ESPN NFL

The Cleveland Browns entered the 2008 season confident that it had two starting NFL quarterbacks.

But after Cleveland's 16-6 loss at home to the Houston Texans Sunday, the Browns have to be reassessing that declaration.

Former first-round pick Brady Quinn, who was thrust into the starting lineup just two games prior, was benched in favor of former starter Derek Anderson. Both quarterbacks combined for just 145 yards, three interceptions and six points as Cleveland fell to 1-5 at home and 4-7 overall.

The Browns entered this year with lofty goals but this season of expectations has quickly turned into a nightmare that cannot end soon enough. The organization has major questions looming from the top to bottom.

Now it appears the Browns once again have quarterback issues, just when they thought that problem was solved a few weeks ago.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

BALTIMORE -- There should be a new unwritten rule in the NFL: Never make a mid-game quarterback change from a veteran to an inexperienced backup against the Baltimore Ravens' defense.

The Philadelphia Eagles went against conventional wisdom and paid for it dearly Sunday during a 36-7 blowout defeat to the Ravens. Eagles coach Andy Reid benched starting quarterback Donovan McNabb (two interceptions, one fumble) at halftime with the Ravens leading 10-7.

Second-year backup Kevin Kolb (two interceptions) came in and struggled mightily, as a three-point deficit at intermission quickly ballooned in the second half. The final nail was a 108-yard interception return by Ravens safety Ed Reed that was the longest in NFL history.

While the Eagles (5-5-1) are surely in turmoil, the Ravens have continued their stability this season. Baltimore is now 7-4 with a chance to further pad its record next week against the Cincinnati Bengals (1-9-1).

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

BALTIMORE -- With all the controversy surrounding a mid-game quarterback change with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Ravens are slowly taking control of this game.

A 42-yard field goal from kicker Matt Stover has given Baltimore 15-7 lead over Philadelphia in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. With the way the Eagles are playing offensively, the lead feels larger than eight points.

Baltimore is feasting on Eagles backup quarterback Kevin Kolb, who replaced starter Donovan McNabb in the second half. But Kolb also is struggling, completing just 2 of his first 8 passes with an interception.

Update (3:54): Ravens now lead 22-7 on a Mark Clayton 53-yard TD reception.

	James Lang/US Presswire
	Donovan McNabb had a rough first half against the Ravens.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

BALTIMORE -- If you like odd games, this is the one for you.

After two quarters of football, the Baltimore Ravens lead the Philadelphia Eagles 10-7 at M&T Bank Stadium. There have been three turnovers, an illegal forward pass and a 100-yard kickoff return in a wild first half.

Here are some observations:

• Baltimore's offense has been fairly predictable in the first half. The Ravens are running on most first downs and the Eagles are run blitzing, leading to very little yardage and long second-and-distance situations. Three turnovers from Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb have led to 10 Baltimore points.
• The Eagles' offense continues to struggle on short distances. Dating to last week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia has thrown the ball five straight times on third-and-1 and the Eagles didn't convert on any of the attempts.
• The Eagles' 100-yard return by Quintin Demps was the longest kickoff return allowed in Baltimore Ravens history. The return also was timely, because it came with under two minutes to go in the first half and after the Ravens took a 10-0 lead.
• There have been numerous injuries in the first half. For the Eagles, running back Correll Buckhalter injured his knee and his return is questionable. Ravens tackle Adam Terry also received a concussion in the second quarter and his return was listed as questionable.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

BALTIMORE -- It is probably a good thing that Donovan McNabb is playing on the road Sunday.

The Philadelphia Eagles' starting quarterback is off to an awful start.

McNabb already has two turnovers in the first half with an interception and a fumble against the Baltimore Ravens. That drives his total to six turnovers in the past six quarters, dating to last week's tie with the Cincinnati Bengals.

But Philadelphia's defense is playing well and also keeping the Ravens off the scoreboard early. So McNabb's struggles thus far are not magnified.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

BALTIMORE -- The Philadelphia Eagles are tying to a new wrinkle to confuse the Baltimore Ravens' defense.

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb began the game with a no-huddle offense in Sunday's game at M&T Bank Stadium. Philadelphia had some success but the opening drive stalled at midfield.

