Dawgs By Nature
After a slow start, the AFC North is rounding into form with the Ravens on top
Week 5 in the AFC North has wrapped up. The Baltimore Ravens escaped with an overtime thriller against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cleveland Browns are struggling to find any form offensively, and the Pittsburgh Steelers voodoo magic runs out (it appears)
Anyway, let’s do the rankings:
1. Baltimore Ravens
Won a shootout, but the defense has some issues
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
I don’t know how they keep doing this
T-4. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow said that the team isn’t championship caliber and he’s right
T-4. Cleveland Browns
HC has to do what’s best for the team or lose his job
Baltimore wins overtime shootout, but pass defense is an issue
This game is in early contention for game of the year, considering how both Baltimore and Cincinnati’s offense were lights out but in the end Baltimore found a way to leave Cincinnati with a victory. When you watch quarterback Lamar Jackson play, every week he makes a highlight tape that leaves you stunned (in a good way). For example, plays like this:
As for the running game, running back Derrick Henry continues to show why the Ravens running game is potent with him and Jackson in the backfield. After the missed field goal by Cincinnati that would’ve won the Bengals the game (Baltimore turned the ball over on the first drive of overtime), Henry broke off a huge run that pretty much put Baltimore in position for the game-winning field goal.
As far as Baltimore’s defense goes, the passing defense (mainly the secondary) has been an issue. The defense as a whole didn’t play well but considering how the passing defense has been an issue since the start of the season, you question whether or not Baltimore can get it fixed. Baltimore’s offense has found itself but the defense has work to do if they want to be a contender in the AFC.
Cleveland and Cincinnati drop to 1-4, find themselves in holes
It’s a less-than-ideal situation when both the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, teams with playoff aspirations find themselves with losing records and their seasons slipping away.
For the Bengals, quarterback Joe Burrow said it best.
Everyone knows how potent the offense is but the issues are beyond that. Head coach Zac Taylor’s conservative play-calling and not playing to win is one of the many reasons why the Bengals aren’t serious Super Bowl contenders. Defensively, the unit just isn’t good right now. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was once a candidate to be a future head coach, now he potentially finds himself on the hot seat. Cincinnati could dig itself out of this hole, but who knows at this point?
As for the Browns, not much more needs to be said. The offense, which has been an issue all season struggled against one of the worst defenses in terms of efficiency. Not ideal. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has already stated that they will...
