Around the AFCN

[ATL96Steeler]

Week 3 Results....couldn't get any worse record wise for the north...0-4!

PIT...2-1, L 23-17 @ CHI...maybe some peeking ahead...17 pts? I thought Tomlin coached rather conservatively, but not to a fault though. Played the field position game on one I thought he might go for it. The Bears, went old school, big boy football on them and they were not able to handle it. I was surprised. IIRC they lost Davis, but if there was ever a game to just plug in him the box...this was it.

BAL...2-1, L 44-7 to the Jags, in London. I didn't see the game, but watching a few highlights, I've never seen a more inept OFC...had to be 5 or 6 three & outs? Thoroughly dominated...makes you wonder if the black & gold was on the Ravens mind as well to get thrashed like that.

CLE...0-3, L 31-28 @ IND...this game ended close, and was actually close for a while then IND score on like 4 straight possessions and took control of the game. Kizer became feast or famine there at the end, but they had no choice but to air it out.

CIN...0-3, L 27-24 OT @ GB...I saw most of this game. Tough loss for the Bengals. Two early sustained drives for 6, then a pick 6 on Rodgers and you think maybe they will pull the upset. But...the OFC stalled, two FGAs the rest of the way, and they missed one of those.

So...in the DIV the loss to the Bears didn't do much damage...but on the conference level...KC pulls to 3-0.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Week 4 results....All DIV head to head weekend.

PIT...3-1, W 26-9 @ BAL. The Steeler OFC finally showed some of the much hyped potential. More or less controlled this game from start to finish. Up 19-0 in the 3rd, the relaxed a little I think. Ben's 1st win in BAL since '10 and the Steelers since '12 with Batch. Week 5, host JAX.

BAL...2-2, L 9-26 PIT. Without the injuries I thought the Ravens would struggle on OFC...when you factor them in on both sides of the ball, they're not the Ravens we are used to seeing. The DEF will find itself again, but the OFC imo are going to struggle more than not this season. Week 5, they travel to OAK.

CIN...1-3, W 31-7 @ CLE. The Bengals OFC carried over a pretty decent 1st half performance vs GB, but this time they made it stick to get their 1st W of the season. Scoring 6 on 3 straight possessions broke open the game open after a scoreless 1st qtr. Week 5, host the 3-1 Bills.

CLE...0-4, L 7-31 CIN...I didn't see this game, but from the highlight pkg there was nothing positive to really take from that game if you follow the Browns. One particular trying series had to be after getting a strip sack turnover, only to see 3 plays for zero yards and a missed FG...Growing pains of playing behind a rookie QB. Week 5, host Jets...maybe this week.

 

[cincygrad]

The Browns are brutal. A few nice pieces (though some of their shiniest pieces didn't play), but otherwise they are mostly a semi-pro outfit. Hue could have signed a deal to coach the Bengals after Marvin's contract runs out this year. Turns out, he might be available if the Bengals are still interested. The Browns desperately need some continuity, but it sounds like there are already some tensions. Regardless, not sure how a coach survives 1-3 wins in his first two years and still keeps his job.

The Bengals will get some press about a much improved offense after the coordinator change. But I've seen this movie before - They have absolutely owned the Browns over the past 3 seasons. If they continue to strong improvement against Buffalo this week, I'll be excited for the Bengals/Steelers in 2 weeks. But I'm not counting on it.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

The Browns are brutal. A few nice pieces (though some of their shiniest pieces didn't play), but otherwise they are mostly a semi-pro outfit. Hue could have signed a deal to coach the Bengals after Marvin's contract runs out this year. Turns out, he might be available if the Bengals are still interested. The Browns desperately need some continuity, but it sounds like there are already some tensions. Regardless, not sure how a coach survives 1-3 wins in his first two years and still keeps his job.

The Bengals will get some press about a much improved offense after the coordinator change. But I've seen this movie before - They have absolutely owned the Browns over the past 3 seasons. If they continue to strong improvement against Buffalo this week, I'll be excited for the Bengals/Steelers in 2 weeks. But I'm not counting on it.

