Cincinnati 23 Baltimore 16– Two years ago, the Ravens won the Super Bowl. This year, they released their iconic running back Ray Rice because of a new video that surfaced regarding his assault of his then fiancée now-wife, Janay. Rice faces an indefinite suspension from the NFL.
The Ravens were not the same team to open up the season as they lost to the defending AFC North Champion Cincinnati. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco torched the Bengals defense for 345 yards despite completing only 35 of his 62 passes.
He threw for one touchdown to receiver Steve Smith. Flacco threw one interception. Running back Justin Forsett ran for 70 yards on 11 attempts. Normally, the Ravens could count on Rice’s production which was typically 85 or more yards per game.
Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton threw for 301 yards and one touchdown. Dalton did not turn the ball over. Receiver A.J. Green caught the game winning 77 yard touchdown pass. Green finished with 131 yards and one touchdown.
Pittsburgh 30 Cleveland 27– The Pittsburgh Steelers took control in the first half. In what seemed like a ballistic barrage of offense, Pittsburgh utterly devastated the Browns defense for 24 points. The misery was equal on offense as quarterback Brian Hoyer was shaky and led the team to just one scoring drive which resulted in a field goal.
The Browns would not surrender though. After the game seemed over, the Browns did more than just make a determined effort to muster dignity at most. They scored 24 points in the second half to put Pittsburgh on “red alert”. The game was tied at 27 in the fourth quarter until Steelers kicker Shaun Suisham kicked a game winning field goal.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for 365 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Receiver Antonio Brown caught 5 passes for 116 yards and one touchdown.
Hoyer threw for 230 yards and one touchdown. Rookie running back Terrance West had 16 carries for 100 yards.
AFC North Standings
Cincinnati 1-0
Pittsburgh 1-0
Baltimore 0-1
Cleveland 0-1