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

Article by Gordon Dedman

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.

 

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.

 

AFC North contenders set for busy Week 13

Article by Gordon Dedman

Cincinnati Bengals (9-2) at Cleveland Browns (2-9)

The Browns backup quarterback Austin Davis, who led two impressive drives in the team’s loss to the Ravens last Monday, has been named as their starter for the Bengals game.

Davis becomes the 24th name on the list of starting quarterbacks for the Browns since 1999 and will have to face the division leaders for his easy debut. The Bengals will relish the short journey to Cleveland and Andy Dalton will be thinking it’s a great opportunity to shine against a poor Browns defense.

After their commanding win last week against the Rams, the confidence in the Bengals camp will be high and a +6 turnover ratio compared to the Browns -3 is a good indication of their current fortitude.

 

Baltimore Ravens (4-7) at Miami Dolphins (4-7)

With their backup quarterback Matt Schaub at the helm, the Ravens managed a last second win over the Browns last Monday. Not much to shout about, but it gave Baltimore’s flagging season a lift.

As with most teams now the season is almost two thirds gone, Miami has its own injury problems. The Dolphins fired their head coach Joe Philbin after their 1-3 start to the season. Now, after losing their last two games, the Dolphins have replaced their offensive coordinator.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill was enthusiastic about the new coordinator Zac Taylor, who was promoted from their assistant quarterbacks coach. That could be the spark this game needs as Tannehill will be given the opportunity to call audibles. “I’m excited about the step we’re taking,” Tannehill said.

 

Indianapolis Colts (6-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) Sky Sports 01:30 Monday

Last year I was lucky to be at this matchup. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 522 yards and six touchdowns setting franchise records. For the Colts, Andrew Luck contributed 400 yards passing with three touchdowns.

Luck won’t be playing this weekend as he hasn’t returned from injury, but in the 17-year veteran Matt Hasselbeck, the Colts have a capable backup. Last week Hasselbeck joined Warren Moon and Brett Favre as the only quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era to win at least three consecutive starts after their 40^th birthday.

For the Steelers, there is still a question mark over Ben Roethlisberger playing. He was cleared for practice Wednesday, so it looks like he will play. The Steelers need him to as it is essential they win to improve their wild card playoffs chances.

Indianapolis also require a win to maintain their position at the top of the AFC South, so an intense game should ensure and it will be who holds their nerve the best that comes out triumphant.

 

 

 

Cleveland find a new way to lose, as the Bengals roll on, and Steelers lose ground

Article by Gordon Dedman

Even though he didn’t get on the field, Johnny Manziel has to be the headline man of the weekend. Being promoted to and then losing the Browns starting quarterback job ensured he made all the headlines for the wrong reasons.

When the injured Josh McCown was replaced by Austin Davis Monday night, the Dawg Pound made their feelings known with their boos. They want Johnny Football to lead their team while he does everything to leave them in the dog house.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Seattle Seahawks

Seattle’s quarterback Russell Wilson and Roethlisberger combined for over 800 yards passing in a shootout that saw the lead change seven times. Roethlisberger threw for 456 yards, the most ever for a quarterback against the Seahawks, but the Steelers managed to lose 30-39.

For the Steelers, Markus Wheaton hauled in 9 catches for 201 yards and one touchdown. For the Seahawks, Doug Baldwin caught 6 passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns while Wilson achieved a 147.9 rating throwing five touchdown passes as he found the flaws in the Steelers defense.

As a precautionary measure, Roethlisberger left the field with two minutes remaining after being checked by the team’s doctors who were not satisfied he should return to play.

St. Louis Rams at Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals never looked in trouble in this contest and scored on their opening drive to take an early lead they were never likely to relinquish. After a two game skid, Andy Dalton is now back in business as his offensive line provided the protection that didn’t give up a sack for the first time since mid-October.

After holding a 17-7 lead at the half, Dalton threw two touchdown passes in the third period before a scoreless final quarter. The Bengals 31-7 victory gave them a 9-2 record for the first time in 40 years.

Dalton finished with three touchdown passes, two to A.J. Green and one to Tyler Eifert while their defense contributed a score with Leon Hall’s interception returned for a touchdown. Eifert leads the NFL with 12 touchdown catches.

"I felt like we played well in all phases of the game," Dalton said. "It's good to get a win, and it's good to get a win the way we did."

Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns

On paper, this game gave the impression of being a bore, but in a real thriller it saw the Browns turn victory into defeat on the final play as their field goal attempt was blocked and returned 64 yards by Will Hill to give the Ravens a 33-27 triumph.

Led by Matt Schaub, Baltimore raced to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter while Cleveland was always playing catch up. When Davis came on midway through the final period for McCown, who had a broken collar bone, he directed the scoring drive that tied the game 27-27 with less than two minutes remaining.

After the Ravens were stopped with Tramon Williams’ interception, Davis marched his team downfield with the cheers of the Browns fans echoing around the stadium urging him on. Davis provided the opportunity for Travis Coons to kick a 54-yard field goal for the win, but Brent Urban elevated himself high enough for the block to give the victory to Baltimore.