The Pittsburgh Steelers lost Sunday to the New England Patriots at home and even so, the team will still enter their long-awaited bye week as leaders of the AFC North division.
In addition to the Steelers losing on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens also lost 24-17 to the New York Jets on the road.
In the loss to the Jets, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, who entered the game listed as questionable with a shoulder injury, completed 25 of his 44 pass attempts for 248 yards with 2 interceptions. Both of Flacco’s interceptions came on back-to-back drives in the third quarter and set the Jets up for 10 points.
The Ravens’ offense was also just 3 of 14 on 3rd downs in the Sunday loss and they managed just 6 yards rushing. Baltimore wide receiver Mike Wallace was the team’s lone bright spot on offense as he caught 10 passes for 120 yards against the Jets in a losing effort.
The Ravens lone touchdown in their loss came as a result of a snap that went right through the hands of the Jets punter and Baltimore wide receiver Chris Moore recovered the loose football in the end zone.
The Ravens, much like the Steelers, enter their Week 8 bye a banged-up team as guard Marshal Yanda, wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., left tackle Ronnie Stanley, linebacker C.J. Mosley, outside linebackers Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs all missed Sunday’s game against the Jets because of injuries.
The Ravens have now lost four-straight games after opening the regular season 3-0. Following their bye week, they will host the Steelers in Baltimore and it will be the second divisional game for each team.
Also on Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Cleveland Browns 31-17 at home.
In the Bengals win, quarterback Andy Dalton completed 19 of his 28 total pass attempts for 308 yards and two touchdowns. Those two throwing scores went to wide receivers Brandon LaFell and A.J. Green in the second quarter. Green finished the game with 8 receptions for 169 yards and Cincinnati running back Jeremy Hill finished with 168 yards rushing on just 9 carries and a touchdown.
As for the Browns, who remained winless on the season thanks to their Sunday loss to the Bengals, they lost starting rookie quarterback Cody Kessler to a concussion early in the game. He was relieved by fellow rookie quarterback Kevin Hogan, who completed just 12 of his 24 pass attempts in the game for 100 yards and 2 interceptions.
With the Steelers and Ravens both off in Week 8, the (3-4) Bengals will host the (4-3) Washington Redskins next Sunday. The (0-7) Browns, on the other hand, will host the (2-5) Jets next Sunday.