The Browns played PIT tough in the opener, but they seem to have slid off whatever base they had. The WR Coleman is on IR, he's really their WR1...Kenny Britt...the FA vet who probably should be the WR1 was asked to step up after week 2...he went 3 for 10, 54 yds, TD in WK3, and 3 for 8, 52 yds last week. When Duke Johnson is your #1 reciever...the QB needs more help. Initially I thought they might be a 5-6 win team....downgrading that to maybe 3.

Hue...obviously if the OL is fixed, he'd have a ton more proven assets to work with in CIN. Going with a rookie QB...JAckson had to feel pretty secure in his job because you're right...even in rebuilding mode, you don't often get two 1-3 starts to the season....I think if he wins 3 or 4 games he should be back...it almost doesn't matter what the record is...if you keep changing coaches and schemes every 2 or 3 yrs that viscous cycle continues. When they decided on Kizer as the starter, they had to know it would be another lean yr...if they stay the course with Kizer and Jackson and we're seeing the same thing next yr, there's no reason to think yr 3 will be any different so you ask for the keys for the '19 season.

CIN...having just watched the Bills beat ATL, stop the run and CIN should beat BUF...it's that simple. Clay, is their best receiving option. Shady is their best ground option...the DEF is solid, but imo not as good as their PA ranking. Close game but like CIN in that one.

PIT...after 4...I'm okay with their standing, but not real confident in what they will do from week to week on OFC...hopefully the run DEF is better, but plenty to improve on over the next 4 games.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Week 5 Results

PIT 3-2, L 9-30 vs JAX...the Steelers were run out of their own stadium. Probably the worst game Ben has played as a Steeler...The DEF actually played well enough to win for about 56 mins, then they were gouged for a 98 yd TD run, to leave the game with their tails tucked firmly between their legs, just like the OFC , and the coaches....Some serious soul searching on that OFC...from Haley down to the last guy off the bench.

Next up...@ KC...5-0 KC

BAL 3-2, W 30-17 @ OAK...Ravens got a nice break with Carr missing this game, but they did what you're supposed to do with a nice break, they took advantage of it...They jumped on the Raiders early with 6, got a TD from the DEF, and another sustained drive for a 21-3 lead and their great FG kicker finished them off. a solid bounce back on the road for BAL.

Next up...CHI.


CIN 2-3, W 20-16 vs BUF...close but much like I expected...control the run, you control BUF...it seems like Dalton is regaining form...2 picks but one I saw one was tipped...not a bad way to go into the bye week. Trending up, back to back good games from Dalton.

Next up... Bye week

CLE 0-5, L 14-17 NYJ...They probably went into this game thinking they had a good shot to win and they did. The vets on the team have to be feeling they have seen this script before. They decided to pull Kizer...Hogan put up some decent numbers, the #1 overall pick for 2017 had his debut...got 2 sacks in his 1st gm as a pro.

It might be time to roll with Hogan for a few games...let Kizer watch for a bit.

Next up...@ HOU

 

[cincygrad]

Strange year and a very flawed division.

I'm not sure that Cleveland can win more than 1 game this season. Would Hue really keep his job if he went 2-30 in his first two seasons?

The Bengals defense looks playoff caliber - Though the competition has been weak. Lots of new parts and some re-energized old parts. The offense is getting better. The next 5 games will be telling - 4 on the road and all of them will be a challenge (Pitt, Jax, Tenn, Denver). The home game is against Chicago. If they were to pull out 3 wins, they would be perfectly situated for a postseason run. I don't think they're good enough though, and I expect them to win 2 of the next 5 at best.

Pittsburgh confuses me. On paper, they seem like they should be among the elite of the conference, but it's just not clicking right now. Talent rises though..... And I would be surprised to see the struggles continue.

Baltimore caught a break in Oakland last week and now get to face a rookie qb at home. They will be 4-2 and they are a threat to stay in any game.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Strange year and a very flawed division.

