Cincinnati Bengals: Ravens Thursday Night Is a 'Must-Win'
The first meeting this season between the Ravens and Bengals was epic, with Baltimore rallying to win, 41-38, in overtime.
The rematch will be Thursday night at M&T Bank Stadium, with the Ravens (6-3) in position to sweep the season series, and the Bengals (4-5) still trying to overcome their 0-3 start.
Cincinnati running back Chase Brown didn't try to downplay the significance of Thursday's matchup.
"It's a must-win game," Brown said via the team’s website, following the Bengals' 41-24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 9. "I'm glad we got the win, but it's already 'Wednesday' today (because of the short week), so now we've got to get ready for Thursday."
Joe Burrow threw five touchdown passes against the Raiders, matching what he did Week 5 against Baltimore. However, Burrow wasn't satisfied with the performance because he feels the Bengals must play better to make a legitimate playoff run.
"I'm not just going to ignore the bad and dwell on the great that we did today," Burrow said. "I don't think that's a recipe for improvement. I don't think that's a recipe for getting better. I'm going to be hard on myself. I'm going to be hard on us to execute the way that I feel like we need to.
"I think just how the season has gone, knowing what's ahead of us … one win isn't going to make or break our season. I'm going to strive for perfection — every day and every game. Until that happens, what's there to be happy about?"
Defensive end Trey Hendrickson had four sacks against the Raiders and leads the NFL with 11. On Thursday night, Hendrickson will have his sights set on sacking Lamar Jackson and helping the Bengals leave Baltimore with a victory.
"Anybody who's rooting for the Cincinnati Bengals knows it's a must-win game," Hendrickson said.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Shopping for Wide Receivers Prior to Trade Deadline
The Steelers were trying to trade for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk until he broke his collarbone in Week 8, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
However, Schefter reported that the Steelers were still shopping for wideouts prior to Tuesday's 4 p.m. trade deadline. Mike Williams of the New York Jets and Adam Thielen of the Carolina Panthers were reportedly among the players Pittsburgh could be targeting.
Even if the Steelers don't get another target for quarterback Russell Wilson, Quarterbacks Coach Tom Arth believes the Steelers have the potential to produce more big plays in the second half of the season.
"I think 'Russ' has played very well," Arth said via the team’s website. "You talk about pushing the ball downfield, that has been a strength of Russ's throughout his career. Our guys have been given those opportunities and he's made the plays. It's been a big plus for us."
The Steelers (6-2) had a bye in Week 9 and will visit the Washington Commanders (7-2) in Week 10.
Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett Refuses to Throw in Towel on Making Playoffs
The Browns fell to 2-7 after Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, and Cleveland's playoff chances look slim.
However, All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett said he's not giving up and hopes the Browns regroup after their upcoming bye in Week 10.
"It's halfway through the season, and we still have a lot of time left," Garrett said via the team's website. "Eight games, turn it around, go 10-7. First, we've got to go 1-0. There's still a way to get into the playoffs, still make some noise, still go to where we want to go. It's about a decision being made right now, if we have the men in here who have the character and pride and the work to do it, or not.
"As the best player on the team, I expect myself to lead by example, more than talking and telling everybody what I want. Show them how it's supposed to look. Do as I do."
Garrett said he took no satisfaction from having three sacks on Sunday.
"There's no balance," Garrett said. "There's just loss.
"I'd rather have no sacks every game than continue losing the way we are. I'd rather win every time. It's frustrating as hell."
