NFL Week 11

NFL Rapid Reaction Week 11: Are the Bengals about to make a run?

For weeks, the debate has been about the AFC North team in Maryland getting ready to make a run, but maybe we should’ve been paying attention to the one in southwest Ohio instead. Week 11 provided further proof of exactly that. 

Defense remains the name of the game in Baltimore

If you weren’t paying attention on Sunday, then you might’ve forgotten the Ravens and Panthers played a game. Yeah, it actually happened, believe it or not. Baltimore still owns one of the best rushing attacks in the sport, but it feels like maybe we aren’t getting the same Lamar Jackson. This team doesn’t feel as explosive this season. Maybe it’s injuries, or maybe it’s losing a receiver like Hollywood Brown. Regardless, Jackson’s rushing attempts are down, which could that be because he’s concerned about injuries in a contract year? Maybe, maybe not. However, these are not the same Ravens and that should be a concern going forward.  

Browns freefall continues

It was expected that the Browns wouldn’t have a great season to this point because of the Deshaun Watson suspension. However, they knew that would happen after trading for him. The Browns have still somehow been a disappointing team. After jumping out to an early lead, Cleveland still crumbled, finding a way to lose. The coaching staff continues to underwhelm and it might be time to start asking questions. Some of the penalties they commit are just mind-numbing. Has Kevin Stefanski ever shown an ounce of emotion in his life? One thing is for certain though when it comes to the coaching staff and front office. They better be right about Watson because if not, things will get really ugly.

The Ja’Marr Chase injury has helped Cincinnati

That sounds harsh on the surface, but hear me out. Since his arrival in the Queen City, Ja’Marr Chase has essentially been the entire passing attack for Zac Taylor’s team. He has been the offense. Without him? Well, the team had to find a new way to win. That’s where Tee Higgins, Joe Mixon, and Samaje Perine reintroduced themselves. Suddenly, Joe Burrow is seeing all the options available to him, which only makes this Bengals team better in the long run. If they get all of these pieces clicking at the same time, then watch out, because then it gets scary. 

Pittsburgh really missed T.J. Watt

The return of T.J. Watt has revitalized the Pittsburgh Steelers, enough to the point where they put a scare into the Bengals on Sunday. Kenny Pickett played the role of game manager and the team as a whole looked much better than they did even just a few weeks ago. It’s essentially a forgone conclusion at this stage that Mike Tomlin will suffer his first losing season in the Steel City, but maybe the arrow is pointing up for the first time all season long.

author
Nick Brinkerhoff
Sports Journalist
Hello there, I’m Nick Brinkerhoff, a New Jersey native with enough sarcasm and attitude to show I’m not from New York. Despite being Jersey born and bred, I’m a diehard New York sports fan (Jets, Nets, Rangers, Mets) who has seen plenty of losing, but my sports betting ability will hopefully continue to balance those scales. I have season tickets to the Jets but believe it to be more character building than bad asset management. Althoug
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