AFC north

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Rookie WR Mark Clayton started his first game against the Jets and had just one catch for 4 yards as the offense continued to sputter. But took for the Ravens to get Clayton more involved, even designing plays that enable him to use his elusiveness, especially after the catch. ... RE Terrell Suggs needs to become a more complete player. He is an excellent pass rusher and has perhaps the quickest first step in the league. Unlike a lot of pure speed rushers, Suggs has great strength in his arms and hands and changes directions well. Suggs, though, needs to improve at stopping the run. On occasion, he disappears against some of the league's better offensive tackles. He might need one more year to reach his potential. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: D. This group still doesn't have an identity--or a quarterback or an offensive line. Defense: B-. This is a solid unit but not as dominating or intimidating as years past. Special teams: C-. The team used to win the field-position battle every week. Not any longer. Coaching: C-. The defense has adjusted to a new scheme, but the offense is as inept as ever.--Mike Preston

CINCINNATI BENGALS

G/C Larry Moore (knee) may land on injured reserve, but starting C Rich Braham (knee) shouldn't miss much time, if any. Braham, a 12-year veteran, serves as QB Carson Palmer's eyes and ears and is critical to Palmers continued development. Expect rookie C Eric Ghiaciuc to be activated, and start if Braham can't play. Though he's inexperienced, Ghiaciuc is smart and plays with good leverage. ... OLB David Pollack is starting to blossom as a playmaker. He shows good burst to the ball and enough power to take on offensive linemen. ... WR Chris Henry deserves more chances to execute fade routes in the red zone. Other teams have been clogging end zone passing lanes with extra defensive backs, and Henry (6-4) knows how to box out opponents. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: B+. Palmer is having a breakout year, but there's room to improve in the red zone. Defense: A. The pressure up front and the ballhawking secondary have been impressive. Special teams: B. All phases have been solid. Coaching: A. The players have bought into Marvin Lewis' demanding approach.--Chick Ludwig

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Now that RB Lee Suggs (high ankle sprain) is healthy, coach Romeo Crennel must choose between Suggs and Reuben Droughns as the feature back. Droughns is more likely to gain consistent yardage on first down, but Suggs could add a valuable home run threat for an offense that has been struggling to score touchdowns. ... ILB Andra Davis still is learning the fine line between leaving his gap early and breaking for the ball once he has fulfilled his gap responsibility. Davis, who has been one of the team's top three defenders, is a sturdy tackler. He has made progress in coverage and should continue to improve. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: B-. QB Trent Dilfer is meeting his goal: playing the best football of his career even though he is past his prime. Defense: C-. The unit is growing steadily as it learns Crennel's scheme, but can it grow an impact player? Special teams: C. Maddening penalties persist, including two that brought back would-be Dennis Northcutt touchdowns. Coaching: B. It seems every player has bought into Crenners program.--Steve Doerschuk

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

OLB Clark Haggans (groin) will miss at least the next four games, but his replacement, James Harrison, is the team's best pass-rushing linebacker, so the defense shouldn't suffer. ... The team is planning to give more of RB Willie Parker's carries to RB Duce Staley. Parker is losing weight, and the coaches don't think he has the stamina to carry the ball 20 times a game. He likely will go back to being a change-of-pace back for Staley. ... One reason CB Deshea Townsend is effective is because he doesn't take a lot of chances. Townsend has good cover skills and transitions well when the ball is in the air. Because of that, he rarely gets out of position or beaten down the field. What's more, despite his size (5-10, 190), Townsend is a sure tackler who is good in run support. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: A-. It has been more efficient than expected, particularly QB Ben Roethlisberger. Defense: B. The run defense has been good, though not as stingy as usual Big plays have been kept to a minimum. Special teams: B-. Jeff Reed has become a dependable kicker. Coaching: B+. Bill Cowher has not been afraid to try different players and stick with them.--Gerry Dulac

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