Week #1 – AFC North Scores
Pittsburgh 34 Cleveland 7
Cincinnati 27 Baltimore 20
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens turned the ball over 6 times, yet they still had a chance to tie the game at 27 when a TD pass from QB Kyle Boller to TE Todd Heap was erased by a pass interference call. While turnovers early in the game ultimately caused their undoing, the team settled down and played well in the 2nd half. Injuries to T Jonathan Ogden, QB Steve McNair, RS BJ Sams (out for the year with a torn ACL), and LB Ray Lewis during the contest caused the team to adjust on the fly and the Ravens handled this well. RB Willis McGahee seemed to answer concerns regarding his preseason productivity contributing 77 yards on 19 carries. S Ed Reed returned a punt 63 yards for a TD after replacing the injured Sams.
Cincinnati Bengals
In a bruising season opener matching the last two AFC North champs, the Bengals (1-0) were the last one standing — barely. The Bengals had to work with a makeshift offensive line missing three starters by the second quarter. They also briefly lost K Shayne Graham, costing them on an extra-point try. Even WR Chad Johnson limped off at one point, evidently suffering from a cramp. The Pro Bowl receiver and incessant self-promoter came up big for the Bengals, catching five passes for 95 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown. The Bengals have won five of their last six against Baltimore.
Cleveland Browns
Browns coach Romeo Crennel dropped to 1-12 against AFC North teams and is winless in five cracks at the Steelers. Browns starting QB Charlie Frye was pulled after the first quarter. His final stats: 4-of-10 for 34 yards and 1 INT. His replacement Derek Anderson finished 13-of-28 for 184 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. By the end of the 3rd Qtr, the Steelers led 31-7 and disgusted Browns fans fled as a steady rain further dampened what they had hoped would be a better beginning for a team that has had just 1 winning season since 1999. RB Jamal Lewis gained a meager 35 yards on 11 carries and contributed 1 fumble to the team’s 5 turnovers.
Pittsburgh Steelers
QB Ben Roethlisberger threw his fourth touchdown pass of the game late in the third quarter. Big Ben finished 12-of-23 for 161 yards and no interceptions. The Pittsburgh defense looked like the Steelers of old. Six different players combined for six sacks in the game. The defense also forced three fumbles and intercepted Cleveland QBs twice. Big Ben & Co. then converted those Browns miscues into 14 points. RB Willie Parker rushed for 109 yards as Pittsburgh started the Mike Tomlin Era with the kind of bruising victory that typified Bill Cowher’s tenure in the Steel City.
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AFC North
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||||||||||||
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Team
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W
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L
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T
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PCT
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PF
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PA
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Home
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Road
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AFC
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NFC
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DIV
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Streak
|
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1
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0
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0
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1.000
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27
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20
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1-0
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0-0
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1-0
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0-0
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1-0
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Won 1
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|
|
1
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0
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0
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1.000
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34
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7
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0-0
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1-0
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1-0
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0-0
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1-0
|
Won 1
|
|
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
.000
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20
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27
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0-0
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0-1
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0-1
|
0-0
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0-1
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Lost 1
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|
|
0
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1
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0
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.000
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7
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34
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0-1
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0-0
|
0-1
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0-0
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0-1
|
Lost 1
|
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Week #2 Predictions
Record: Week #1: 1 – 1
Baltimore Ravens versus New York Jets
In 2 games versus the New York Jets in 2006 as a Buffalo Bill, Willis McGahee gained 275 yards on 42 carries. That’s over 6.5 yards per carry. The 2007 Jets defense yielded 28 first downs, 134 rushing yards and 297 passing yards in week # 1 versus the Patriots. On top of that the status of QB Chad Pennington is up in the air. The Ravens have their own injury concerns, but the match-up with the Jets has the look of a mismatch.
Baltimore 31 New York 13
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
The Bengals take to the road in week 2 and face a Browns team that totally self destructed against the Steelers at home in week 1. The hapless Browns were unable to stop the run last week giving up 206 yards on 42 rushes, but the Bengals eschew the run. If they can hold onto it, the Browns (Jamal Lewis) should be able to move the ball on the ground against Cincinnati. If QB Carson Palmer isn’t sharper than he was against Baltimore, this could be a closer contest than one might initially expect.
Cincinnati 23 Cleveland 17
Pittsburgh Steelers versus Buffalo Bills
The Bills 15-14 loss at home to the Denver Broncos was not as close as the score indicates. Buffalo gave up 470 yards, 23 first downs and Denver spent 8 of its 10 drives in Bills territory. The Bills yielded 139 rushing yards on 23 carries to Broncos RB Travis Henry. Despite all of that, they held Denver to 15 points in the tough emotional loss. Injuries to S Ko Simpson (broken left ankle) and CB Jason Webster (broken forearm) further jeopardize Buffalo’s chances in the Steelers home opener. Rookie RB Marshawn Lynch will be counted on to keep the Bills in the game.
Pittsburgh 27 Buffalo 19
Photo by Sabina Moran
