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AFC north

Sporting News, The, Oct 7, 2005

BALTIMORE RAVENS

With the running game struggling, the team is expected to put FB Alan Ricard back into the starting lineup. Ricard didn't play in the first two games as the team used more two-tight end sets. Now the Ravens want to muscle up in the running game, and Ricard is regarded as one of the best blocking fullbacks. ... QB Kyle Boller (toe) could return as the starter in less than a month, perhaps as early as the October 16 game against the Browns. But if Boiler's toe doesn't show significant improvement by the end of October, it's possible he could miss the rest of the season. OVERACHIEVING/UNDERACHIEVING: DT Maake Kemoeatu has developed into one of the league's best run stoppers. His primary job was supposed to be keeping opposing linemen off MLB Ray Lewis, but Kemoeatu has been getting enough penetration to disrupt running plays and occasionally bring down backs. ... Veteran C Mike Flynn has been a disappointment. Coming off an injury-plagued 2004, Flynn has had trouble run-blocking and has been getting pushed back at the line.--Mike Preston

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CINCINNATI BENGALS

LE Justin Smith's switch from the right side is paying off. Smith and DT Bryan Robinson have bolstered the run defense--the club's biggest weakness in 2004. Smith gets good leverage, is disciplined against the run and remains an effective pass rusher. ... Although RCB Tory James lacks blazing speed, he has good quickness and is able to get good position on deep balls. His biggest weakness is run support because he shies away from contact and is a suspect tackler. OVERACHIEVING/UNDERACHIEVING WR Kevin Walter is taking advantage of his increased opportunities. He's a speedy, tough, left-side gunner in punt coverage, fighting off double-teams and making sure tackles. He also has emerged as a reliable weapon on offense because he's an excellent receiver and a solid downfield blocker in the running game. ... DT Matthias Askew has terrific talent as an inside pass rusher but needs to mature physically and mentally. Askew can join the rotation if he improves his technique by keeping his pad level lower.--Chick Ludwig

CLEVELAND BROWNS

QB Trent Dilfer is showing good pocket awareness and poise. Most of his passes are thrown with confidence and accuracy. Dilfer must avoid lapses--he has botched pitches on two running plays--but early indications are the Browns won't be tempted to call on rookie Charlie Frye. Dilfer clearly has won over the team. ... CB Ray Mickens struggled early while learning coach Romeo Crennel's system on the fly, but he appears to be a capable slot cornerback. He is too short to be a primary corner. Mickens, 32, has lost a step, but he still runs well enough to stay with most outside receivers. He diagnoses plays well and is mentally tough. OVERACHIEVING/UNDERACHIEVING: WR Frisman Jackson has good hands, and he has worked hard on concentrating. He ranks second on the team in catches and yards. ... WR/PR Dennis Northcutt has only a few short catches and has been bottled up on punt returns--at least on the ones that weren't called back. He tends to start seasons slowly, and this year has been no different.--Steve Doerschuk

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

OLB Joey Porter has been slow to round into form after missing the preseason because of a knee injury. But Clark Haggans has more than picked up the slack at the other outside position. Haggans was a defensive end in college who had to adjust to the 3-4 defense. He has a quick first step when pass-rushing and uses a good body lean to get under offensive tackles. ... WRs Antwaan Randle El and Cedrick Wilson have erased any concerns about the loss of WR Plaxico Burress. Both have contributed big plays. ... LCB Ike Taylor has taken Willie Williams' starting job. Taylor is faster and more athletic and capable of making more big plays. OVERACHIEVING/UNDERACHIEVING: RB Willie Parker has surprised everyone with his production and toughness. Parker, an undrafted free agent in 2004, has played so well Duce Staley can't get his starting job back. ... RG Kendall Simmons missed the 2004 season (knee) and has been rusty. His timing is off, particularly on running plays, and his technique needs work.--Gerry Dulac

AFC north

Sporting News, The, Oct 7, 2005

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