This division is one of the most competive in the league. Three of the teams have records over .500 and the other has lots of potential if they only had a defense. If these teams keep it up it should be a wild chase for the division title. Here are my AFC North mid season report cards.
Pttsburgh Steelers: Nobody thought that Mike Tomlin's adjustment to being a head coach would be this smooth. The Steelers are 5 and 2 and haven't lost in the divison. One of those reasons is becuase the play of Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger has 1533 yards and 15 touchdowns on the year. This time last year he only had 6 touchdown passes. Running back Willie Parker is also having a great year with 726 yards and 4.4 yards a carry. If Parker finds the endzone more than twice, the Steelers should be in great shape. The receivers are also playing well as Santonio Holmes has 426 yards and 4 touchdowns. Hines Ward has played well but has been hurt as he has 3 touchdowns. The tight ends has also combined for 8 touchdowns. On defense Troy Polamalu has played very well with the defense allowing the least points in the NFL. James Farrior is also playing well with 4 sacks. The Steelers should make lots of noise the remainder of the season.
Grade:A
Baltimore Ravens: Other than some inconsistent quarterback play the Ravens have played pretty well. Steve McNair and Kyle Boller combine for 5 touchdown passes. They will have to pass more than that to make the playoffs. On the bright side, Willis McGahee is among the league leaders in rushing with 639 yards rushing. Derrick Mason has already caught 56 passes and is on pace to have way over 100. Look for big 2nd halves out of Mark Clayton,Demetrius Williams and Todd Heap if the Ravens want to make the playoffs. The defense has played well also. Ed Reed is among the league leaders with 4 interceptions and Ray Lewis is playing well with 58 tackles.Yamon Figurs returned one return touchdown so far but if the Ravens want to win he has to hold on to the ball. If the Ravens don't get going on offense don't expect the playoff run that many experts predicted in the preseason as this team isn't playing to their full potential.
Grade: B-
Cleveland Browns: The Browns are this years biggest surprise as nobody had them playing such good football. One of the main reasons is the quarterback Derek Anderson who has thrown for 1744 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Browns could be in a similar situation that the Chargers were in last year with the veteran and the younger option in Brady Quinn. The Browns running game hasn't done that well so far as Jamal Lewis got most of his yards in one game. The receivers though are playing great as Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow have combined for 1200 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season. Sean Jones is slowly becoming a pro bowl safety on defense and Leigh Bodden has 4 interceptions on the year and don't be surprised if he makes the pro bowl this year. Look for Kamerion Wimbley to get back on track as he only has 3 sacks so far. Overall Romeo Crennel's job coaching his been the best so far this season. Don't be surprised if the Browns creep into the playoffs as they have a pretty easy schedule ahead of them.
Grade:A-
Cincinnati Bengals: How the mighty have fallen. The Bengals a few years back were many peoples picks to make the super bowl in the AFC. Now they could have more arrests than wins. The offense is playing fine as Carson Palmer,Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzadeh are all playing great football. Kenny Watson is doing a good job filling in for Rudi Johnson with 401 yards and 4 touchdowns. Watson is also averaging almost 5 yards a carry. The defense is a totally different story as they are 31st in total defense. Madieu Williams is playing well now that he is healthy and Leon Hall is making strides as a rookie corner as he has 2 interceptions. The defense isn't getting enough pressure on the quarterback and that's what it comes down to . If the Bengals play like this the rest of the season,it will be a long offseason in Cincinnati.
Grade:D
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