AFC North: Each team's biggest weakness

Baltimore Ravens: I'd like to be snooty and say Ozzie Newsome, mostly because he again mortgaged the future of the franchise on a QB with a strong arm and a questionable track record. But I won't. Mostly because I've grown accustomed to terrible QB play from the Ravens. It's not even a weakness anymore. It's just the way it is. So instead I'll say it's the defensive backfield. Obviously Ed Reed and Chris McAlister are money, but Samari Rolle is old and last year suffered from seizures. Not a good combination for a position that doesn't afford you much margin of error. Also, Fabian Washington is a question mark. Last week I sat down with his former roommate, Raiders CB Stanford Routt, who told me that he thinks Fabian will be great in Baltimore. But they're boys, so he has no choice but to say nice things. Still, I trust him; however, until I see it on the field, and until there's a bit more depth back there, it's still our biggest weakness. Yeah, I said our; I don't care what you think about me not suiting up.

Cincinnati Bengals: Leadership. First-round draft pick Keith Rivers is an unlikely candidate for arrest, but everyone else on that roster is fair game.



Cleveland Browns: This one was easy. Cornerback. This morning Phil Savage said on Sirius NFL Radio that the team will try to upgrade at corner, but it will not target a big-time name like Ty Law or Lito Sheppard. Cleveland doesn't have the budget. Instead, he hopes the Browns will be able to do a player-for-player trade, or perhaps give up a late-round selection to improve its defensive backfield, which is w-e-a-k. For once, the team finally has enough depth at other positions, and the team could execute a trade without making one area strong at the expense of another.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Although Pittsburgh upgraded itself in the middle by signing seven-year veteran and former Carolina Panthers center Justin Hartwig, the team is hurting in the trenches. The Steelers lost G Alan Faneca to free agency after he signed a deal with the New York Jets, making Faneca the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. Good for him, and also good for the rest of the AFC North, which is happy to see him go. The Steelers waited until the fourth round to draft an O-lineman, selecting Tony Hills out of Texas. Hills used to play tight end, and he also has a history with injuries. You can't really blame the team for not going O-line in the first round, though. With Rashard Mendenhall still on the board, it was a no-brainer for the Steelers to pick up some insurance for Willie Parker.

Bengals blogger in trouble... plus Elisha Cuthbert!

A Bengals blogger (Stripe Hype) is in hot water for misusing images owned by the team. In layman's terms, copyright infringement: "The Bengals claim we used copyrighted photos and logos. However, we’ve been asking for access for months as a media outlet to be able to interview players, take our own photos, etc."

Not being granted permission to take original photos isn't exactly the best defense against copyright infringement. In fact, it's not a defense at all. C'est la vie. In the spirit of copyright infringement, here is an Elisha Cuthbert photo that has nothing to do with football, but that I'm posting anyway because she's hot.

Who robbed Rashard Mendenhall?

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall was robbed at gunpoint early Monday morning in South Chicago, near the Lakefront. I had no idea Hillary Clinton's campaign was that hard-up for cash.

Who robbed Rashard? Blogimore fingers a few suspects:

Mike Brown: Since taking over the reins of the Bengals in 1991, Cincinnati's team owner has enjoyed one of the worst records in all of professional sports. It's been terrible, and Brown can't even take credit for being the guy in charge during the advent of the Ickey Shuffle, which predates his power by a few years, and which clearly has been the best thing to come out of Cincy since... ever.


The only thing coming out of Cincy these days are mugshots, which is why Brown is playing the role of stick-up kid. To build chemistry with his troops. And also possibly to get extra spinach so that he can rework Ocho's contract. Ironically, none of the reasons that Brown might rob Rashard have anything to do with increasing Cincy's chances of winning. Mike Brown fears change. Especially positive change.

Ocho Cinco (speaking in third-person): "Dude's gotta get paid, ya feel me? Ocho Cinco wanna cop some of these fresh new kicks, yo, and that shiz don't come cheap, son. They like a full grip, maybe more. Plus he might have to get 'em redone in Eagles green if Mike Brown don't come correct. Where my coin at, Mikey? Where my coin at?!"


Mike Mayock: After spending months telling the world that Mendenhall will better than Darren McFadden, Mayock might have gone "Falling Down" on us, upset at the fact that Mendenhall power-dropped to the bottom of the first round. Or perhaps he's looking for a scapegoat when McFadden turns out to be the better pro. Nah. With Pittsburgh's offensive line, and with Willie Parker in the backfield, you know Mendenhall will put up numbers. Mayock knows it, too. Regardless, Mayock's obsession with Mendenhall puts him squarely in the crosshairs of speculation. Love makes you do funny things.