I'm not sure that Cleveland can win more than 1 game this season. Would Hue really keep his job if he went 2-30 in his first two seasons?

The Bengals defense looks playoff caliber - Though the competition has been weak. Lots of new parts and some re-energized old parts. The offense is getting better. The next 5 games will be telling - 4 on the road and all of them will be a challenge (Pitt, Jax, Tenn, Denver). The home game is against Chicago. If they were to pull out 3 wins, they would be perfectly situated for a postseason run. I don't think they're good enough though, and I expect them to win 2 of the next 5 at best.

Pittsburgh confuses me. On paper, they seem like they should be among the elite of the conference, but it's just not clicking right now. Talent rises though..... And I would be surprised to see the struggles continue.

Baltimore caught a break in Oakland last week and now get to face a rookie qb at home. They will be 4-2 and they are a threat to stay in any game.

CIN...Were we premature once again throwing dirt on Lewis' grave? Like you said, talent rises and there was just too much on the OFC to continue as they started.

PIT...imo it started with Bell missing the entire camp and it looked as if they tried to jam him in there right away. I would've started Connor week 1 and worked Bell back in over a 2 week period maybe. The good...I think the Steelers can beat any of the other 31 teams...the bad, the Steelers can also lose to any of the other 31 teams.

Maybe they play well this week and gain some consistency.

BAL...one of the best at winning ugly...I think the injury situation will cause them to need to win 4 or 5 games in ugly fashion to be a 10 win team.

CLE...I think a lot is being made over Hogan getting the start. Five games is not enough to establish anything as a starting QB, but I'm sure he needs to keep the vets and other players up on a week to week basis. Tough spot, but at some point this season they will circle back to Kizer.

 

[cincygrad]

I still think Lewis is gone after this season. He doesn't have a contract past this year and I don't see this team as the one that finally wins a postseason game. Hell, I think it's less than 10% probable that they even make the postseason. And the fans have Marvin fatigue..... The club is having trouble selling tickets even though they have done more marketing than ever.

In 2011 the Bengals shocked everyone by re-hiring Marvin after he put up a 4-12 season in a lame-duck year. Most assumed he was gone. But at that point in time, he was one year removed from an NFL coach of the year award. And he had only been around for 8 seasons, with 2 AFC-N titles. That was 'success' for this club.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

I still think Lewis is gone after this season. He doesn't have a contract past this year and I don't see this team as the one that finally wins a postseason game. Hell, I think it's less than 10% probable that they even make the postseason. And the fans have Marvin fatigue..... The club is having trouble selling tickets even though they have done more marketing than ever.

In 2011 the Bengals shocked everyone by re-hiring Marvin after he put up a 4-12 season in a lame-duck year. Most assumed he was gone. But at that point in time, he was one year removed from an NFL coach of the year award. And he had only been around for 8 seasons, with 2 AFC-N titles. That was 'success' for this club.

I think this should be the last year for Lewis. We'll know more in a week or two, but right now the AFC looks wide open. KC is 5-0 and could very well go 6-0 but they don't look unbeatable. A lot can change between now and JAN, but it really looks like making the dance and peaking can go a long way this season.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

I still think Lewis is gone after this season. He doesn't have a contract past this year and I don't see this team as the one that finally wins a postseason game. Hell, I think it's less than 10% probable that they even make the postseason. And the fans have Marvin fatigue..... The club is having trouble selling tickets even though they have done more marketing than ever.

In 2011 the Bengals shocked everyone by re-hiring Marvin after he put up a 4-12 season in a lame-duck year. Most assumed he was gone. But at that point in time, he was one year removed from an NFL coach of the year award. And he had only been around for 8 seasons, with 2 AFC-N titles. That was 'success' for this club.

You asked about CLE.

Good question...2 yrs in on what is probably a 5 yr deal. When Hue named Kizer the starter, that told me that he felt pretty secure about his position and the amount of Ws wouldn't effect his status for '18.

But...if he delivers another 1-15 season, will things change?