The Eagles only scored 13 points in last week's tie to the Cincinnati Bengals, so this could be an attempt to get McNabb and the offense jump-started once again. Let's see if the Eagles run the no huddle for the long haul Sunday or get away from it after a couple drives.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

In case you missed it, here were the 10 hottest topics this week in the AFC North, based on number of reader comments:

1. Steelers survive and advance (Nov. 21)

2. Morning take: How good are the Ravens? (Nov. 19)

3. Audibles Week 12: Trap game for Steelers? (Nov. 20)

4. AFC North stock watch (Nov. 18)

5. Rapid Reaction: Steelers 11, Chargers 10 (Nov. 16)

6. Morning take: A win, a loss and...a tie? (Nov. 17)

7. Rapid Reaction: Giants 30, Ravens 10 (Nov. 16)

8. Ben: Take it easy on McNabb (Nov. 18)

9. No quit in these Browns (Nov. 18)

10. Take 2 a bigger challenge for Quinn (Nov. 16)

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Here is a quick link we came across Saturday from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Steelers are planning to re-sod Heinz Field Sunday in hopes of improving their field conditions for the stretch run.

It has snowed during Pittsburgh's past two games against the San Diego Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals, and it's been a topic of debate whether the poor field conditions are actually an advantage for the Steelers.

According to the report, the Steelers wanted to wait until Saturday's four high school state championship games were complete before addressing the issue.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Welcome to a special weekend edition of Voice of the People.

Here is what's currently on the minds of readers in our AFC North community:

On the Baltimore Ravens...

Dennis from Upper Marlboro, MD, writes: James, Coming into this season, the pundits didn't have high aspirations for the Ravens. Many predicted 4-6 wins. Expectations have changed since our good start. Some may feel if we don't make the playoffs, then the season is a failure. I disagree, if we go 9-7 and don't make the playoffs, I'm happy because we are exceeding expectations.

Teddy K from New York writes: Hey James, Great blog, I check it out daily. I don't understand how Steelers fans can argue that the Ravens aren't legit due to their "soft" schedule. The Steelers were one overtime kick away from swapping records with the Ravens. The Steelers have ALSO lost to the Colts and Giants and their only real convincing win was against the Redskins. Sure they beat San Diego (by a point) and although they won in Pittsburgh against the Ravens, I think anyone who saw that game can agree that the Steelers weren't the dominant team.

Austin from Charleston, SC, writes: A lot of Pittsburgh fans claim the Ravens can't beat quality opponents. But they should remember that the Ravens almost beat them, at their home, on a Monday night. Also, the Ravens were a questionable roughing the passer penalty away from beating the undefeated Titans. The Ravens have a tough schedule ahead, but 4 out of the 6 are at home. If the Ravens can go 4-2 in that stretch, and finish 10-6, they will silence their critics.

Adam from Pittsburgh writes: On expectations: At this point, it would be over-achieving for the Ravens to make the playoffs. On the other hand, missing the playoffs would be under-achieving for the Steelers. That contrast makes the teams worlds apart. After the previous QB debacles, isn't the Ravens' season a success just because Flacco isn't a bust?

On the Pittsburgh Steelers...

Maria writes: I have a comment I would love to get out there through you! I am a die hard steelers fan, attending almost every home game. The past two seasons, things at Heinz Field have change..the fans! The season opener this year, right when kick off was happening, i stood with my terrible towel, along with thousands of others to welcome the beginning of football season, and the people behind us were mad because we were standing! Every game I have gone to this season, I notice less and less fans getting up to cheer (when our Defense is trying to stop a third down conversion, you can hear the fans talking about their summer cruises and shopping sprees). Last night at the Bengles game...3rd and 1...i'm in the 3rd row on the steelers 40..the players come over to tell the fans to get up and make some noise..do you know who stood up? The people at the very top of the stadium! And when a few of us stood up to cheer..we were greeted by the same "sit down! i didnt come to see your back side!" These are the same fans who have no problem booing when something doesnt go right! If you want a good view, stay home and watch it, i hear the view is great from your sofa!

Jason Miller from Danville writes: Am I the only one that thinks Moore should be the feature back over Parker? People say Parker brings more of a threat because of his speed. Speed doesn't break tackles, Parker goes down after first contact 90% of the time and NEVER catches a pass. Moore breaks tackles and is a threat in coverage which leaves one less defensive man for pressure.

JR from Pittsburgh area writes: Nice piece. PIT is not playing well, but they are putting themselves in good position for the stretch run. They need to play well in December.

Mike from Pittsburgh writes: James Are we ever going to stop hearing about how the Steelers have the toughest schedule in football? That looked to be the case before the season started and we only had last season's records to go by, but we're 10 games into this year and teams like the Patriots, Browns, Jaguars, Cowboys, Texans, Colts and Chargers have already lost at least as many games as they did all of last season. The Steelers schedule is by no means easy, but it's nowhere near as tough as it looked coming into the year, when everyone except the Ravens and Bengals were at least .500 in 2007.

On the Cleveland Browns...

Ray Acomb Aodi from Taiwan writes: You have to remember that Bill Cower as a player and coach has ties to the Browns.Many Cleveland fans,myself included,lobied the Browns to make him head coach rather than Bellichick.