Ray Lewis: Just kidding. Ray would never hurt anyone. Plus he's already rich as hell. And even if Ray Ray did want to rob Mendenhall, he wouldn't use a ski mask. He's Ray Lewis. He would take that shiz like it was fourth-grade lunch money.

Kosuke Fukudome: Already popular on the North Side, Fukudome doesn't understand yet that it's not important to also be popular on the South Side. But he's stubborn like that, and to be popular on the South Side requires that Fukudome up his street cred. Hopefully he doesn't start wearing Kanye-tight Polos. That won't help his case. Hanging out with Weezy might, but he'd have to go to New Orleans for that, and there isn't much baseball in New Orleans. Mostly just drinking and topless women. Be careful, Cubs fans, you're about five strands of beads and a few Hurricanes away from losing your franchise player.

Congratulations, Keith Rivers

It's not often that I take time out of my day to praise the Steelers, Browns or Bengals. I think maybe the last time it happened was when the Steelers drafted Baylor punter Daniel Sepulveda. And that was two Drafts ago. So it doesn't happen often, and when it does I suppose I try to make it as obscure as possible so that no one notices. Even the die-hardest of fans probably won't care that I'm praising a punter. Even if he is on the Steelers.

Speaking of punters, I met former Loch Raven H.S. standout, Sean Landeta, who punted for about 65 years in the NFL and played for at least four or five teams, I think. I know he won at least two Super Bowls. I met Landeta at the NFL Draft. He was searching for the press box, and ironically he was standing in the middle of it when he asked me for directions. I meant to track him down later for a picture, but I got distracted by all of the crazy late-round action on day two, and it slipped my mind. Maybe next year.

Anyway, props to the Cincinnati Bengals for drafting Keith Rivers, who I guarantee you won't get arrested for any of the nonsense that seems to befall the Bengals what seems like every three days. Earlier this year, I visited USC Pro Day, where I got to know Keith personally and also watch him workout for NFL scouts and coaches. He's a solid linebacker who should start for Cincy immediately, and also for many years to come. Congratulations, Keith.

Keith Rivers: USC Pro Day



Keith gets drafted by the Bengals



PS: The Ravens will crush Cincy this year. Twice. Keith alone can't stop the fury of Kyle Boller and the explosive Baltimore offense.

Chad Johnson hates the Bengals. Me too!

Chad Johnson dished out his harshest words to date, basically saying that the Bengals can F-off and die 'cause he don't want to play there, ya feel me? His words were slightly more polished. He's eloquent like that: "I don't want to play for the Bengals... I don't intend on reporting to anything."

I like Chad Johnson. As a lifelong T.O. apologist, I gave up any and all rights to criticize wide receivers who run off at the lip. But I'm still not sure why #85 is so angry with the Bengals. They're a good team with a strong offense. What they need is defense. Maybe a strong DT like USC's Sedrick Ellis, who 50/50 will be available at #9. Personally, I'd love to see Chad Johnson in Eagles green. McNabb needs a wideout, and Baltimore's talent at CB is thin, so please trade C.J. out of the AFC North immediately.

Sedrick Ellis: Pro Day Highlights

Even though the Ravens have been playing poorly...

...it still feels good to watch the Bengals lose.

New England 34, Cincinnati 13

[Insert joke about criminals here]

Jamal and the Browns: Congrats (and thank you)

When Jamal Lewis left Baltimore this offseason, most Ravens fans were happy to see him go. Not necessarily because they didn't like the guy, though many by that point didn't, but because they knew it was time for a change.

He was always my favorite Raven not named Ray, so even though I thought it was a good move for the franchise, I was disappointed to watch Jamal pack his bags, and I didn't particularly enjoy the anti-Jamal vitriol coming out of Charm City.

Fans called Jamal twinkle-toes for his tendency to stutter-step at the line. Some called him a lot worse. He was taken to task for smoking cigarettes (Newport), which may or may not be true. All former allegiances crumbled when Jamal, after joining Cleveland, criticized the front office and coaching staff in Baltimore.

I was mad for a few hours when I read his words, but eventually decided that Jamal's speaking out was his way of earning goodwill with new fans in a new city. He almost certainly was sincere in his criticism, but an off-the-cuff interview does not erase an otherwise great run in Baltimore.

He helped bring a Lombardi Trophy to Baltimore following the 2000 season. In 2003 he set the single-game rushing record of 295 yards, and he racked up more than 2,000 on the year.

Despite no longer playing in Baltimore, he continues to contribute.

