Bengals get win number 8, can the Steelers keep pace against the Raiders?

Article and images by Gordon Dedman

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals

Before the game, the stadium paid its tribute to the armed forces and that appeared appropriate as the Cincinnati army went on to pillage Cleveland. Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel was always under siege while the assured Andy Dalton eased his team into winning a battle that extended Cincinnati's streak to 8-0.

The harassed Manziel performed miracles in getting some of his passes off as the Bengals defense relentlessly chased him around the field. Despite their inferiority, the Browns were just about holding onto the Bengals shirt tails at the half when they were 10-14 behind.

The Bengals turned the screw in the second half, keeping the Browns scoreless as Cleveland managed only 32 yards of offense while Manziel felt the bruises of three sacks in the final period as the Bengals added seventeen points.

Dalton finished 21 of 27 for 234 yards with a passer rating of 139.8. His main weapon was Tyler Eifert who pulled in three touchdown catches to give him nine for the season, tying the club record for a tight end and confirming him as the leading touchdown scorer in the NFL for tight ends and receivers. 

After their 31-10 victory, receiver Marvin Jones said "It seems like every week it's a first-time-ever. It's all good. We've got to be 9-0 next and keep it moving." Jones topped the Bengals individual stats with 78 receiving yards.

 

Oakland Raiders (4-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-4)

These two old foes may not remember the rivalry between the teams of the seventies when Coach Chuck Noll suggested there was a criminal elements in the Oakland team. And Oakland Coach John Madden never got over the most famous play in pro football - the Immaculate Reception, always suggesting that the play was illegal.

None of that history will make an effect on Sunday's game as both teams strive to improve on their mediocre records. Pittsburgh, smarting from their fourth quarter loss to the Bengals will need to be at their best against an Oakland team that have put together back to back wins to ease them above .500.

To suggest the result of a game can be decided on the birth of a baby is a tad over the top, but the heart of the Steelers defense might be missing if defensive end Cameron Heyward's wife gives birth. The Steelers may have to overcome his absence if as expected, the baby is born over the weekend.

 

One player doesn't make a team, but Ben is such an important part of the Steelers offense that his rustiness against the Bengals determined the outcome of the game with his three interceptions. 

The last time these two teams met in Oakland, I was in hospital with a collapsed lung. I urged the doctor to discharge me so I could watch the game. I succeeded with my mission, but arrived home to find the Steelers were already two touchdowns behind. 

Terrelle Pryor ran 93 yards on the first play from scrimmage after a fake hand off for the longest touchdown run by a quarterback. The Raiders never looked back as the Steelers failed to overcome that 14-0 deficit to lose 18-21.

Derek Carr is now the Raiders quarterback and last week threw four touchdown passes to achieve a 130.9 passer rating as Oakland beat the New York Jets 34-20.

“Confidence is huge,” confirmed Raiders Coach Jack Del Rio. As their new head coach, he has already overseen a team that this year has won more games than they managed for the whole of last season. “We just came in and rolled up our sleeves and got to work. It’s been a collective effort, a lot of good people pulling together.”

As with any given Sunday either team can win, but having watched the Steelers practice this week I have to take a resurgent Ben to lead his team to victory. 

TNF Preview - Can Manziel inflict a first loss in Cincy?

Article by Gordon Dedman

Cleveland Browns (2-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-0) 

 

This divisional game looks all over a stroll for the unbeaten Bengals as they go marching on. In front of a home crowd and facing a team that has lost three straight, this shouldn't provide any challenges for Andy Dalton, who has looked 

 

He struggled in his last game against the Steelers to make an impact and was assisted by his defense to force the win. The key for a Browns victory could be their 13 takeaways. The defense will need to support an offense that looks likely to be led by Johnny Manziel as Josh McCown is still suffering from a rib injury.

 

The last time Manziel faced the Bengals, he was making his debut and was overwhelmed in a 30-0 rout when he threw two interceptions. Since then, he has gained his first NFL win when he threw touchdown passes of 60 and 50 yards to Travis Benjamin. 

 

It will be interesting viewing, but unless Manziel can produce some magic, it should produce another Bengals win.

