back valiantly in the final thirty minutes.

While preventing the Broncos from adding to their score, Ben Roethlisberger threw two touchdown passes to his favourite target Antonio Brown and one to Markus Wheaton. Brown finished with 189 yards receiving despite Pittsburgh struggling with their ground game. The Steelers 34-27 win keeps them in the playoff chase.

Cincinnati Bengals at San Francisco 49ers

Making his first start for the Bengals, AJ McCarron gained his first win after a tentative beginning. Following a scoreless first quarter, Cincinnati scored three unanswered touchdowns in the second period taking advantage of San Francisco miscues.

The Bengals 24-14 win gave the team an 11-3 record and confirmed a playoff berth for a franchise record fifth straight year.

Steelers looking to spoil the Broncos party, Bengals need a pick me up

Article by Gordon Dedman

Once again, Sky Sports are featuring the AFC North with the Broncos travelling to the Steelers. It should be another classic with the top defense against one of the top offenses.

 

Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) at Baltimore Ravens (4-9)

The Ravens can do the Steelers a favour by winning this game as the Chiefs are chasing a wildcard spot along with Pittsburgh, but somehow I don’t think that is likely to happen.

The Chiefs started the season 1-5, but beginning with a 23-13 win over the Steelers they have won seven straight and look to extend that streak. As I write, the Ravens are still working out who will be their quarterback for the game and even Ryan Mallett their new signing enters the mix.

Cleveland Browns (3-10) at Seattle Seahawks (8-5)

Johnny Manziel will face a Seattle team that need to win to ensure they reinforce their playoff hopes. The Browns are playing to provide more experience for Manziel with the bonus if they lose of a higher pick in next year’s draft.

It will be a stern test for Manziel and it is likely his supporting cast won’t supply the means for him to get the work done.

Denver Broncos (10-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5) Sky Sports 21:25

The Steelers have scored more than 30 points in their last five games, winning four of them, but they have not come up against a defense as good as Denver’s that is ranked number one in the NFL

Brock Osweiler has been named again as Denver’s starting quarterback for Sunday, but it will be the “no fly zone” Denver defense that will decide the outcome. It will provide a demanding test for a robust Steelers offense and one that Pittsburgh need to pass – both literally and on the field with their receiving corp.

Travelling holds no fears for the Broncos as they have won six of their seven road games. If they leave Pittsburgh with a win it will set a franchise record.

The Steelers have not won more than two games in a row, so they need to change that stat and in a tough matchup, they should edge the win            .

Cincinnati Bengals (10-3) at San Francisco 49ers (4-9)

The 49ers lost in Cleveland last Sunday and Browns Coach Mike Pettine commented that he sensed San Francisco had no fight in them. That’s not an attitude that will win games in the NFL.

The Bengals will miss Andy Dalton, but the team has had a week to focus on bringing AJ McCarron up to scratch. In last week’s loss to the Steelers he achieved a passer rating of 90.6 and he should improve on that and get his first win.

The Bengals moved quarterback Keith Wenning from their practice squad to the active roster.

Bengals could clinch the AFC North with win, but Steelers wont play dead yet

Article and Photo by Gordon Dedman

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (10-2) Sky Sports TV 1800 Sunday

Forty years have elapsed since the Bengals were last 10-2. The following week, they travelled to Pittsburgh where they lost 14-35. Cincinnati has never gone 11-2, so they have everything to aim at although the team will be smart enough to say it’s getting to the playoffs that count, not making history.

If an incentive is needed, knocking their rivals out of the playoffs hunt will be suffice. With so much at stake for both teams, Sunday’s featured game on Sky should be a good advertisement for aggressive football at its best.

Big Ben in the pocket against the Bengals

 

Ben Roethlisberger vs Andy Dalton
A J Green vs Antonio Brown
Tyler Eifert vs Martavis Bryant

If you are not excited by the thought of those matchups, then you can’t be a football fan. The teams are so evenly matched that it may end up being mistakes that influence the outcome.

Turnovers definitely cost the Steelers the close game between these rivals in Pittsburgh when Ben Roethlisberger threw three interceptions. After a four week layoff through injury, Roethlisberger struggled and while the Steelers defense managed to contain Andy Dalton, Cincinnati took ten points from Roethlisberger’s turnovers to eke out a 16-10 win.

A J Green is Dalton’s main weapon and with seven touchdowns on the season could be the game breaker for the Bengals if Pittsburgh’s secondary doesn’t hold up.

Green has averaged 9.8 receptions and 129.3 receiving yards in his last four games against Pittsburgh, including 11-for-118 in this year’s first meeting. He was 11-for-224 in last year’s game at Paul Brown Stadium, and has also had games of eight-for-82 and nine-for-93.

Dalton also has the option to use tight end Eifert, who leads the NFL in touchdowns with 12.

Roethlisberger has Brown, Bryant and Markus Wheaton to aim at with the latter now on kick return duties to enhance their special teams performance.

The Steelers are second in the NFL for total offense and the Bengals are not far behind. Both teams have a powerful offense and they should provide an exhibition worth watching for the neutrals. Both teams come off comprehensive victories the previous weekend, so football fans, sit down Sunday evening, relax and enjoy.

Seattle Seahawks (7-5) at Baltimore Ravens (4-8)

The Seahawks have risen from their slump and put three straight wins together including a 39-30 shootout with Pittsburgh. In both his starts for the Ravens, Matt Schaub has thrown an interception returned for a touchdown in each game. Against Seattle, that will be fatal.

Seattle is the strongest team and, with the most to gain with a triumph, should continue their winning streak.

Baltimore lost tight end Nick Boyle to suspension forcing the team to promote Konrad Reuland from the practice squad to the 53-man roster and sign free agent Richard Gordon.

San Francisco 49ers (4-8) at Cleveland Browns (2-10)

Following his reinstatement as their starting quarterback, Johnny Manziel told reporters, "I was forced to learn a hard lesson." With four weeks of the season left to show the Cleveland organisation they haven’t wasted their investment in him, he should go all out to produce the goods and this will be an opportunity that he shouldn’t hide from.

Against a poor 49ers team, he will have the chance to shine and return some of the love the Dawg Pound has always shown him even if he’s been in Mike Pettine’s dog house.