Yeah, it's only been two games, but Jamal Lewis has been Baltimore's most valuable running back this year. Without Jamal, the Browns don't beat the Bengals yesterday. And without the Browns beating the Bengals, Cincinnati is sitting pretty at 2-0. But as it stands, Cincinnati, like Baltimore, is 1-1.

Thanks, Jamal, for yesterday and the years before. I'll be cheering for you 14 games a year.

Baltimore Ravens - Cincinnati Bengals: game recap

What I liked about tonight's game is a very short list:

1) A rejuvenated run game (sort of). The run game looked improved, which will be good news when the Ravens find themselves with a lead, but tonight Brian Billick was allergic to running the ball when it mattered most: 1st and goal at the 5-yard line with less than two minutes to play and the Ravens down by a touchdown.

Here is what I did not like about the Baltimore Ravens' 27-20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals:

1) The play-calling. Because of a penalty, Brian Billick had seven plays inside of the 5-yard line to score a game-tying touchdown, but he could not get it done. Instead of handing the ball to his 40-million-dollar man, Willis McGahee, Billick chose instead to ask backup quarterback Kyle Boller to win the game with his arm, which even without hindsight I would have been able to tell you was a bad idea.

2) The turnovers. Six turnovers by the Ravens, including three lost fumbles on three straight possessions in the first quarter. The Ravens would have had eight chances to score from within the 5-yard line, but the game all but ended when Kyle Boller threw a third-down interception with about a minute to play. In all fairness, the final turnover was thrown square into the chest of Todd Heap, who literally and figuratively dropped the ball when it mattered most.

3) The injuries. Lots of the Ravens' best players hurt themselves tonight. Ray Lewis reportedly played the entire game with a torn triceps, which he is said to have injured on the team's third defensive play of the game. If he has a torn triceps, he will become a fixture on the sidelines (bad news). Also, both Steve McNair and Jonathan Ogden left the game and did not return because of injuries (groin and toe, respectively). A few other guys were banged up, hopefully not seriously.

Even though I could go on and on, I'd rather not dwell on the negative.

Up next: New York Jets (Sunday, September 16 at 4:15 p.m. EST)

Ray Lewis reportedly injured himself on this tackle:

Monday night: Ravens vs. Bengals

Monday Night Football kicks off with the Baltimore Ravens on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals, a tough opener for the defending AFC North champions.

Eight keys to a Ravens victory:

1) Show some pride, dammit: The Bengals own Baltimore, having won four of the past five meetings with the Ravens. During that span Carson Palmer has thrown five times more touchdowns than interceptions (10 TDs, 2 INTs). Both of those interceptions came during the Ravens 26-20 home victory last season.

2) Smack Carson around: Last year at home against the Steelers, the Ravens racked up nine sacks, the same number that they've had in the past five games against Carson Palmer and the Bengals, four of which I just finished telling you they lost. Trevor Pryce and Terrell Suggs will need to find a way to pressure Palmer into making some mistakes, perhaps even forcing a fumble or two. Or at the very least forcing him to throw with a hand in his face.

3) Lock T.J. Houshmandzadeh in a closet: Not only does T.J. own Baltimore, but he also owned the past 90 seconds of my life while I figured out how to spell "Houshmandzadeh." Tomorrow during commercial breaks I'm going to force myself to memorize it. I'm also going to force myself to forget just how gaudy T.J.'s stats typically are against Baltimore. Last year his 40-yard flea-flicker touchdown against the Ravens in Cincinnati sealed the deal in a sloppy 13-7 Bengals victory.

4) Step up, Samari: Samari Rolle's play fell off the table last year, though surprisingly he tends to match up well with Chad Johnson (a.k.a. Ocho Cinco a.k.a. the funniest guy in the NFL). Keep in mind, though, that Rolle is nursing a sprained ankle, which certainly isn't going to help him keep up with crafty C.J.

5) Find a cure for J.O.'s toe: The Ravens have promising young talent on the offensive line, including RT Adam Terry, who would shift to the left side if Jonathan Ogden is unable to play because of his injured toe, but do you really want to roll the dice at such an important position in the first week of the season against what is probably the stiffest divisional competition? It's a rhetorical (and run-on) question, but for all of you slow folks out there, here is the answer: "No, you don't."

6) Give Billick chill pills: Brian Billick has a tendency to abandon the run too early in games, pretty much as soon as the team falls behind by 10 points, even if it's early in the second half. He needs to have more faith that the defense can make things happen, and he needs to let the Baltimore's clock-control run game work its magic.

