The Steelers dominated in a 33-20 win that left a mark on the Bengals. “For us to get an opportunity to go back, it’s a step in the right direction”.
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“We’ll be ready, trust me”, Bengals cornerback Adam Jones said.
McCarron overcame a rough start and threw a pair of touchdown passes Sunday, rallying Cincinnati to a sloppy 24-16 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. But early in the second half, Cincinnati anticipated his tendencies well. Being the #2 seed would mean a bye week this coming week for the Bengals, and, considering the multitude of injuries that they have suffered recently, that scenario is very likely what the entire locker room is hoping for. Throwing the ball nearly 60 times is a recipe for disaster. That’s not going to win you many football games.
There was a question who the Bengals would start at QB with Andy Dalton nursing a broken thumb, but Marvin Lewis provided an answer by saying AJ McCarron, not Dalton, will start vs. the Steelers. The Bengals (12-4) reached 12 wins for the third time in franchise history.
A pass interference penalty set up his 22-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Eifert, his 13th scoring catch of the season. The Ravens had a touchdown negated by replay when it was ruled receiver Jeremy Butler did not corral Mallett’s low throw before scampering 32 yards into the end zone. As a result, the Steelers rushed for just 30 yards as a team. Baltimore (5-11) failed to finish the season on a positive note. They did so by continuing to mix and match their available players in an effort to experiment with different combinations for next year.
They came into the year with expectations of returning to the playoffs and competing for another championship. Cincinnati won despite going 0-for-9 on third down.
The Ravens never seriously challenged despite converting 12 of 20 third-down conversions, but couldn’t mount a rally against the Bengals’ defense.
After a solid first half, Mallett made a big mistake on the Ravens’ first drive of the third quarter. What neither game plan allows for are turnovers. Manning completed just five passes for 69 yards.
“We’re preparing for AJ McCarron to be the starting quarterback”, Lewis said.
But Mallett cranked up his rifle-like arm and drove the Ravens 55 yards in ten plays to the Cincinnati 31-yard line. Baltimore even led, 9-7, at halftime after three field goals made by kicker Justin Tucker.
The Ravens now go into a critical offseason where they have to make significant improvements to get back to where they expect to be every season.
The only one under more pressure than McCarron is Lewis, who is 0-6 in the postseason. We fought all year.
Both the Chargers and Niners enter week 17 at 4-11 and with a win would be at the same record as the Baltimore Ravens.
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The No. 7 prospect in the Orioles’ system, shortstop Ryan Mountcastle showed promise during his first season and could benefit from bulking up.
