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NFL Team Reports: AFC North

SportingNews 4 hours, 4 minutes ago

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Several times a week, The Trenches will present team reports from Sporting News’ 32 NFL correspondents. Check back each day for the latest news on your team.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens went back to the drawing board trying to find ways to score touchdowns inside the red zone. In the loss to Indianapolis, they had four trips inside the 20 and came away with two field goals, one missed field goal attempt and an interception.

The Ravens have become too predictable and basically are running a two-player offense featuring WR Derrick Mason(notes) and RB Ray Rice(notes). The team will try to make use of more weapons like TE Todd Heap(notes), RB Willis McGahee(notes) and WR Kelley Washington(notes). With the exception of Rice and Mason, only Heap (two catches) had more than one catch against the Colts.

The Ravens might need to revisit last year’s approach when they were unpredictable and ran a lot of gadget plays. Back then, the Ravens knew they had to manufacture points with rookie QB Joe Flacco(notes). This season, they have relied too much on Flacco, who has regressed the past couple of weeks. —Mike Preston

Cincinnati Bengals

Jeremi Johnson(notes) is struggling to recapture the form that made him one of the league’s finest fullbacks a few years ago. In the Bengals’ offense, fullbacks are required to block, run and catch. Johnson is an accomplished blocker, but his pass-catching skills have eroded and his ball security leaves a lot to be desired. He dropped a goal-line pass earlier this season that cost the team a touchdown, and his red-zone fumble at Oakland was a big factor in a stunning defeat. The coaches need to consider promoting rookie backup Fui Vakapuna(notes) because Johnson can no longer be trusted. …

Rookie RB Bernard Scott(notes) has exceeded all expectations as a sixth-round pick. Scott, who cranked out 119 yards on 21 carries Sunday for the first 100-yard rushing game of his career, has exceptional quickness and burst. His smooth moves make it difficult for defenders to get direct hits on him. —Chick Ludwig

Cleveland Browns

Given the fact the Browns had little chance of re-signing WR Braylon Edwards(notes) when his contract expired at the end of the season, the trade that sent him to the Jets is looking better all the time. For starters, they received a conditional 2010 draft pick that likely will be a third-rounder.

Because of injuries, trade pickup Jason Trusnik(notes) has been thrust into a starting outside linebacker role for the first time in his career. He has responded well, showing toughness, discipline and playmaking ability. He has two sacks and forced Lions QB Matthew Stafford(notes) into taking a safety for intentional grounding on Sunday. At the least, Trusnik should be able to help in the linebacker rotation the next few years.

The other player obtained was WR Chansi Stuckey(notes), who caught five passes for 76 yards against the Lions, including a 40-yard touchdown. Stuckey, who runs good routes and competes for the ball, projects as a viable No. 3 wideout. —Steve Doerschuk

Pittsburgh Steelers

Backup QB Charlie Batch(notes) (broken wrist) likely is out for the season, but Ben Roethlisberger(notes) (head) is expected to be ready for Sunday night’s game against Baltimore, Gerry Dulac reports.
More from Sporting News: 49ers Drop Tampering Charge Against Jets Concerning Michael Crabtree

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197 Comments

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  1. Wes Mantooth
    197. Posted by Wes Mantooth Thu Nov 19 1:27pm EST

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    @195 Jason

    The Bengals led 12-9 going into the fourth quarter and never trailed from that point on. Also, its not that Rottenburger played bad, its the Bengals pass rush that kept him off balance.
  2. chubby
    196. Posted by chubby Thu Nov 19 12:53pm EST

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    The key to the Ravens playoff hopes is right in their hand: two games with the Squeelers. Git'r done. Go Bengals.
  3. jason
    195. Posted by jason Thu Nov 19 12:52pm EST

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    Steelers, Bengals, and Ravens what awesome match ups. Good year to be a fan of a team in the AFC North. Well unless you're a browns fan. The Bengals have beat two very tough teams, twice this year. It is time to give them credit. However the Steelers will beat the Bengals in the playoffs once again. The defense doesn't usually allow 4th quarter come backs and Big Ben doesn't usually play so poorly. So watch out in the playoffs.
  4. <i>dyun1dyun1</i>
    194. Posted by dyun1dyun1 Thu Nov 19 12:45pm EST