Broncos beat Packers, improve to 7-0 - Raiders stay in the hunt with win over Jets

Article by Mark Brown

 

Green Bay Packers 10 – 29 Denver Broncos 

Denver's Offense in heaven as they make it seven 

 

This week Peyton Manning was good, very good and for me proved that rather than being finished he could actually, now, be getting used to the new way of playing under Kubiak.  Manning chose this game to equal Brett Favre's record with his 180th regular season win. 

 

 

Playing in their famous alternate blue shirts from the 1997 Super Bowl win over the Packers Denver finally got both Defense and Offense working in tandem.  Manning threw for 340 yards going 21 of 29 and the bootleg that some experts have said Manning can't do worked just fine.  Although Manning didn't throw for a touchdown, actually neither quarterback did, he finally looked the five time MVP that we all know he is. 

On the other side of the ball Denver's defense, now the tightest in the league, managed to restrict the Packers to just 140 yards all game.  In fact this would have to go down as one of the worst games of Aaron Rodgers' career.  He was sacked three times and hit four times on the Green Bay's first drive. 

 

For Denver Ronnie Hillman got two touchdowns, CJ Anderson another and Demarius Thomas caught eight passes for 168 yards.  Green Bay just had no answer to the best defense in the league and their usually fast moving offense that had scored sixty six first quarter points previously looked somewhat ineffective. 

 

Green Bay's coach Mike McCarthy said after the game - " That's a humbling loss.  I haven't had my ass kicked like that for a long time.  Gary Kubiak had his team playing a lot faster than I had my team playing tonight and I don't feel good about how we performed" 

 

I for one am still smiling as this was one game that had me worried but if this performance is a yardstick for what the Broncos are capable of then I will say it now – Don't bet against them finishing the season unbeaten.  As far as the Super Bowl goes I will wait and see but if I could afford it I would be booking my tickets now. 

Next up for the Broncos the Colts on Sunday 8th November. 

 

 

New York Jets 20 – 34 Oakland Raiders 

Carr superb again as the Jets crash and burn 

 

Oakland quarterback Derek Carr threw for 333 yards and four touchdowns in this one and sometimes it is easy to forget that it wasn't that long ago that he was a somewhat inconsistent rookie.  The Raiders are now 4-3 and have a winning record for the first time since 2011 – largely thanks to, in my opinion, the superb Carr and if he has his way things will only improve after he told waiting reporters - "We want more.  We are not satisfied with we're .500.  We are not satisfied with that at all.  I'm not built that way." 

 

Latavius Murray ran for 113 yards, Andre Holmes caught two touchdown passes and Michael Crabtree had 102 receiving yards and a score.  Everything just seemed to click for Oakland as they exposed the Jets time and again.  Surprising really as the Jets' defense had been very resolute in the first six games. 

 

New York's Geno Smith threw for 265 yards and two touchdown passes of his own – not bad since it was his first action since being punched by teammate Ik Emenkpali but they just had no answers to an impressive Oakland offense and Carr in particular.  Oakland's defense also got in on the action though shutting down the Jets running game, restricting them to a paltry 17 yards on 15 carries. 

 

If only Oakland could shake off the inconsistency demons – with Carr in this kind of form who knows what they could achieve? 

Next up for the Raiders is the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday 8th November 

 

 

Detroit Lions 10 – 45 Kansas City Chiefs 

Wembley Stadium witnesses a thrashing as the International Series concludes for 2015 

 

If anybody wanted confirmation that American Football is big business here in the UK then they need look no further than the attendance figures for this one.  A whopping 83,624 turned up in force to watch this one at Wembley – it was just a shame that it turned out to be such a one sided affair. 

 

The unusually limp Lions just seemed to turn up and roll over for this one and the Chiefs ran out comfortable winners.  Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith looked comfortable and moved the ball around nicely and if anyone of the players were still suffering jet lag he wasn't one of them. 

 

I have already said in recent weeks that given time, Kansas under new head coach John Fox are going to be a force to be reckoned with and this just confirms my suspicions. I for one liked his philosophy at Denver and was somewhat sad to see him go.  The old saying goes "you can only beat what's in front of you" and although the Lions did not play well the Chiefs didn't just beat them they completely thrashed them. 

Some would argue that the Lions were just bad on the day – Matt Stafford was sacked an incredible seven times, three of which were in three consecutive plays in the second quarter and a string of errors on the ball mixed with some downright awful defending would certainly confirm that but I would like to think that just perhaps it was a bit of both.  That perhaps the Lions looked so bad because just maybe the Chiefs were that good. 