If it were me in the FO making the decision on Hue...I would stay the course through the '18 season, but we'd have to see some tangible results in '18...5 wins at a minimum, but I'd really want to be .500.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Week 6 Results

PIT...4-2, W @ KC 19-13. The most dominating performance of this season for the young DEF. They stifled the KC running game and forced Alex Smith into several rushed throws in addition to sacking him 3 times. KC WRs did drop a couple, but coverage was the best I've seen this season. OFC...still not a whole lot to write home about, two scores by the OFC, but one was a lucky bounce...really should've been picked off. Struggles in RZ continued, but a huge day by Bell kept the ball in their possession chewing up 1st downs and clock.

Next up...CIN

CIN...3-2 Bye week.

Next up...@ PIT

BAL...3-3, L 24-27 OT CHI...I'm calling this stunning, because it's rare for vet QB to win in BAL much less rookie QBs. But it was RB Jordan Howard that did the damage...167 yds on the ground at nearly 5 ypc. Flacco plays poorly at home...not as bad as Ben last week, but I'm sure the Raven faithful are not thrilled.

Next up...@ MIN

CLE...0-6, L 17-33, different QB, same old story for the Browns, throwing it to the wrong team. Hogan throws 3 INTs...had to be a little painful for Hue Jackson to watch a kid they could've had maybe big plays again him.

Next up...TN

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Bengals' John Ross Doesn't Expect To Return Against Steelers - Steelers Depot

This is the kind of pick that can get a GM fired.

I thought this was a terrible top 10 pick on draft day. The kid is a great a talent, but even at 4.2, I didn't see enough football player in him to take him top 10.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

Bengals' John Ross Doesn't Expect To Return Against Steelers - Steelers Depot

This is the kind of pick that can get a GM fired.

I thought this was a terrible top 10 pick on draft day. The kid is a great a talent, but even at 4.2, I didn't see enough football player in him to take him top 10.

The hype train this kid received was ridiculous. Talented & athletic, but there's plenty of those to go around in the draft. Taking a wildcard type shot like that in the 1st Rd is definitely a HUGE gamble.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

The hype train this kid received was ridiculous. Talented & athletic, but there's plenty of those to go around in the draft. Taking a wildcard type shot like that in the 1st Rd is definitely a HUGE gamble.

When you look back and realize they left Haason Reddick on the board. Overall I liked CIN's draft this year, but not #9 overall.

 

[FaCe-LeE-uS]

When you look back and realize they left Haason Reddick on the board. Overall I liked CIN's draft this year, but not #9 overall.

No doubt their draft was awesome. Willis in the 3rd & Lawson in the 4th were big surprises to me. But I still don't understand how they didn't go after an O-lineman in rounds 1-4. Made no sense to me when they underwent a complete overhaul at the position.

 

[cincygrad]

I'm hear you guys on the Ross pick. He seems too little to me. And the injuries are very worrisome.

But, like every draft pick, I think we need to give it at least 2 seasons before we deem him a bust. You can't teach the type of speed the kid possesses and evidently the scouts thought he wasn't a bad receiver either.

Otherwise, the scouting department killed the draft..... As you mention, Lawson and Willis look like steals. Glasgow might not be fancy, but he looks like a guy that will be on the roster for many years. Mixon is much better than his stats (he plays behind a comically bad run blocking line) and Jake Elliott has been a fine kicker (just not for us).

 

[ATL96Steeler]

I'm hear you guys on the Ross pick. He seems too little to me. And the injuries are very worrisome.

But, like every draft pick, I think we need to give it at least 2 seasons before we deem him a bust. You can't teach the type of speed the kid possesses and evidently the scouts thought he wasn't a bad receiver either.

Otherwise, the scouting department killed the draft..... As you mention, Lawson and Willis look like steals. Glasgow might not be fancy, but he looks like a guy that will be on the roster for many years. Mixon is much better than his stats (he plays behind a comically bad run blocking line) and Jake Elliott has been a fine kicker (just not for us).