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    Ravens fan here and our playoff hopes fading. I hope that Cincy goes far in the Playoffs. And show the rest of the NFL that AFC North ROCKS! .................Despite the Browns. And Marvin Lewis won Bmore the Superbowl not Brian Billick.
  5. Flozell
    193. Posted by Flozell Thu Nov 19 12:33pm EST

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    If I were a pitsbum fan I wouldn't even talk trash at this point. The Bengals are kicking your teams @sses all over the place this year. You people can't stand it .......I'm lovin it.........now go back to pacing back and fourth for the rest of the year.

    The Bengals will win thier division and go far in the playoffs. Pitsbums won't make the playoffs.

    AFC ~ Colts, Bengals, Patriots are the teams to watch, the rest are mediocre

    NFC who F-ing knows, but at least my team is holding on to first in thier division. HAHAHAHAAHA Loser pits-fans.
  6. Blitzed
    192. Posted by Blitzed Thu Nov 19 12:21pm EST

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    The bengals have several weeks left to turn into the all too well known BUNGLES...They've done it several times in the past. Who wouldn't think they would do it again this year!
  7. Fred D
    191. Posted by Fred D Thu Nov 19 12:00pm EST

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    Browns suck
  8. souless
    190. Posted by souless Tue Nov 17 11:47pm EST

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    The bengals have a chance to sweep the division, a great accomplishment for any team in any division much less cincinnati and the AFC north (the greatest division in football not just because we field strong teams we're from the football belt with the most die hard fans & the greatest history & traditions in the NFL, even if you hate the other 3 teams you have to admit you wouldn't want to play the seahawks or the rams (for examples) twice a year because we love to hate each other & wouldn't want it any other way) I'll give props to the bengals for their accomplishment (damn it I owe SO many friends pitchers of beer now) but it's still only the regular season & there's quite a bit of football left, unless they can continue to dominate through the super bowl it's just a cool side fact but nothing to get too excited over. (IDK if I'd say the same if we'd of swept the division lol but unfortunately we don't have to worry about that) I'd like to know what bill cower saw in this team nobody else did because he called for the bengals to run away with the division in the pre-season.
  9. Flozell
    189. Posted by Flozell Tue Nov 17 1:58pm EST

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    MiisterJ ..........I do it all for you. I hate the steelerets and thier dirty, cheap shot, bribing organization. So they have six superbowl wins....so what...it dosent change the truth.

    Not really a Bengals fan but I like what they are doing and more importantly how their doing it. Much respect for that organization they deserve it.
  10. First
    188. Posted by First Mon Nov 16 8:18pm EST

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    Way to go Cincy!! Browns fan here and I absolutly hate the Squeelers. I wouldn't mind too much if you beat us again. For 2 reasons... One the Squeelers have less of a chance for the play-offs, and 2 at least an Ohio team is winning! Other than Ohio State (and they are up and down at times too) Ohio has not had a lot to brag about. At least in the sport of football. Keep it up Cincy! (By the way... I wouldn't mind if Baltimore beat us and then turned around and beat the Squeelers... It might just knock them out of the play off race... Here's hoping!)
  11. anthony m
    187. Posted by anthony m Mon Nov 16 7:24pm EST

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    benagals are by far the come bakc team of the year, and marvin lewis is in the running for coach of the year.. dont be surprised to see them deep in the playoffs go BENGALS
  12. Ron
    186. Posted by Ron Mon Nov 16 12:43pm EST

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    Diehard Steelers fan here, but have to tip your hat to the Bengals. Two close games, but Cinci found a way to win them both. Ben was bad, play calling was poor and our special teams aren't so special. I keep waiting for the Bengals to crumble, but it doesn't look like it's gonna happen - especially with Cinci having Oak, Cle, and Det the next three games. Then they have two tough ones on the road - Min and SD. So, unless we win out (possible but doubtful) we'll probably have to win three on the road to get back to the SB. Did it before, we can do it again.
  13. <i>jbkib22</i>
    185. Posted by jbkib22 Mon Nov 16 12:15pm EST

