AFC North Week 14 Wrapup

The Simpsons did it.

After last week’s slate of games, it’s quite clear – the Bengals need Simpsons-themed framing to win NFL games these days. Courtesy of the folks at ESPN/Disney, fans were treated to a digital rendering of the game, set in beloved Springfield USA, complete with the tire fire and remains of a once-proud monorail.  The Bengals won, presumably by employing heroes Bart and Ralph Wiggum in select offensive roles.

Perhaps they’ll consider both in free agency.

Browns 14, Steelers 27

The Steelers exacted a measure of revenge for their unexpected loss in Cleveland last month by reverting to typical form: stifling defense and timely offense.

The Browns looked game for a repeat of their success in the first half, until a questionable offensive call on 4th and 1 derailed their momentum, which they never recovered.  QB Jameis Winston (24-41, 212 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs) summed it up thusly: “I don’t believe the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns. I believe the Cleveland Browns beat the Cleveland Browns.”  His two costly interceptions certainly underscored his point, particularly his last with 4:00 remaining, which scuttled any comeback hopes the team may have entertained.

The rest of the Browns offense was pretty stagnant overall.  WR Jerry Jeudy (5 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD) led all Cleveland receivers, and RB Nick Chubb, still lacking his trademark explosiveness, ground out 48 yards on 11 carries.

The Steelers defense responded well, particularly in the second half.  DT Cam Heyward collected two key sacks, and edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith terrorized Winston all day in the absence of credible offensive tackle play.

On offense, the Steelers rebounded from a slow first half to score 14 unanswered third quarter points, sealing the win rather easily.  QB Russell Wilson (15-26, 156 yards, 2 TDs) played turnover-free football, and the team managed 120 collective rushing yards against a tough Cleveland front.  Despite missing star WR George Pickens (hamstring), Wilson was able to find WR Van Jefferson for a 10-yard score and TE Pat Freiermuth for 48 yards and a TD, which led the team.

Next for Browns: Chiefs @ Browns, 12/15, 1:00 pm, CBS

Next for Steelers: Steelers @ Eagles, 12/15, 4:25 pm, FOX

Bengals 27, Cowboys 20

The Bengals took advantage of a near-laughable Cowboys mistake to post a much-needed win.

Tied 20-20 late in the fourth quarter, the Cowboys managed to block a Bengals punt, only to fail in gaining possession of the still bouncing ball, in essence handing the ball back to the Bengals in excellent field position.  The Bengals scored the clinching points a moment later.

QB Joe Burrow (33-44, 369 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT) was typically excellent, and his efforts finally resulted in a last-minute win, something the team has witnessed from a losing perspective repeatedly throughout this season.  He was aided amply by WR Ja’Marr Chase (14 catches, 177 yards, 2 TDs) and RB Chase Brown (14 carries, 58 yards, 6 catches, 65 yards, 1 rec. TD).

The defense struggled at points, but was able to cobble together enough to slow the Cowboys, particularly in the passing game.  S Geno Stone nabbed the team’s lone INT and provided several key pass breakups, and DE Trey Hendrickson delivered a thunderous sack on the game’s final drive to seal the win.

Next: Bengals @ Titans, 12/15, 1:00 pm, FOX