AFC North Radar (Week 17)
ROLE REVERSAL
Don’t look now, ladies and gentlemen, but it looks as if the Bengals defense has started to turn things around! In six of their last seven games, Cincy has been stingy allowing an average of only 13 points. The only game their defense fell apart was against Arizona when Carson Palmer threw a career record 4 INTs which certainly didn’t help matters much. Granted, they played some of the worst offenses in the league offenses or third-string quarterbacks, but it’s a start for them and it looks as if they’re finally turning things around.
I’m sure the Bengals offense is wishing they could turn things around, too, though. While their defense is giving up less, the offense looks totally out of sync. Last week’s game at home against the Browns was proof of that. In the last four games, Cincy’s offense has mustered a mere 10, 19, 10 and 19 points.
Palmer is definitely having his worst year yet. Funny, though, it seems as if everyone is making excuses for his play. When Ben had his really bad season last year, people piled the criticism on him, but when the golden boy has bad game after bad game, the media blames the wind, Chad Johnson, the rain, you name it - anything but Carson. Interesting isn’t it?
HOW DID IT COME TO THIS?
Oh, what a difference a week makes, huh? Last week Cleveland was on the threshold of the playoffs. With a little help, they could have actually won the AFC North. At least a win over lowly Cincinnati would have assured them of their first postseason appearance since 2002. Surely with Derek Anderson at the helm they would at least make it as a wild card. Everyone thought so!
Then, Anderson went out and laid the biggest egg of his career. Now the Browns can only make it to the playoffs if Tennessee loses to Indy and I’m not so sure that’s going to happen. You just know Jeff Fisher is going to have the Titans ready to go against the Colts second-stringers. The Browns went from being in control of their own destiny and on the verge of the playoffs to having to watch the Sunday night game to see if they can even make it. It’s a cruel world, isn’t it?
Speaking of Anderson, his performance last Sunday just seriously damaged his stock as an NFL QB in Cleveland or anywhere else for that matter. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure he’ll compete for a starting job somewhere next year, but if the Browns miss the playoffs because of his 4 interceptions against the Bengals, I think it may show other teams he can’t win the big games when it counts.
And does anyone still think Anderson will be the QB in Cleveland next season? There’s no way. Quinn will start next season because, even if they wanted him to stay, he knows his days are numbered there. He’s been playing all season to showcase his talent to the rest of the NFL.
There’s a veritable laundry list of teams that may go after him next year. The Jets, Dolphins, Ravens, Chiefs, Vikings, Bears, Panthers and Falcons are all teams that would probably be interested in him. Good luck to you Derek. As long as it’s not in Cleveland!
For news on the Ravens, see our post “How to Beat the Ravens”
December 29th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Regarding the Role Reversal, I Spy makes a very good point. Last year, Ben had a subpar year that was the product of several factors–motorcycle accident, emergency appendectomy, concussions. Ben’s performance this season has proven that last year was a complete anomaly. On the other hand, Carson has a subpar year, and it is either not being discussed or excuses are being made for him. On top of that, Palmer had no near-fatal accidents, emergency surgeries, or concussions to explain his bad performance. It was just a bad year, and the “golden boy” gets a pass.
December 29th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
last year Ben was a Bill Cowher causelty , that ass hole Cowher had to blame some one , he through Ben under and over the bus , and did not coach at all untill the season was over , last season was cowhers fault he was pissed becasue he did not get his 8 million per season from Rooney.
December 29th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
Is anyone watching plaxico tonight,wish he was still here,thanks steeler brass you screwed that one up.
December 29th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
do what ever it takes to get moss,it will weaken the pats and strenghthen us,if there is a god let it happen.the rooneys are cheap let someone who is not afraid to spend money buy the team.
December 30th, 2007 at 8:48 am
hat s off to the Patriots , they are Good ! , Welker is the MVP on that team from what I see, with out him they lose 2 or 3 games . Its going to be intresting to see how teams in the Playoffs cover Welker , this guys is what makes them so dangerous he is all over the feild , they put him in motion out of the slot and he is so dam fast. I think he must be coverd or doubled at all times , or knock the shit out of Brady when you get a chance. Pats are very good! do not see any team beat them.
December 30th, 2007 at 11:11 am
The Pats are good - no doubt. While I have to agree with jc that it doesn’t look like anyone is going to beat them this year, there’s always a chance that if a team plays its best game of the year, it could happen. I think you’re right, too. Welker isn’t getting all the TDs, but he is getting all the first downs. He was definitely a steal for the Pats.
I feel that Moss would not be the kind of player to fit in Pittsburgh and Buress proved he doesn’t with his bad attitude. They’re very good, don’t get me wrong. I think you have to a have a player who fits in the overall team mindset. These guys don’t. Welker does, though. Hmmm….