AFC north

Sporting News, The, Dec 13, 2004

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Pro Bowl TE Todd Heap (ankle) returned last week after missing the previous nine games. Heap gives the club a needed deep threat and presence in the middle of the field. He also will be QB Kyle Boiler's go-to guy on third downs.... Even after RB Jamal Lewis (ankle) returns-the team has targeted for December 19 at Indianapolis--Chester Taylor will continue to have a key role. Despite his size (5-11,213), Taylor runs with power and seldom loses yards.... Look for the Ravens to try to add a big defensive lineman in the offseason. They need a stud who can draw double-teams and take pressure off the inside linebackers, who have to do too much. THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: C, The Ravens need to reestablish their identity as a running team. Defense: B , Still one of the league's best, but it's small up front and has too many big egos in the secondary. Special teams; C. They started out strong but are slowing down; an energy infusion is needed. Coaching: B-. The staff has been able to keep the team together after a rash of injuries on offense.--Mike Preston

CINCINNATI BENGALS

RT Langston Moore (6-1,300) is the unsung hero of the defensive line. His low center of gravity and upper-body strength allow him to get good leverage. He doesn't generate many sacks because of his size, but he's able to hold his ground, clog the middle, help push the pile and create havoc at the point of attack.... LB Brian Simmons (6-3,248) is a solid, all-around athlete with good size, speed and instincts. He's at his best against the run because he's strong and fast, sheds blockers welt and has great range. His biggest area of improvement is against the pass. Exploited earlier this year in one-on-one coverage, he's reading and reacting quicker and getting in better position to cover backs and tight ends in the red zone. THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: B. The wide receivers and RB Rudi Johnson are in a groove with QB Carson Palmer, whose confidence is growing. Defense: C-. Poor tackling continues to haunt this unit. Special teams: B. The kicking game is strong, and the coverage units are solid. Coaching: B , Motivator Marvin Lewis has the club at .500 after a 1-4 start.--Chick Ludwig

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Elevating receivers coach Terry Robiskie to interim coach was the right move. Most players embrace Robiskie's leadership. He's a long shot to keep the job beyond 2004, though.... New RG Damion Cook (6-5,330) is a massive road grader, but his pass protection problems contributed to QB Kelly Holcomb suffering broken ribs against the Bengals. The Browns will try to develop Cook down the stretch.... Antonio Bryant has matured under Robiskie and could be the team's No. 1 wide receiver next year. He has improved against man coverage but still needs a lot of work against zones. THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: D . Even before injuries piled up, this unit dented only lesser defenses. Defense: D . A bend-but-don't break unit is on the verge of breaking down completely. Special teams: C . K Phil Dawson and KR Richard Alston have been bright spots. Coaching: D. Butch Davis' job angst spread to the team.--Steve Doerschuk

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Since NT Casey Hampton (knee) was lost for the season in Week 6, the Steelers have played better than ever against the run, ascending to the top of the league in run defense. Part of the reason is NT Chris Hoke, who has played well since Hampton was injured. But credit the scheme, too. It requires players to run to the ball, and that's what the Steelers have done best.... The return of RB Duce Staley (hamstring), who missed four games, means RB Jerome Bettis is back on the bench. But Bettis has bought himself more playing time. The club will try to rotate him in to make sure Staley doesn't get overworked.... DE Travis Kirschke was signed to replace Rodney Bailey, and Kirschke has been a better fit. He plays more like a tackle in the nickel and dime packages, using his strength to get a push up the middle and leaving the outside lanes for the linebackers. THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense; B . The running game has sparkled; the passing game must get sharper. Defense: A. It stops the run and harasses the quarterback. Special teams: 13. Coverage is solid; return man Antwaan Randle El is dangerous. Coaching: A. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau was a key acquisition.--Gerry Dulac