Week 5 Recap: AFC North
Photo Credit: NFL
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have had a long lasting rivalry and Sunday’s game didn’t disappoint. This one went to the very end, as Lamar Jackson threw an interception to Steelers rookie corner Joey Porter Jr. Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett went down the field and threw a go-ahead touchdown to wide receiver George Pickens, that would win the team the game, 17-10.
Both offenses in this game were quiet. The Steelers only had three points headed into the fourth quarter and the Ravens only had 10 headed into the fourth.
Pickett ended the game 18/32 for 224 yards, one touchdown and zero turnovers. While Pittsburgh running back Najee Harris led his team in carries, he was benched for Jaylen Warren in the fourth quarter, which may lead to Warren securing the starting job.
Harris had 14 carries for only 37 yards, which is a putrid 2.6 yards per carry. Harris also only had one catch for three yards. Warren had nine carries for 40 yards (4.4 yards per carry) and three catches for 39 yards. Pickens exploded for six catches, 130 yards and one touchdown.
The Black and Gold defense kept Jackson and the Birds in check, only allowing 10 points on the day and forced multiple turnovers. Star edge rusher T.J. Watt recorded two sacks and two passes defended, as he was flying all over the field. Opposing edge rusher Alex Highsmith recorded one sack and a forced fumble, as this pass rushing duo continues to dominate. The Steelers defense as a whole had one interception, four sacks and three forced fumbles which were all recovered by their defense.
Photo Credit: Gene J. Puskar, AP Photo
Jackson finished the game 22/38 for 236 yards, six carries for 45 yards, zero total touchdowns, one fumble and one interception. Not an ideal day for Jackson and company offensively, but the defense had multiple stops that gave the offense a chance to win the game. Both teams fell to 3-2 and Pittsburgh is atop the division right now. The Steelers have a bye next week, but the Ravens will travel across the pond, for a date with the Tennessee Titans.
The Cincinnati Bengals offense FINALLY clicked, as they exploded for a 34-20 win, in Arizona. The Bengals improved to 2-3, as their season seems to still be alive, heading into week six.
WR Ja’Marr Chase set a new franchise record for catches in a game with 15. Chase also added 192 receiving yards and three touchdowns. QB Joe Burrow finished the contest 36/46 for 317 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
Photo Credit: Ross D. Franklin, The Associated Press
Cardinals QB Joshua Dobbs struggled in this one as he went 15/32 for 166 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown continues to be the security blanket for Dobbs, as he recorded four catches for 61 yards and one touchdown.
Cincinnati edge rusher Trey Hendrickson recorded 2.5 sacks, as he was in Dobbs’ grill all day long. Cam Taylor-Britt and Germaine Pratt were the two Bengal defenders to pick off Dobbs.
Cincinnati’s schedule isn’t getting any easier but their offense seemed to look more like the high-flying offense we’ve all been watching for the last few seasons. The Bengals host the Seattle Seahawks in week six, as it’s a must win game to get to .500. The Cardinals fell to 1-4 and have a date with the Los Angeles Rams, in week 6.
Is it possible for the Bengals to sneak into the playoffs or possibly win the AFC North, even with their slow start?
