Cleveland 31 Pittsburgh 10– The Cleveland Browns wiped out the Pittsburgh Steelers 38-10 in a must win game. Tight end Jordan Cameron had a star performance with 102 receiving yards and on touchdown. Brian Hoyer passed for 217 yards and one touchdown . The Browns trailed early 3-0 but quickly answered back with a touchdown. The Browns tacked on two more, taking a 21-3 lead into halftime. The Browns defense shut out the Steelers in the second half. Cleveland’s defense made a reputation for giving up no fewer than 23 points a game.
The Browns running game was impressive as Ben Tate rushed for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Isaiah “the crow” Crowell added a touchdown as well.
Ben Roethlisberger (228 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception) was pressured by the Browns on several plays. Antonio Brown provided an encore on his stellar season with 118 receiving yards. Le’Veon Bell rushed for 82 yards.
“They believe in each other. They believe in what we’re doing,” said Browns head Coach Mike Pettine.
The scoreboard reflected Pettine’s post game statement. This was a must win game for the Browns as they are trying to be in the playoff talk right away. This result may renew the seemingly dead rivalry.
The unfortunate news is center Alex Mack suffered a fractured fibula and is likely out for the entire 2014 season. Jon Greco replaced Mack and performed admirably.
Baltimore 48 Tampa Bay 17- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are playing well below standards under new Head Coach Lovie Smith. The Ravens made quick work of them, rushing out to a quick 21-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back.
Joe Flacco threw for 306 yards and five touchdowns. Torrey Smith (four receptions for 51 yards and two touchdowns) Steve Smith (five catches, 110 yards and one touchdown) and Justin Forsett (111 rushing yards) posted pro Bowl caliber numbers in the win.
Smith said ,”Everybody was getting touchdowns. I think it’s good for this game and the next games so that (defenses) can’t target or pinpoint one individual. You have to have guys around you making plays.”
Cincinnati 37 Carolina 37– Ties in the NFL are almost unheard of. The Bengals and Panthers fought to the bitter end in a game that was a true example of how juggernaut offenses can play a pivotal role in the final outcome. When Cam Newton and Andy Dalton square off, fans on both sides can expect the offenses to dictate the final outcome.
Dalton threw for 323 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Newton completed 29 passes for 284 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 107 yards and one touchdown.
AFC North Standings
Cincinnati 3-1-1
Baltimore 4-2
Cleveland 3-2
Pittsburgh 3-3
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