7) Step up, Willis: Willis McGahee needs to show that he's worthy of $40 million. If the Ravens can't control the clock Monday night, they will lose the game. McGahee needs to take some of the pressure of McNair and the defense. Well, maybe not the defense but at least McNair. The Ravens defense can handle whatever pressure gets thrown their way. They're that good.

8) Focus on the game, Ray: Ray Lewis needs to spend more time hitting Chad Johnson and less time trying to make-out with him.

Cincinnati Bengals: 10th arrest in 14 months

Guess who's in trouble again? That's right, a Cincinnati Bengal! (ESPN.com article.) RB Quincy Wilson, who played with perennial police-target Pacman Jones at West Virginia, was nailed with a disorderly conduct charge at a wedding this past weekend. Apparently it was getting late (3:00 a.m.) and Wilson didn't want to go home, even though 30 minutes earlier shots had been discharged from a weapon about a block away. Smart move, Wilson.

That makes 10 Bengals arrested in a little more than a year, during which time the team has only eight wins. Talk about commitment. Wilson hardly played last year, so don't be surprised to see the Bengals cut their losses. The team needs to improve its image more than it needs a second-rate running back who likes to drink past last call.

Cincinnati Bengals: Chad Johnson outruns a horse

Today Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Johnson raced a horse for charity. And won. Granted, Johnson received a head start of about 100 meters, but still, outrunning a horse is impressive. Last week I wrote that I didn't think he could do it. Clearly I was wrong.

After the race, Johnson said: "Floyd Mayweather, you're next. I want to fight you. I'd like to take Kobe and LeBron one-on-one. Jeff Gordon, we can take a couple laps."

I'm interested to see what's next for the NFL's resident funny man.

Cincinnati Bengals: LB Odell Thurman accused of assault

Odell Thurman isn't technically a Cincinnati Bengal. Technically he isn't on any roster. That's because the linebacker keeps getting himself suspended. He missed all of last year after what initially was a four-game suspension for missing a drug test. The season-long ban went into effect when he was arrested for driving drunk. Quality guy.

Thurman is eligible for reinstatement, but don't hold your breath. Especially considering he went and got himself into some trouble again. Odell Thurman allegedly kicked and hit two men. Charges may or may not be filed, but you can be sure that Thurman won't be playing in the NFL next season, probably not ever again at this rate.

Cincinnati Bengals: CB Deltha O'Neil upset with coach Marvin Lewis

Deltha O'Neil has seen better days, albeit maybe not since 2005, his last good season. O'Neill recently missed a voluntary workout and Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis called him out publicly. "You get the chance to right your ship, particularly for a defensive back, and today he missed out on some work that he shouldn't miss on," Lewis said. "He just put himself further behind."

O'Neill is unhappy with Lewis' comments.

Yes, O'Neill put himself further behind. But missing a voluntary camp has nothing to do with whether or not he's righting his ship. If there was a family emergency then attending to that instead of voluntary practice shows maturity, something the Bengals could use. Then again, O'Neill was suspended last season for a DUI so I can see why he's not given the benefit of the doubt.

O'Neill also had a shoulder injury and played poorly last year, so draft pick Leon Hall will have a legitimate shot to compete for the starting job. O'Neil should worry about that, not about what his coach is saying, regardless of whether or not Lewis was right to say what he said.

Cincinnati Bengals: Chad Johnson to race a horse

As much as I love watching the Bengals lose, which usually means getting to see WR Chad Johnson put his foot in his mouth, I have to admit the guy is funny. At the very least unpredictable and original.

Next Saturday Chad will race a horse for charity at Cincinnati's River Downs. The horse runs 1/8 mile and Chad runs only 1/16 of a mile. Still, I'm guessing the horse wins. Being a fast human is one thing but being a horse is an entirely different thing. A faster thing, to be specific.

Carson Palmer: "I don't think he really understands how fast horses are. I've been to the Kentucky Derby and been to different tracks and seen horses run. I don't think he knows what he's getting himself into."

T.J. Houshmandzadeh: "It's not a Kentucky Derby horse, so he's probably going to win, I think."

It might not be a Kentucky Derby horse, T.J., but it's still a horse.

Prediction: Horse beats Chad.

Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Nicholson released

Former Bengals fifth-round draft pick LB A.J. Nicholson last week was charged with beating his girlfriend, who later changed her tune and said she accidentally hit herself with a cellphone. Not sure how exactly that happens, unless perhaps she hit herself in the head when she realized how much money she'd lose out on if Nicholson were released from the Bengals due to legal troubles. And, big surprise, that's exactly what happened today, only a few hours after Nicholson pleaded not guilty in a Covington, Kentucky court to misdemeanor assault. The linebacker only played in two games last season, so his departure isn't necessarily a step backward for Cincinnati's defense.

