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AFC north

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005

BALTIMORE RAVENS

The running game's uncharacteristic struggles have more to do with age than scheme. Four of the five starters on the line are older than 30 and showing signs of slowing down. The only one playing with any consistency is LT Jonathan Ogden. The Ravens are in for a long season if they can't run the ball.... WR Clarence Moore (6-6, 211) has great size, good speed and a knack for getting open, but he can't hold on to the ball. He also appears to be afraid of catching passes over the middle. Some of Moore's problems might be solved by getting his hands away from his body when he makes catches. It appears only a matter of time before he is replaced by first-round pick Mark Clayton, who has performed well after holding out for part of training camp. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The Ravens will be facing more blitzes because opponents can beat them physically. The team's backs and tight ends have problems blocking linebackers. Also, stunts up front have caused confusion along the line, and linebackers are getting free up the middle. The Ravens might want to counter with more screens, draws or quick, short passes.--Mike Preston

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CINCINNATI BENGALS

First-year coordinator Chuck Bresnahan is turning out to be an outstanding hire. The defense has forced 10 turnovers in two games, including seven interceptions. The front four is showing better gap control against the run and putting good pressure on the quarterback.... WRs Chris Henry, Kevin Walter and Kelley Washington continue to battle for the No. 3 receiver job. Washington has the most talent, but Henry and Walter are producing more. Walter has great hands and is the best downfield blocker. He can find openings in zone defenses and make catches on third down. Henry is the fastest of the three and runs well after the catch. He has the tools to be a big-play receiver. ... LCB Deltha O'Neal's ball skills are improving. His technique is better, and he isn't gambling as much. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: QB Carson Palmer not only has the freedom to change plays but the ability to invent them. He draws up plays on the sideline with WRs Chad Johnson and TJ. Houshmandzadeh, and they pull the trigger when the coverage is right. PaLmer often calls two plays in the huddle and checks to the one that presents the best chance for success.--Chick Ludwig

CLEVELAND BROWNS

RG Cosey Coleman is showing signs of maturity and stability that were sometimes lacking during his five years with the Bucs. He is a strong, sure hitter at the point of attack and seldom gets beat off the ball. He is refining his footwork, which has hurt him in pass protection in the past. He could come close to an elite level if he becomes more consistent.... After being out several weeks with a concussion, CB Gary Baxter returned Sunday and made an immediate impact. His end zone interception in the third quarter was a big play in the win over the Packers. While Baxter was sidelined, his replacement, Leigh Bodden, showed he has the ability to be at least a good third corner. Bodden (6-1, 200) has good size and athleticism and is very confident. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The team's immediate plan is to rotate three players--Chaun Thompson, Matt Stewart and Kenard Lang--at the two outside linebacker spots in coach Romeo Crennel's 3-4 defense. Thompson easily has the best upside of the three and will get more playing time if he shows he's ready for it.Thompson is especially fast and is one of the team's best chasers, but he still struggles to diagnose plays.--Steve Doerschuk

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The addition of WR Quincy Morgan gives the team four proven receivers, something it had lacked. Morgan is more of a threat than Lee Mays, the player he replaced, because he is faster and has better hands. With Morgan, Antwaan Randle El and Cedric Wilson, the team has plenty of speed at receiver.... Randle El has done a good job moving from the slot to the split end position because he has used his quickness to get off the line of scrimmage and his speed to get behind defensive backs. He has made several big plays because he has the athleticism and body control to adjust to the ball. Plus, he rarely drops a pass. The concern is whether he can handle getting bumped at the line for an entire season. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Through two games, QB Ben Roethlisberger has been amazingly accurate, completing 71.8 percent of his passes and averaging 14.8 yards per attempt. He has done a good job moving around in the pocket, and the extra time has allowed him to make several big throws, including ones for 54 and 63 yards. He was running too quickly in the preseason, but coaches emphasized stepping up in the pocket and buying time to let his receivers get open.--Gerry Dulac

POWER POLL

(1) Colts

(2) Steelers

(3) Buccaneers

(4) Chiefs

(5) Panthers

(6) Bengals

(7) Patriots

(8) Falcons

(9) Eagles

(10) Jaguars

AFC north

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005

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