Matt from Cleveland writes: 3 receivers listed in Who's Hot? I buy Housh, and even Ward stepping up. But I am not sure I would go with Braylon. Yes, he did have a better game than usual. He still had several key drops that cost the Browns yards and possible points. The hotter hand in this case is actually a foot. Phil Dawson has to be the Browns' MVP this season, with Cribbs a close second. Each week he seems to make career long kicks to keep the Browns in the game, Washington aside. The game winner, on Monday Night Football, for a career long distance? Ice in his veins. He might not be the new hot player only because he has been hot all season.

On NFL officiating...

Reader from Pittsburgh writes: I just saw you on ESPN. I agree with you on the current state of officiating in the NFL. The NFL is a multi-million dollar business that uses part time officials. It seems every year these same issues occur and the problem is never corrected. Thanks.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Philadelphia Eagles (5-4-1) at Baltimore Ravens (6-4), 1 p.m. ET

The Baltimore Ravens look to bounce back Sunday in a big game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This game has playoff implications for both teams fighting for wild-card spots in its respective conferences.

Baltimore had its four-game winning streak snapped last week against the New York Giants. But the outcome was not nearly as surprising as the way New York had its way with the Ravens' defense, rushing for 207 yards.

Despite the Ravens' struggles, they still have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 29 straight games, which is an NFL best. Eagles running back Brian Westbrook drives the engine in Philadelphia and stuffing him is key for Baltimore. Philadelphia is 3-1-1 this year when Westbrook rushes for 60 yards or more.

The Eagles have looked tired since giving it their all two weeks ago in a 36-31 loss to the Giants. After that game, Philadelphia was lethargic and disinterested in last weekend's 13-13 tie with the Cincinnati Bengals. Baltimore could be catching the Eagles at the right time with distractions surrounding the futures of head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Houston Texans (3-7) at Cleveland Browns (4-6), 1 p.m. ET

Despite a short week, the Cleveland Browns feel they're on the rebound entering Sunday's contest against the Houston Texans. Cleveland broke a two-game losing streak last week against the Buffalo Bills on "Monday Night Football."

Browns quarterback Brady Quinn has been up and down thus far, but he has zero turnovers and is 1-1 in two career starts. His lack of mistakes allows Cleveland to stay close in games. Both of Quinn's starts have come down to the final possession.

One of the biggest differences between last year's Cleveland team and this year's team is the inability to win at home. The Browns were a stellar 7-1 at home in 2007 but are just 1-4 in Cleveland this season.

The Browns will continue playing the spoiler role with three consecutive games against AFC South opponents. Following Sunday's game, Cleveland hosts the Indianapolis Colts (6-4) Nov. 30, then travels to play the Tennessee Titans (10-0) Dec. 7.

Posted by ESPN.com James Walker

Send all of your questions and comments to our AFC North inbox.

Let's dig into some questions.

James in Missouri writes: James, How concerned should we be with the loss to the Giants by the Ravens today? I know the Ravens D showed a little trouble stopping the run? But Flacco showed great poise in moving the ball and had an excellent 3rd Qrt.

James Walker: It depends on what your expectations were, James. Ravens fans were the only people who really felt Baltimore was going to go into New York and manhandle the Giants. But to the rest of us, the Ravens were underdogs. It just shows that the Ravens still have work to do to compete with arguably the best team in football. But it doesn't mean Baltimore isn't a viable playoff contender.

Jeff writes: Is it to late, Or do the browns have a chance at the playoffs?

James Walker: After Monday's win over the Buffalo Bills, Jeff, Cleveland's chances improved slightly. But don't count on it. The Browns would pretty much have to win out. They don't have enough tiebreakers to get in with eight or nine wins, so it will be extremely hard to catch the abundance of other AFC wild-card hopefuls. But what they could do is play hard the rest of the way and make it miserable for other teams.

Kory from San Mateo, CA writes: Sir, very quietly, TJ Houshmandzadeh leads the league in receptions, and is in the top 10 in receiving yards. Despite all the problems with the passing game, Housh has been a consistant target of Fitzpatrick (and Palmer when he played). Though its hard to see fans putting a Bengal into the Pro Bowl, do you believe he is worthy?

James Walker: Sir Kory, Houshmandzadeh having a solid year is more important for his new contract after this season more than anything else. But as far as the Pro Bowl, wins and losses will play a factor. So if Houshmandzadeh ends the year in the ballpark of another standout receiver with a winning team, that receiver will probably get the nod, especially if the Bengals only finish with one or two wins. But leading the NFL in receptions would go a long way.