 

Chiefs RB Charcandrick West shined again here leading the team in rushing yards and any worries that the rookie wouldn't be able to fill injured Jamaal Charles' boots must surely be disappearing. 

Just how good the Chiefs are becoming we will all know soon enough given their next opponents, the date of which is already in my diary. 

Next up for the Chiefs is the Denver Broncos on Sunday 15th November 

 

San Diego Chargers 26 – 29 Baltimore Ravens 

Heartache again for the Chargers as Ravens finally see a game out to win in dying seconds 

 

Philip Rivers must be wondering what more he can do as the Chargers lose again for the third time in the games final play.  This was a record setting performance for Chargers quarterback Rivers as he went 28 of 37 for 301 yards – a franchise first fifth consecutive 300 yard game. 

Rivers told the waiting press after the game - "It's been tough losing this way again

.  Whatever the answer to the problem is – we haven't found the answer"  San Diego's losing streak this season has consisted of games that they have lost by margins as close as 4,7,8 and now 3 points as they just can't seem to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter. 

 

So as the Chargers sink further to the bottom of the division the Ravens are hoping this win might kick start their worst start to a season.  Joe Flacco went 25 of 37 for 319 yards and scored a touchdown after a neat 38 yard drive.  The down side for Baltimore was the loss of veteran Steve Smith for the season with an achilles injury and given that he has already said this would be his last season in the NFL it probably means we won's see him play again unless he has a change of heart. 

 

This was a real back and forth kind of game which ultimately ended in heartache again for the chargers and quite what they have to do to get over this alarming slump is anyone's guess but how they must be wishing for the end of the season to come quickly so they can go back to the drawing board.  The only glimmer of hope is they have the Bears next and in my opinion are more than capable of winning that one. 

Next up for the Chargers is the Chicago Bears on Tuesday 10th November

Bengals stay unbeaten after closely fought win, Baltimore lose Smith but gain a win

Article by Gordon Dedman

The big game of the weekend saw the Bengals eke out the victory over the Steelers that keeps them on top of the division while the Ravens earned their second win of the season. In that win, the Ravens lost their 36-year old veteran Steve Smith with an Achilles heel injury.

Smith had been suggesting he would retire at the end of the season, so to go out in this way left its mark on the player. "What hurts the most is I can't be out there with my guys," said Smith, who accumulated 13,932 yards during his career to move into tenth place on the all-time receiving list. Smith is my headline man of the weekend in the division

 

 

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers

On what should have been a day to celebrate the return of Ben Roethlisberger as their starting quarterback, the Steelers finished the day without the expected win and without their star running back Le'Veon Bell, who may not return this season.

Facing Andy Dalton's Bengals, the game was expected to be a shootout between two of the leading quarterbacks in the NFL. Instead, the Bengals managed to grind out the win as the defenses dominated until the final quarter when Cincinnati forged ahead taking advantage of turnovers.

On the first series of the game, Roethlisberger led Pittsburgh on a 12-play scoring drive appearing to have no signs of rustiness from his injury as he connected with Antonio Brown for the touchdown. The Bengals hit back with two field goals as both offenses slipped into slumber mode.

The Steelers blocked a Cincinnati field goal attempt in the third period before adding one of their own to increase their lead to10-6 as both offenses continued to splutter and the injury to Bell reducing Roethlisberger's options.

Two Pittsburgh interceptions in the final period turned Heinz Field into a sea of yellow as the fans twirled their Terrible Towels in anticipation of the Bengals unbeaten streak coming to an end. The cauldron of noise soon fell silent when their returning hero Roethlisberger, perhaps now tiring, made a bad decision in attempting a pass that was intercepted inspiring the Bengals into a late surge that brought the win.

Andy Dalton finally overcame the Steelers defense, throwing a touchdown pass to A.J. Green, who finished with 118 yards. Another Roethlisberger interception enabled Cincinnati to add a field goal as they took the 16-10 win to go 7-0 for the first time in the team's history.

“I’m happy for our fans,” offered Cincinnati's defensive tackle Domata Peko. “People come up to me all the time and say, ‘I don’t care if you win one game I just hope its Pittsburgh. “We’re showing everyone in the nation we’re not fooling around this year.”

