After a 2-2 week inside the AFC North, things are looking good for the Steelers. They're still undefeated and have built a lead in the division thanks to the struggles in Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. While the Steelers spot in this power ranking seems set, where does the rest of the division fall? Let's find out.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (0-3)
The Bengals will head into Week 4 in search of their first win following a pitiful 38-33 loss at home to the Commanders last night. The offense showed signs of life behind a bounce-back performance from Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. Despite 436 yards of offense, the Bengals are still winless thanks to a pathetic performance from their defense.
The Commanders offense is fine, but the Bengals made them look like the Showtime Rams. 38 points and 356 yards given up is not good enough against a rookie quarterback. Jayden Daniels showed why he's going to be really good in this league and the Bengals had no answer for him or Terry McLaurin. Daniels had three total touchdowns including a dime to McLaurin late to give the Commanders a cushion.
The Bengals have yet to put together a complete performance this year and that leaves them winless on the season. Next week is a must-win game or the 2024 season could very well be over. Let's see what they can do.
Next week: @ Carolina Panthers (1-2)
3. Cleveland Browns (1-2)
The Browns and Bengals keep dueling each other to see who has the worst loss every week. The Browns 21-15 loss at home to the Giants this past Sunday is one of the worst. The Browns made Daniel Jones look like a good quarterback, which is all that needs to be said about this one. Malik Nabers shredded the secondary and Devin Singletary even got in on the fun. This was an embarrassing performance for what many consider one of the better defenses in the league.
On offense, Deshaun Watson was unspectacular once again. He had 196 yards and 2 touchdowns but also lost two fumbles. He's been a turnover machine so far this season. The run game is non-existent and despite Amari Cooper showing up, the offense still struggled to score. Until Nick Chubb returns, this offense could continue to be one of the worst in the league.
The defense has struggled, the offense is horrible and the criticism is getting bigger and bigger for Watson and Kevin Stefanski. If the performance doesn't improve soon, the Browns could be in search of a new coach.
Next week: @ Las Vegas Raiders (1-2)
2. Baltimore Ravens (1-2)
The Ravens finally got in the win column following a 28-25 road victory over the Cowboys. The offense jumped out to a 28-6 lead early in the third quarter behind strong games from Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. It was good for Ravens fans to see "King Henry" finally arrive in Baltimore. However, similar to last week, the offense stalling late in the game almost cost the Ravens the game.
Following that early third quarter touchdown, the Ravens had two punts and a missed field goal from Justin Tucker (which is quickly becoming a problem). They also allowed Dallas to recover an onside kick and the defense allowed three fourth quarter touchdowns. While the Ravens got the win, I'm still not fully convinced that this roster is complete enough to win a Super Bowl.
I need to see a few more complete performances before I change my mind about that. The schedule doesn't get any easier for Baltimore, so we'll find out a lot about them in the coming weeks.
Next week: vs Buffalo Bills (3-0)
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0)
Following a 20-10 win over the Chargers in the home opener, the Steelers find themselves as one of five remaining undefeated teams in the league. This was easily their most complete game of the season. The offense scored 2 touchdowns, had 20 points, and 346 total yards. Justin Fields looked like the quarterback he was drafted to be and Calvin Austin played his best game as a Steeler. That unit is improving every week.
The defense was dominant per usual. They allowed 10 points and held the Chargers to -5 yards in the second half. Nick Herbig was a force in the second half and the run defense shut down J.K. Dobbins and that rushing attack. This defense is elite and the best in the league at the moment. The Still Curtain is back in the Steel City.
The only big concern out of this game was injuries. Alex Highsmith, Jaylen Warren and Cory Trice join a busy injured list early in the season. The depth will be tested early and often this season. But for now, stacking wins is the most important thing the Steelers can do.
Next week: @ Indianapolis Colts (1-2)