There are constants in the NFL universe.
The Ravens and Steelers are preparing to face each other this week in Pittsburgh in perhaps their most meaningful game in a decade. The Steelers, at 7-2, lead the division despite a notable QB change and some injury issues; a testament to the job thus far by head coach Mike Tomlin, who continues to defy his critics and win games mostly on the strength of his formidable defense. The Ravens, at 7-3, have provided several eye-popping statistics and in a bit of a role reversal, have the league’s most productive and efficient offense, but also the league’s worst pass defense.
As the cliché goes, something’s gotta give.
And really, it feels familiar. For these franchises, the notion of facing one another with the division potentially on the line is expected given their histories, albeit not assumed.
One thing we can be assured of: Football will be played.
Bengals 34, Ravens 35
The Bengals and Ravens offered up another classic matchup, although the lack of defense for both teams was perhaps as stunning as their respective offensive displays.
Needing a win to keep pace in the AFC North, the Ravens overcame a 21-7 third-quarter deficit and a late 2-point conversion attempt to complete a season sweep over their undoubtedly bitter rivals. QB Lamar Jackson (25-33, 290 yards, 4 TDs, 7 carries, 33 yards) was exceptional, particularly in the decisive 4th quarter. Bruising RB Derrick Henry added 68 yards and a TD on 16 carries, and WR Tylan Wallace led the team with 115 receiving yards, 84 of which were amassed on a single play. TE Mark Andrews and WR Rashod Bateman each pulled in 6 passes, and each scored a TD.
Defensively, the Ravens played as they often do; limiting the Bengals to 49 total rushing yards, yet allowing QB Joe Burrow (35-56, 428 yards, 4 TDs) and WR Ja’Marr Chase (11 catches, 264 yards, 3 TDs) to operate freely in the defensive backfield. The Ravens’ most notable defensive play was a forced fumble of Bengals RB Chase Brown in the third quarter, which served to change the momentum significantly in the Ravens’ favor. DT Nnamdi Madubuike contributed the defense’s only three sacks.
In addition to Chase’s unprecedented aerial feats and ease navigating the Baltimore secondary, RB Chase Brown caught 9 passes for 52 yards, mostly on dumpoffs and screens. Little-used TE Tanner Hudson added 6 catches and a receiving TD.
The Bengals’ defense was clearly determined to limit RB Derrick Henry’s output, evidence by 16 combined tackles from LBs Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt. The Bengals failed to register a sack or a turnover.
Next for Ravens: Ravens @ Steelers, 11/17, 1:00 PM, CBS
Next for Bengals: Bengals @ Chargers, 11/17, 8:20 pm, NBC
Steelers 28, Commanders 27
Recent trade acquisition WR Mike Williams caught his first TD pass as a Steeler, adding the one-point margin of victory the team sorely needed (coupled with a lack of concentration by the Commanders’ defensive line).
Steelers QB Russell Wilson (14-28, 195 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT) wasn’t spectacular, but was effective with his deep passing game thanks to the heroics of Williams and WR George Pickens (5 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD). Pickens’ highlight-reel TD catch in the first quarter established the Steelers’ game plan to take advantage of a lacking Washington secondary, amply aided by the team’s 140 combined rushing yards, led by RB Jaylen Warren’s 66. TE Pat Freiermuth caught 3 passes for 17 yards and a TD.
The Steelers limited rookie QB Jayden Daniels to 202 yards passing and no TDs, and held the Commanders to only 60 yards rushing. DE Cam Heyward added 2 sacks, with new trade acquisition LB Preston Smith pitching in for 1. Smith should expect more action, as starting LB Alex Highsmith, who suffered an ankle injury, will likely miss several games.
Next: Ravens @ Steelers, 11/17, 1:00 PM, CBS
Next week, etc.