Sam from Baltimore writes: James, What are the chances of the Ravens picking up a big corner and possibly a big-play reciever during the offseason this year? From the looks of the team, going into next year, these look to be the only two serious holes to fill. Also, I hear Nnamdi Asomugha is in free agency after this season.

James Walker: I don't expect the Ravens to make a huge splash in free agency this year, because they have at least three big names in house that they will try to keep in linebackers Terrell Suggs, Ray Lewis and Bart Scott. It's a very little chance Baltimore can keep two or three of its linebackers and still sign a big-name corner. Filling that need in the draft is a bigger possibility.

Chris from Bradyland writes: What do you think about brady quinn after 2 starts? i know his numbers showed that he could perform against a bad defense and struggles against a top-15 defense, but i think that he actually preformed better against the bills. he looked poised and had control of the game. what do you think?

James Walker: The best thing Quinn is doing is not turning over the football. That is why the Browns were in his last two starts in the final possession. Cleveland's offense under Derek Anderson was very high-risk, high-reward, and you had no idea which unit and quarterback would show up on game day. Under Quinn, you're not going to see an explosive offense with many big plays, but you're also not going to see all the interceptions, fumbles and turnovers that came with taking a lot of chances down the field. In that way, both signal callers bring different things to the table.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Here are the most interesting stories Friday in the AFC North:

• The Pittsburgh Steelers handled the Cincinnati Bengals Thursday night, taking a 27-10 victory at Heinz Field.

Morning take: Regardless of whether it was a pretty win or an ugly win, it improved the team to 8-3 with 10 days off to get healthy.

• In Cleveland, Browns quarterback Brady Quinn suffered a broken right index finger but will try to play Sunday against the Houston Texans.

Morning take: Quinn waited more than a year for his chance. The last thing he wants to see is Derek Anderson get back into the starting lineup with a chance to prove he should be the starter.

• The early voting for the Pro Bowl is not looking good for Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata.

Morning take: Although Ngata is playing at a high level, the casual fan probably won't notice without the name recognition. Plus, players like Albert Haynesworth of the Tennessee Titans, Shaun Rogers of the Cleveland Browns and Casey Hampton of the Pittsburgh Steelers make for pretty steep competition.

	Chris Gardner/US Presswire
	Ben Roethlisberger completed 17 of 30 passes for 243 yards and one touchdown in the Steelers' win Thursday night.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers brought their "B-minus" game to Heinz Field Thursday night. But that was more than enough to beat up on the lowly Cincinnati Bengals (1-9-1).

Pittsburgh continued its trend of surviving and advancing with a 27-10 victory over the Bengals to improve to 8-3. It was the second win in five days for the Steelers.

Perhaps style points are not important this time of year. But for three quarters the Steelers struggled in two phases of the game -- offense and special teams -- against an inferior team at home.

But the Steelers will take the win, and there were plenty of smiles in Pittsburgh's locker room Thursday night. The Steelers stretched their lead to 1½ games in the AFC North.

So, in many ways, it was mission accomplished.

"It was by no means perfect," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said of the performance. "I thought we stumbled out the gate a little bit both offensively and defensively. They got up on us but the guys didn't blink. We stuck to the plan."

Here is what else we learned Thursday night:

Steelers still searching for offensive identity

In the past, everyone knew what they were getting from the Steelers' offense. Pittsburgh was going to run the football effectively and make big plays in the passing game if opponents decided to stack the box.

This year the Steelers seem unsure. They started Thursday's game running the football, then abandoned it after one quarter. Pittsburgh threw the ball a lot in the middle quarters until it got the lead in the final period, then it went back to the running game again to milk the clock.

The plan seemed sporadic against a subpar Bengals defense, which the Steelers torched for 38 points in their previous meeting.

With the Steelers' offense, there's nothing you can count on consistently week to week. Sometimes the Steelers are a run-first team. Sometimes quarterback Ben Roethlisberger throws 41 times. Thursday they were somewhere in between.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

PITTSBURGH -- It wasn't pretty, but the Steelers will take it.

Pittsburgh pulled away in the second half to take a 27-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals Thursday night at Heinz Field. The performance wasn't all that impressive. However, Pittsburgh improved to 8-3 and maintained an inside track on an AFC North division title.

The Bengals were scrappy even without star receiver Chad Ocho Cinco, who was deactivated Thursday for violating a team rule. It was a one-possession game until late in the third quarter when the out-manned Bengals (1-9-1) finally wore down.

Pittsburgh still didn't look sharp in two phases of the game -- offense and special teams -- which has to be a concern. This was the easiest game left on the Steelers' schedule, as back-to-back contests await against the New England Patriots (6-4) and Dallas Cowboys (6-4).

A victory is a victory. But the Steelers will have to play better against tougher competition down the stretch to maintain their winning ways.