The Steelers put some space between themselves and a divisional rival with a 38-7 demolition of the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
The Steelers intercepted Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield twice, including one taken by Minkah Fitzpatrick for Pittsburgh’s opening touchdown. James Conner, James Washington, Chase Claypool, and Benny Snell also contributed touchdowns.
Mayfield was benched late in the third quarter, giving way to Case Keenum for the final frame. He went 5 for 10 passing for 46 yards. From ESPN:
"“That was varsity ball today,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “They stepped up and stepped up big all across the board.”"
The win over the Browns gave the Steelers a small amount of breathing room in the AFC North race, but they are still neck and neck with the Ravens, with Baltimore’s one loss breaking the tie.
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The Steelers almost got some help from the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, but the Ravens held on to win 30-28 after the Eagles mounted a comeback from 24-6 down. Lamar Jackson again led Baltimore in passing (16 completions on 27 attempts, 186 yards, 1 touchdown) and rushing (9 rushes, 108 yards, 1 TD).
Jackson spread the ball around to many different receivers. Marquise Brown led the corps with four catches for 57 yards, but Nick Boyle (3 catches, 33 yards), Willie Snead IV (1 catch, 32 yards), Devin Duvernay (3 catches, 31 yards), Mark Andrews (2 catches, 21 yards), and Miles Boykin (1 catch, 11 yards) all averaged a first down per reception.
The Bengals maintained their doormat status by losing 31-27 to the Indianapolis Colts as a Joe Burrow interception on a potentially game-winning drive sealed their fate. Despite not throwing for a touchdown, Burrow was impressive otherwise (25/39, 313 yards) but a similar performance (29/44, 371 yards) and three touchdowns from Colts quarterback Philip Rivers combined with the late pick to seal Cincinnati’s fate.
Pittsburgh is third in ESPN’s new power rankings, up from sixth last week. The Ravens maintain their previous position at fourth, Cleveland dropped from 10th to 13th, and the Bengals dropped from 26th to 27th.
The upcoming three-game road trip will be very important for the Steelers’ divisional aspirations, as the Black and Gold head first to Tennessee to take on Derrick Henry and the AFC’s only other undefeated team before heading to Baltimore. The team then plays at Dallas before returning home. For what it’s worth, CBS’s Tony Romo predicted the Steelers would win all three and return home 8-0 on last Sunday’s broadcast.