Well, that’s a wrap…up.
The NFL 2022 regular season reached its conclusion Sunday evening. No gods emanated from any machines. Despite intra-divisional games across the league, most of the drama for the weekend had already culminated in news of the medical rebound of Bills S Damar Hamlin. The AFC North games were no exception, as there was a palpable, lets-get-this-over-with feel to the on-field action.
Which unfolded like this.
Ravens 16, Bengals 27
Given that the Ravens deactivated several starters immediately prior to kickoff including QB Tyler Huntley, who was already filling in for starting QB Lamar Jackson, the game’s outcome was almost a foregone conclusion. As it was, the Ravens defense added a few interesting moments in an otherwise ho-hum, watch-the-rookie-implode sort of day. Ravens third string QB Anthony Brown turned the ball over three times, all in Baltimore territory, with all leading to Bengals scores. A blindside hit and fumble in the end zone, recovered for a touchdown by the Bengals, sealed the day for the AFC North champs, who were never really challenged despite solid defense by the Ravens in the second half.
Neither team offered much in the way of standout performances. Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase turned in a solid day with eight catches for 86 yards and a TD. Ravens LB Roquan Smith tallied 16 tackles (12 solo) in the losing effort. Other than some trademark chippiness and pushing/shoving, this was a rather ho-hum entry in this rivalry. As both teams will meet again in Cincinnati for this week’s AFC Wild Card round, we can expect a bit more excitement with the higher stakes in play.
Browns 14, Steelers 28
The resurgent Steelers entered the day within a whisker of a Wild Card slot, but they needed a number of circumstances to break in their direction for it to come to fruition. The Browns didn’t offer much resistance to the Steelers in doing their part; indeed, the firing of Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods occurred the next day, capping a frustrating season for all pro DE Myles Garrett and company, who deserve better than the scrutiny they received all season in light of the team’s personnel moves on offense.
As with Ravens/Bengals, there weren’t a lot of notable performances in this one. Steelers RB Najee Harris ground out 86 yards and a TD on 23 carries, and LB Alex Highsmith collected 2.5 sacks in a formidable defensive effort. The Steelers picked off Browns QB DeShaun Watson twice, ending his season on a frustrating note and leaving Browns fans to wonder, again, whether he’s really worth all the money and negative press. Browns RB Nick Chubb, easily their best offensive weapon, cranked out 77 yards on 12 carries, and surprisingly, five catches for 45 yards and a TD (Chubb is not known for his receiving prowess).
So that’s that. I’ll post a season review after the playoffs. For now, enjoy the action going forward.
Although I’ll be posting playoff updates, thanks for tuning in this season.
Peace and love. And football.