Your right. I'm only itchy with the bust trigger is because draft position. imo it will be really hard for him to ever be worth 9th overall playing next to AJ. imo He has to have WR1 type targets to even begin making the production work for his draft slot.

You wish the kid the best, but IIRC he was nicked up at the combine. Steelers had a CB, Golson that was supposed to take over the slot from Gay...never played a game for the Steelers. So...Ross is already ahead of that curve.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Week 7 Results

PIT...5-2 W, 29-14 over CIN 2-4...I watched this one...it looked like a track meet early as both teams were moving it up and down the field. Steelers OFC ground out 21 1st downs and controlled the clock for 35 min, but settled for 5 FGs to gradually pull away from the Bengals. The second half the PIT D took over and dominated the Bengal OL and ensured the heavy FG effort would hold up. Next up...@ DET

BAL...3-4 L, 16-24 @ MIN...The Ravens also kick a lot of FGs, but paid the price for it on the road. I don't think you can be too surprised at the OFC output of the Ravens. I didn't see this game, but watching the highlights and checking out the stats...their D gave up a big TD run, but otherwise played well enough to win. Flacco going down 5 times...the OL injuries showed up vs a good DEF on the road. Next up...MIA

CIN...2-4 L, 14-29 @ PIT...The Bengals have now dropped 5 straight to the Steelers. This one didn't play out like I expected...I expected both front 7s to dominate. The Bengals D gave up a lot of yards, but fought hard and forced 5 FGs on the road and two of those were short field so you can say they did their job. The OFC...they came out like gang busters...1st three drives they moved the ball pretty well, they were converting 3rd downs vs the zone on the regular....after the 3rd drive (their 2nd TD) the well went bone dry. 4 sacks in the 2nd half...almost nil OFC. Next up...IND

CLE...0-7, L, 9-12 OT TN...You have to bleed for the Browns in this one...the D puts a complete wall around the endzone and they still go home winless. I said back in Sept that Kessler was the most accurate passer they had in camp...he's not the long term answer, but if you're just trying to win A GAME, he should've been the starter...2 picks by Kizer and he got pulled again for Kessler this time. He also threw a pick, but made a few drives and got the game tied late...at the end, the Titans kicker makes from about 47 yds after missing the one Hue tried to freeze him with a time out.
Next up...MIN

Big picture...good it's only week 7. Not looking too pretty in the DIV overall outside of PIT...Imagine this, the AFCE and AFCS are the early favorites to get 2 teams in the playoffs.

 

[ATL96Steeler]

Week 8 Results

PIT...6-2 W @ DET, 25-20...The Steelers maintain their 2 gm lead winning a tough game on the road in DET....entertaining game to watch, but DET fans will have to feel like the Lions let one get away. RZ DEF, and really one big play on OFC by Juju was the difference in this one. Next up...Bye Week

BAL...4-4 W vs MIA, 40-0...Just a total annihilation of the Dolphins...two pick 6s...Flacco just getting waylayed was scary to see. Late slide, I get that, but he (defender) was coming with ill intentions all the way I thought...got a get a heavy fine at least. I thought Matt Moore was a decent back up QB and he is, but TNF was not his night.
Next up...@ TN...interesting game.

CIN...3-4 W vs IND, 25-24...Literally saved by pick 6. Down 6, with about 7 mins remaining in the 4Q Carlos Dunlap tips a pass, picks it off and converts the pick 6. Brissett is showing he at least belongs in the NFL and may have life as a starter somewhere after this season. I think you can best say that CIN stays alive...Next up @ JAX.

CLE...0-8 L VS MIN (LONDON)...I didn't bother to watch any of this morning NFL game, complements of London this week. Scanning the highlights and the p-b-p...the Browns simply don't have enough OFC to win. Isaih Crowell was the leading rusher and receiver for CLE and his combined yardage was 118. I guess it's normal to question Hue Jackson at this point, but imo they just have to ride it out...DEF is not as bad as the record, but OFC not helping enough. Next up...@ DET.