The NFL season is here today and gone tomorrow. One week, you’re celebrating a big win; the next, you’re fighting to keep playoff hopes alive. Time moves fast in this league — whether you’re playing or not. The Pittsburgh Steelers know that better than most.
As they took a well-deserved break during their Week 5 bye, the Steelers didn’t just rest their bodies; they gained valuable ground. Sometimes, you don’t have to take the field to make a statement. This past weekend, the rest of the AFC North did the talking for them — and not in a good way.
Mike Tomlin and his crew can return to work this week with confidence. Their divisional rivals all stumbled in one way or another, and the Steelers suddenly find themselves in a stronger position than when the bye began.
Rested, healthy, and poised, Pittsburgh quietly became the biggest winner of Week 5 without even lacing up their cleats.
Pittsburgh Steelers AFC North rivals take a hard fall in Week 5
The most shocking result came out of Houston, where the Baltimore Ravens were embarrassed 44-10 by the Texans. Yes, Lamar Jackson was sidelined with a hamstring injury, but even without him, no one expected Baltimore to unravel like that. C.J. Stroud — the 2023 Rookie of the Year — looked like a seasoned veteran again, tossing four touchdown passes and racking up 244 yards through the air.
But the story wasn’t just Stroud’s resurgence — it was Baltimore’s defense crumbling once again. The Ravens couldn’t stop anything. Missed tackles, poor coverage, and a lack of discipline plagued them from start to finish. For a team that has prided itself for decades on defense, Sunday’s performance was downright humbling.
You can bet Pittsburgh took notice. When these two teams meet again in Week 14, the Steelers will look to exploit every inch of that vulnerability.
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Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals continued their slide. Jake Browning — the third-year quarterback filling in while Joe Burrow recovers from turf toe — had a day to forget. Three interceptions and a 37-24 loss to the Detroit Lions exposed the Bengals’ offensive growing pains. Browning showed flashes of confidence, but he too often looked overwhelmed by Detroit’s pressure.
Cincinnati’s struggles are understandable, but in the NFL, understanding doesn’t excuse results. With Burrow sidelined indefinitely, the Bengals look like a team in search of answers. And for Pittsburgh, that’s an opportunity — one they’ll certainly try to capitalize on when the two teams meet later this year.
Over in London, the Cleveland Browns gave it their best shot against the Minnesota Vikings, but the result was the same: another loss.
Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel made his first start and showed some grit, throwing for 190 yards and two touchdowns. His composure was admirable, but the Browns ultimately fell 21-17. Growing pains are part of life with a rookie signal-caller, and Cleveland is learning that lesson in real time.
So, what does this all mean for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
It means they’ve gained ground without expending any energy. They’re healthier, better rested, and in a more favorable position in the AFC North than they were a week ago.
The Steelers know success in the NFL isn’t just about what happens on Sunday — it’s about how well you prepare during the days in between. That’s where Mike Tomlin’s leadership shines. His team has used the bye week to rest their minds and bodies, but more importantly, to refocus.
Now, with momentum subtly swinging their way, the Steelers can reenter the battlefield with clarity and confidence. Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns is the perfect opportunity to set the tone for the second phase of their season.
Pittsburgh may have been off the field in Week 5, but they still made a statement loud enough for the rest of the AFC North to hear: the Steelers are rested, ready, and in control of their destiny.