Steelers Pull Even With Ravens, Bengals In Sight In AFC North
Oct 5, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brice McCain (25) crosses the goal line after a 22-yard interception return for a touchdown off Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (not pictured) in the fourth quarter as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 17-9 at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers had an opportunity to be 4-1 and lead the AFC North after five weeks of the season. At least that’s what the scenario would be if the didn’t lose to the Buccaneers the previous week. Instead, the Steelers were hoping to stay at or above .500 when they went up against the Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. In what has become typical Steelers fashion – perhaps the ‘new’ Steeler Way? – the team let the lesser team hang around the entire game rather than destroy them outright. At least this time they came out with the win.
With that precious W, the Steelers climb to 3-2. A far more respectable place to be than where they were at this time last season (1-4). You can’t even really call this game a ‘trap’ game that the Steelers successfully navigated. This team isn’t really good enough yet to have any of their games considered in the bag… obviously. There are no sure things in the NFL, and there are certainly no sure things for the Steelers. Except maybe bubble screens. You can always depend on those.
The AFC North had all non-division games this week, but the Steelers were able to pull up even with the Ravens. The Ratbirds fell to the Indianapolis Colts in a close game. Thanks goes out to Joe Flacco for overthrowing a few receivers over the course of the day that kept them from having a chance to win the game. The Bengals were crushed by the Patriots up in New England on Sunday night. I guess Tom Brady isn’t going to retire just quite yet. Those two losses threw the Steelers right back into the thick of things in the AFC North. The Bengals are still the Bungals, and the Ravens have only marginally improved from a season ago. And, you can’t count out the Browns this early. This team, of all teams, is showing a ton of heart this season. They will not give up in any game situation, which is making them a dangerous team. The Browns had a great comeback lead by QB Hoyer over the Titans. Their win puts them at 2-2 and very much a part of the AFC North conversation – for now.
The Steelers still have the favored schedule over their rivals in the division. If they don’t find themselves at the top by the time they reach the Indy game, well I guess no one will be surprised. But, it will mean an even rougher road ahead.
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