AFC North Report: Browns Take Second Place; Steelers Stay At Bottom

Here is a look at games that featured the Browns, Ravens, and Steelers in Week Nine. The Bengals played on Thursday night, meaning they will not be included. To read the Special AFC North Report on the Bengals-Dolphins game, click here.

Baltimore Ravens (3-5) vs. Cleveland Browns (4-5)

The Baltimore Ravens went into Cleveland on Sunday to play a team they had won eleven straight games against. Most people described it as a must-win for both teams, since the Bengals have such a commanding lead in the AFC North.

The Browns came in hot, while the Ravens were just the opposite.

Terrell Suggs sacked Browns' quarterback Jason Campbell on the first play of the game, but that was the only good thing for Baltimore in the first quarter.

The Browns, on the other hand, went up 7-0 after a 4th & 1 turned into seven points on a touchdown pass to Davone Bess. At the end of the first quarter it was 7-3.

In the second quarter, Davone Bess "broke" Lardarius Webb's ankles to get into the end zone for his second touchdown of the day.

Surprisingly, at the end of the half, the Ravens went on a drive and were able to get Marlon Brown in the end zone, making it 14-10 at halftime. Joe Flacco also threw an interception in the first half.

In the third quarter, the only score was another Cleveland Browns' touchdown, making the score 21-10. The power would not shift throughout the game.

Marlon Brown scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter, he also got the two-point conversion, but it was not enough to fuel a comeback. The Browns beat the Ravens for the first time since 2007, 24-18.

The Ravens also break their 5-0 streak of games right after a bye under Head Coach John Harbaugh.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6) vs. New England Patriots (7-2)

The struggling Pittsburgh Steelers went into New England on Sunday to try and get higher in the AFC North standings. Unfortunately for them, it would not be the greatest day ever.

The Patriots came out and scored three touchdowns in the first half, making the score at halftime 24-10. It was an amazing first half for quarterback Tom Brady, but it would only get better from there.

In the third quarter, it would be the Steelers that would attempt to come back. They were successful, as they got within three at the end of the quarter. The score was 27-24.

Just when it started to look like a good football game, Tom Brady and the Patriots turned on the turbo boosters.

The Patriots scored four touchdowns (two pass, two rush) in the fourth quarter to lead to a blowout victory against Pittsburgh, 55-31.

Tom Brady threw for 432 yards and four touchdowns, both season highs. The 55 points scored by the Patriots were the most this season by any team, and they were also the most points the Steelers have allowed in franchise history.

Pittsburgh dropped to 2-6, a record that keeps them at the very bottom of the AFC North.

AFC North Overview:

What's Next?:

Cincinnati Bengals: @ Baltimore Ravens (Week 10- 11/10)

Baltimore Ravens: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Week 10-11/10)

Cleveland Browns: @ Cincinnati Bengals (Week 11- 11/17) *BYE in WEEK 10*

Pittsburgh Steelers: vs. Buffalo Bills (Week 10- 11/10)

Notable Injuries:

Baltimore Ravens: No notable injuries in game against Browns.

Cleveland Browns: No notable injuries in game against Ravens.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Tackle Marcus Gilbert left with a leg injury in the game against the Patriots. The offensive line for the Steelers has been beaten up all year long.

Standings:

via ESPN

The Bengals are still atop the AFC North. The Browns move up to second after the win against the Ravens. The Ravens move to third, and the Steelers stay in last place.

Cleveland Browns: 2.0 games back.

Baltimore Ravens: 2.5 games back.

Pittsburgh Steelers: 3.5 games back.