 

Arizona Cardinal at Cleveland Browns

Quarterback Josh McCown started for the Browns and his three touchdown passes gave Cleveland a 20-7 lead before Arizona's Carson Palmer complemented his first quarter touchdown with another three in the second half

While McCown continues to provide the Browns every opportunity to win their games through the air, Cleveland's ground attack offered little support with just 39 yards, 18 of them from McCown.

 

San Diego Chargers at Baltimore Ravens

The loss of veteran receiver Steve Smith for the season overshadowed Baltimore's second win as the Ravens overhauled a 7-13 half time deficit with quarterback Joe Flacco out-passing San Diego's Philip Rivers 319 to 301 yards.

Despite three touchdowns passes from Rivers, Justin Tucker's four field goals kept the Ravens in the game before he kicked his fifth as time expired to give the Ravens their win. The 29-26 victory saw the Ravens join the Browns on 2-6 at the basement of the division.

Bengals aim to keep the run going, Steelers out to stay in the division chase

Article by Gordon Dedman

Cincinnati Bengals (6-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) Sky Sports 1800 Sunday

For me, this is the big clash of the weekend with the unbeaten Bengals facing a dangerous Steel City team, desperate to put the division leaders in their place. Obviously, the Sky Sports director has the same enthusiasm as he has it as the featured game after the show at Wembley.

This matchup has all the hallmarks of being a cracker and football fans will be able to savour the best of the AFC North. Fresh from their bye week, the Bengals will be making the short journey to Pittsburgh to face a Steelers team keen to get back on track with the return of their leader Ben Roethlisberger.

The Bengals press notes highlight that a win will take the team to 7-0 for the first time. To make Bengals history is a big incentive, but their notes also add realism with the suggestion, “the roadblock is formidable — Pittsburgh at Heinz Field.”

 

Since Andy Dalton entered the NFL in 2011, the Bengals’ have a 22-13 (.629) record on the road, the third-highest winning percentage in the NFL during that span, but in Pittsburgh he’s only has one win in four visits. The one victory was in 2012 when Cincinnati pinched a 13-10 win with four seconds left in the game.

The Bengals’ offense is currently ranked third in the NFL with an average of 410.3 total net yards per game. The team has found stability with the same offensive coordinator for the fifth year, together with a fit and healthy cast of talented runners and receivers for Dalton to work with.

They are the only team in the AFC with two players who have scored at least six touchdowns apiece this season – tight end Tyler Eifert (six) and running back Jeremy Hill (six).

“I think our success comes from looking at the versatility we have,” offered Bengals receiver Marvin Jones. “You can’t have enough fingers to count the number of players who can change a game, and we expect greatness from all of them.”

Roethlisberger requires 31 passing yards to become the first Steelers quarterback to make 40,000 and to become the ninth passer in league history to reach that mark with one team. I would love to be part of Steelers history again.

 

You can forget about comparing the stats put up by both teams this season to find the winner as the Steelers have been without their most explosive weapon Roethlisberger for four games. Will his rustiness affect his ability to come right back into an important game like this?

 

His coach Mike Tomlin doesn’t believe so, “He’ll have a full week of preparation. He participated in a partial capacity a week ago. Hopefully, all of those things will allow him to push past some of the anxiety and so forth, associated with getting back out there.”

 

On defense for the Steelers, defensive coordinator Keith Butler told Steelers radio that the focus this week has been on keeping the ball in front and not letting it go over your head, keeping the mistakes down and not missing tackles.

 

I will be watching the game at Heinz Field as it is part of my annual exploits to Pittsburgh, so can the Steelers make my visit a rewarding one? It revolves around Le’Veon Bell so watch the game and find out!

 

San Diego Chargers (2-5) at Baltimore Ravens (1-6)

These two teams have seen better times and their fans will be disappointed that this season they have not realised their usual potential.  Both are coming off losses and both fought valiantly to come from behind in the attempt to gain a win.

Joe Flacco is working with his fourth offensive coordinator in four years and that may explain why is has been struggling, and as mentioned with Cincinnati, stability builds success.

Arizona Cardinals (5-2) at Cleveland Browns (2-5)

With the stats leaning their way, this looks all over an Arizona win. The Browns quarterback Josh McCown is recovering from a shoulder injury, so it will be a late call as to who will be leading the team in front of the Dawg Pound.