Pittsburgh Steelers keep pace with Ravens in AFC North
The Pittsburgh Steelers were in a tough divisional battle against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, but that’s just the way they like it. The Steelers (6-2) are trying to return to the play-offs,
having missed last year and they kept pace with the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North by defeating the Bengals 27-21.
The Steelers took advantage of the Bengals special teams fiasco in the first five minutes to take the lead and silence the crowd. On the opening kick-off, Pittsburgh’s Emmanuel Sanders knocked the ball
out from Bernard Scott and was recovered by the Steelers.
Running-back Rashard Mendenhall capitalized on the turnover and found the end zone capping a 25-yard drive. On the ensuing punt, William g*y blocked the kick to give the Steelers’ offence excellent field
position which led to a 25-yard field goal by Jeff Reid.
"Initially, we created some opportunities for ourselves," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "You knew it was going to be a 60-minute game."
Trailing 10-0 at the start of the second half, Terrell Owens cut the deficit to three points after hauling in his 150th career touchdown pass. Owens was also the recipient of another touchdown
pass from quarterback Carson Palmer. Owens joins Randy Moss (153) and Jerry Rice (197) as the only players in NFL history to have over 150 receiving touchdown passes.
Despite the loss, Owens, who had 10 catches for 141 yards, had only good things to say about his quarterback, who threw for 248 yards and an interception.
"I think Carson played a great game under a lot of heat. He put the ball in there in tight situations. You look at the last four or five games we've played, it's been a play here or there that's made the
difference."
The 2-6 Bengals have lost five consecutive games and their play-offs hopes are doubtful at best.
Ben Roethlisberger played good in his fourth game back from a suspension that kept him sidelined at the start of the season. He completed 17 of 27 attempts for 163 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
But it was receiver Antwaan Randle El who made who made headlines after throwing a 39-yard touchdown pass to Hines Ward to start the fourth quarter which gave the Steelers a 27-7 led.
This is the second time that Randle El has connected with Ward for a touchdown, the last time being in Super Bowl XL.
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