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    Never forget what happened last time Cincy won the division...IF the Bengals can hold us off...that being said...nice win
  14. STEELERS ARE ALL TIME BEST
    184. Posted by STEELERS ARE ALL TIME BEST Mon Nov 16 12:05pm EST

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    The bengals went out and bought these 4 inch trophies for "their super bowl " win . lmao.
  15. Drizzle
    183. Posted by Drizzle Mon Nov 16 11:22am EST

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    D@MN! We had our chances, but the Ben Gals did what they needed to do! Great job Cinci and much respect! We will see yall in the playoffs cause we are STILL not panicking!

    Go Steelers!
  16. Zhivago
    182. Posted by Zhivago Mon Nov 16 9:40am EST

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    Joe Montana's curse has finally been lifted. A 20 year curse which changed the direction of the franchise. That pass to Taylor devastated the team and city. Now we can get back to taking turns winning the division like the good old days. The Bengals were one of the leagues elite in the 70's and always were tough for steelers. The glory years of the 80's-well Cincy just beat the snot out of them. Then Joe Cool's drive and the rest is history. This is by far the best team since the Boomer and Kenny years. This could be the best in team history(although 1975 was a very good team who barely lost to Da Raiders in Oakland). 12-4 is good for a first round bye seeing The Hood is completely losing his mind and their defense was shredded by Manning. AFC Title in Indy where defense always beats the Colts. Can anyone say Super Bowl?
  17. RS
    181. Posted by RS Mon Nov 16 9:34am EST

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    Hey, "Superman,"

    The Bengals swept Baltimore AND Pittsburgh this year. That's a pretty rare accomplishment for any team in any division. Be a better person and give them their props. I'm a Ravens fan and can at least do that. LOL
  18. Denny W
    180. Posted by Denny W Mon Nov 16 9:26am EST

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    If the Bengals suck and beat @#$%sburgh twice and Baltimore twice, what does that make @#$%sburgh...I guess its all in the name! WHO DEY!!!!!
  19. Superman
    179. Posted by Superman Mon Nov 16 9:15am EST

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    Bungles still suck no matter how you look at it!! Until you beat people on a regular basis and not once in how ever many years, you still suck no matter what! And since the Bungles like the December slide, we may not get the chance to beat their ass when it really counts in January!
  20. SHIMMONOWSKI
    178. Posted by SHIMMONOWSKI Mon Nov 16 8:50am EST

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    Can you say division champs?!?!? who dye!
  21. RS
    177. Posted by RS Mon Nov 16 8:34am EST

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    living legend said:

    "The North belongs to the Burgh!"

    Not anymore! I think the Bengals own you now....
  22. Zhivago
    176. Posted by Zhivago Thu Nov 12 8:39pm EST

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    Stick your comments up yours armpittsburgh. A dirty team from an even dirtier city and I grew up in Chicago. If you take care of that awful crap you call grass the Bengals would destroy you. But since it'll be typical steeler mud it will keep it somewhat close. Bengals by 10 and Benson won't need 100. The mouth will beat you with big plays down field. Hope you can get a wild card but then no I don't. Go Cats!!!!
  23. Joshua H
    175. Posted by Joshua H Thu Nov 12 2:48pm EST

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    "to poster 169. The bungles arent the class act of the AFC North. You cant have that when you have all those criminals and bums on your team. YOu bungle fans think your the greatest team ever that you have a rare winning season. geeez "

    Says the guy with the rapist at quarterback.
  24. greg b
    174. Posted by greg b Thu Nov 12 2:20pm EST

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    to poster 169. The bungles arent the class act of the AFC North. You cant have that when you have all those criminals and bums on your team. YOu bungle fans think your the greatest team ever that you have a rare winning season. geeez
  25. Ryan
    173. Posted by Ryan Thu Nov 12 11:58am EST

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    Imagine Joe Thomas and his Line with a Vick and Cribbs wildcat. Ray and troy would have respitory failure on the field.
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