Cincinnati more so than any other organization has to tread lightly, so guilty or not Nicholson had to go. But the fact that his girlfriend recanted raises an interesting question. What if he really didn't do anything wrong? Yeah, he's had some past legal troubles, but with the league's increased scrutiny on player conduct, you've got to figure one of these days a player will be suspended or released prematurely, only to later be exonerated. The league needs to clean up its image, yes, but it also needs to be careful not to consolidate too much power in one office.

Cincinnati Bengals: Linebacker A.J. Nicholson arrested, yet again

Bengals LB A.J. Nicholson was arrested today. Again. He was one of the nine Bengals arrested in a nine-month span last year. Regardless of whether or not the charges (misdemeanor fourth-degree assault) are legitimate, I'd be very surprised to see Nicholson in tiger stripes next year. The Bengals can't afford even the suggestion of embracing the criminal element, and they've got to lay down the law. The only question is what will happen first: the Bengals cutting Nicholson or new commissioner Roger Goodell suspending him.

My guess is that it's the former, and that the commissioner will give the right of first refusal to Cincinnati, meaning that before a suspension is handed down, Goodell will pull Cincinnati's ownership and management aside and say, 'Hey, this guy is going to get four games, minimum; FYI, in case you want to cut your losses.' And if the Bengals are smart, they will cut their losses. They should cut their losses even if he isn't suspended. It would be a smart PR move for both the team and the league. A no-brainer, really. The commissioner has stated that teams will be more accountable for their players' actions, and this is a great opportunity for the league to sit back and let the Bengals step up and do what's right: cutting a guy who has worn out his welcome in a little more than one year. That's impressive. And not in a good way.

This is a guy who was once accused of stealing from a teammate, and last year he pleaded no contest to burglary and grand theft. Yes, the linebacker corps in Cincinnati is thin, but so is the ice, and there isn't any room for error. Nice knowing you, A.J. Good riddance.

Cincinnati Bengals: Leon Hall throws a forkball

New Bengals CB Leon Hall threw out the first pitch at tonight's baseball game the between Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies. Apparently Hall has never even played Little League before, yet he planed to attempt a forkball (not exactly the easiest pitch to master). Pretty confident guy, I guess. But that's exactly what you'd hope for in an elite cornerback, which is what the Bengals are expecting from the 19th overall selection in last month's draft.

I'm not sure if Hall actually pulled it off because I don't watch baseball. Especially not the National League.

Cincinnati Bengals: video interview with Leon Hall

The Cincinnati Enquirer interviews new Bengals CB Leon Hall at Paul Brown Stadium (3-4 minutes). He talks about his mom dying when he was 12 and growing up with his sister. He also breaks down his special-teams experience and says he's ready to contribute immediately. The book on this guy is that he's level-headed and stays out of trouble. He comes across as humble, excited and appreciative to be in Cincinnati.

I'm disappointed the Bengals drafted him, not only because I like Michigan football and think he's a good corner, but because I thought maybe he'd drop to the bottom of the first. The Ravens definitely need another good corner. Samari Rolle is old and gets burned too often. Hall would've paired up nicely with C-Mac.

Cincinnati Bengals: LB Edgerton Hartwell

Linebacker Ed Hartwell is reported to be nearing a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. Hartwell used to play for the Ravens, and playing alongside Ray Lewis makes linebackers look like demi-gods. Hartwell skipped town for a fat contract in Atlanta, where he injured himself pretty much right away. That's what happens when you cross Ray. (Adalius Thomas: You've been warned.) Hartwell is confident that his injuries are behind him, so he only wants a one-year deal. The contract probably would've been signed already if it weren't for the fact that Hartwell's wife is pregnant, or in labor, or something equally important but totally unrelated to football.

Hartwell was pretty damn good in Baltimore, but I don't think he'll be much more than average in Cincinnati. During the past three seasons he had a total of 102 solo tackles, one sack and zero picks (in 29 games). Eh, not impressed. Oh, and during those same three seasons he knocked down zero passes, exactly the national average for guys sitting on their asses and doing nothing.

Brady Quinn, talkin' smack

Notre Dame S Chinedum Ndukwe, drafted by the Bengals, on his new rival Brady Quinn (also his friend and roommate): "Brady's already talking smack about how he's going to beat us the times he plays us. He's already talking that junk, so we'll have to take care of that."

I'm not sure I can bring it upon myself to actually cheer for the Bengals, but I hope Ndukwe picks off Brady at least once. First he'll have to make the team, though; he was a seventh-round draft pick, I think.