Now that the Big Frat-boy scandal is behind them, Pittsburgh can resume doing what they do. WIN. Quite possibly the most complete NFL team from top to bottom. The problem is other teams in their conference are just as complete. Look for this team to contend for it all, and come February we may be witnessing the best Pittsburgh team ever.
Ravens- B+
It's a shame they are in the same division as the Steelers because this team clearly deserves a divisional title. And while they might get it, they will certainly have earned it. Show of hands of people who still cringe every time you see Ray Lewis hit someone. (both hands up!!!) He seems to defy age and still performs at the highest level. He makes everyone around him play at a level that they never thought was possible. Offensively, I didn't think I would be saying this, but I feel their passing attack is more of a threat then their rushing attack. QB Joe Flacco is being utilized in such a way that he can't fail. As the season goes on RB Ray Rice will become used more and more because as the old saying goes, you must be able to rush the ball in the playoffs.
Browns- D
I understand that we shouldn't expect much from a franchise that is trying to rebuild, but, man, they are just, flat out, not a competitive product. This needs to stop, and I hope that Holmgren can finally steer this sinking ship out of the graveyard because Cleveland is in dire need of something positive to grasp onto after the artist formally known as LeBron shed the city for brighter horizons.
Bengals- D+
Is it me, or does this team completely disappoint you every year? You have two hall of fame receivers, maybe past their prime but still viable options, and you have a Heisman Trophy winning QB at the helm. I'm thinking the coaching staff needs to update the resumes because after this season is over they will be looking for jobs. This staff has probably been in power for 2 years too long, despite their making the playoffs last year. The way I see it, though, is the talent this team has on paper does not equal the results they get on Sunday, and the coaching staff has to accept responsibility for this.
Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2). The Steelers got through their first 4 games without QB Ben Roethlisberger at 3-1, and they're 2-1 with him. Their defense is, quite possibly, the best in the league, and they have an offense that, with Roethlisberger back, can play with anybody. I don't know about best Steelers team of all time--the Steelers of the 70s would probably disagree--but they are very good. Grade: B+
ReplyDeleteBaltimore Ravens (5-2). The Ravens are every bit the equal of the Pittsburgh Steelers and their game on December 5 in Baltimore should go a long way in deciding the division champion. The defense is the backbone of this team, and with Ed Reed back at safety they could be even better in the second half. Grade: B+
Cleveland Browns (2-5). I think a D is unfair to the Browns because they have been better than that. They have 3 losses by 7 points or less, all in the first 3 weeks, and they handled the Saints easily in New Orleans 2 weeks ago. I think they are heading in the right direction, and they will be influential in the AFC East race as they play the Patriots and Jets in each of the next two weeks. Grade: C
Cincinnati Bengals (2-5). I'm going to sound hypocritical here in light of what I said about Cleveland, but while the Bengals have 4 losses of 8 points or less, they have been a disappointment. The Bengals are coming off a division title last year, and after signing WR Terrell Owens, they have not improved. Grade: D