AFC North: Steelers, Ravens exit Week 11 as winners in the division

by Christina "Tina" Rivers (3Rivers_Writer) on November 20, 2018

There were a lot of close, crazy games across the NFL in Week 11 of the 2018 regular season; the insanity a theme this year as heavily-favored teams have been thwarted in their efforts and underdogs have pulled out shockers here and there. In the AFC North, the divisional battle to watch was between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens as they vied for better position in the conference as well. The Cleveland Browns had the week to reflect on their season (a bye) and get ready for the final stretch. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers entered a physical and emotional battle with the Jacksonville Jaguars and became just one of several teams to pull out a miracle – or two – for a win.

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Ravens, 24 – Bengals, 21

With veteran quarterback Joe Flacco sidelined with a hip injury, rookie Lamar Jackson – who’d had a stomach illness during the week – suited up as the Ravens’ signal caller in his first NFL start. His play was a mixed bag, however. Jackson was able to use his feet, something most expected from the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner (at Louisville), to rush for 117 yards on 27 carries and running a decent option offense. Where he struggled was in establishing a solid passing performance. He completed just 13-of-19 passes for 150 yards and an interception; Shawn Williams was the recipient of the pick.

The Ravens went run-heavy, possibly playing to Jackson’s strengths and being a bit conservative. Running back Gus Edwards stole the show as he averaged six yards-per-carry on the day and was key in converting multiple third-down situations. Breaking tackles by Cincinnati defenders, Edwards showed the ability to get yards after initial contact that helped Baltimore’s offense keep driving the ball. The undrafted rookie free agent scored on an 11-yard run and a two-point conversion in the third quarter to help the Ravens rally.

One of the lone bright spots for the Bengals defense was the play of Josh Tupou. He recorded just one tackle but was more of a force in stopping the run than any other Cincinnati defender on the day and was unafraid to go toe-to-toe with the Ravens’ offensive line. The play of one man, however, was too little to keep the Ravens from chewing up yardage as the Bengals linebackers looked hesitant at the point of attack and were swept off of blocks into the wash.

The Bengals wanted to establish the run in their offense as well, but the Ravens were able to shut that down with dominance at the line of scrimmage. Part of that was due to a rough outing by Bengals tackle Cordy Glenn. Glenn struggled in all aspects on Sunday and the result was that Dalton never seemed to find a rhythm and the door on the run game was slammed shut.

Although A.J. Green dressed for warmups, he was unable to take the field at game-time, leaving Andy Dalton‘s options in the passing game thin as well. Dalton, under pressure, was forced several times to throw contested passes and the Ravens defense played tight coverage down the field as a result of the upfront pressure from their line and linebackers. Outside of a spectacular combat touchdown catch by John Ross, the Bengals receivers were overpowered by the Ravens’ defensive backfield.

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Bengals kicker Randy Bullock had an opportunity to tie the game with a 52-yard field goal with just under four minutes left in the game but missed. When Dalton’s fourth-down pass at the Ravens’ 37-yard line with just 1:42 to go was knocked to the turf by Marlon Humphrey, there was nothing left in the tank and no time to do it in.

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Divisional and Conference Wrap-up

Pittsburgh, with the come-from-behind win over the Jaguars on Sunday, moves into a two-game lead in the division. They will be on the road against the Denver Broncos (4-6) on Sunday (Nov. 25). Baltimore jumps into the second spot in the division and will host the Oakland Raiders (2-8). Cincinnati falls into the third spot and will host the Cleveland Browns in another weekend of division rivalry.

Pittsburgh is 3-3-1 in the division; 4-2-1 in the conference. Baltimore is 2-3 in the division; 5-3 in the conference. Cincinnati is 1-2 in the division; 3-3 in the conference. Cleveland is 1-1-1 in the division; 2-4-1 in the conference.