ESPN NFL

Thanks to everyone for their questions and comments.

Here's what ESPN.com readers are saying this week about the AFC North:

Kyle from South Bend writes: I grew up in Cleveland, went to college for four years in Cincinnati, and most of my high school friends went to OSU, so I definitely know about Ohio State football fans. Cleveland Ohio State fans might as well be from Columbus, because the Buckeyes are covered and talked about and revered like they are a hometown team. However, in Cincinnati this was not the case at all. Few OSU fans I met down there were actually from Cincinnati. I'd say that no one in Cincinnati really truly cares about football. The Bengals fans are all fair weather and the college football fans don't really truly exist. There is an ecclectic mix of the teams people in Cincinnati root for, but those people generally are from out of town. However, most of the people were fans of the Buckeyes, but not to the extent of the people up north. They don't even show all OSU games in Cincinnati, whereas every game is aired in the Cleveland area. Basically, I think Carson Palmer is a whiney baby who's jealous of how loyal Ohio State fans are across the state of Ohio. That's what makes being a fan of the Buckeyes so great!!

John from Pittsburgh writes: wats up with the giants infront off the steelers in the power ranking, yes the giants did win the superbowl but tht was all thanks to their defence they barley can produce on offence exept occasionally the running game and remember they lost shockey and straham retiered they also lost a couple other key people in their defence and do u have any thoughts on the steelers O line

Ben from Cincy writes: James, As a loyal and diehard Bengals fan I live to find out each year I have more patience than I ever thought possible. I remember the 89 Superbowl like it was yesterday as I try to forget witnessing Carson go down in agony live for the 06 playoff game. I even work for Anthony Munoz and recently he and I were discussing the state of the team and were for the first time in years we are hoping that Mike Zimmer has brought a new intensity and aggressiveness to a very young yet seasoned defense. For the first time in years, I am making NO predictions this season, let the chips fall where they may. I know how much talent we have, I'm not worried about the offense, b/c for once, everyone is healthy, and now Carson's got a TE to throw to. A duo of Rudi and Kenny Watson. A potential dangerous Chris Perry in the backfield or slot, Jerome Simpson with ridiculous hands and Caldwell's agility and speed...I'm trying to be the optimist! I appreciate any insight you may have James. Have a great weekend.

Jeannie from Ashtabula, OH writes: I have had the opportunity to watch Braylon Edwards at two practices this season, including Friday's family night at the Browns Stadium. I can't help but notice there is something different about Edwards this year, an intangible. His performances so far that I have witnessed have been exceptional. Also, looking surprisingly solid has been reserve quarterback Ken Dorsey.

Daphne writes: i liked your rankings, im a saints fan and i like where you put us and you fixed my biggest peve. i hate how espn thinks teams like the jags, always outrank the more talent teams like the cowboys. go saints!

Shawn writes: I caught your blog on the AFC North, and couldn't help but notice that there was exactly one comment about the Bengals mixed in with the mountain of stuff about the Browns and Steelers. Did I miss something? With everyone healthy on that Bengals team for the first time in three years, why aren't you folks in the so-called "know" at least expressing the possiblity that the Bengals could be in the mix. With a young defense that actually played quite well in the last 8 games, they have as much if not more talent than anyone else in the division. Remember, the Browns, not the Bengals, finished dead last in the league in defense last year, although admittedly they did win 10 games. Just a thought.

Sid Singer from Chicago writes: Just wanted to say I enjoy reading your blog...nice coverage of all 4 teams. Rare to have a blog devoted to a small pocket of teams like this....great addition. Keep up the good work.

Joshua Stewart writes: I have seen many fans of the Steelers fans and the Browns fans go at each others throats over the "who will win the division" arguement. I am a Browns fan myself and look forward to this up coming year. But with the Browns having an unproven defense and the Steelers having a fading O-line, there is a chance that the Bengals or the Ravens could nip both the Steelers and the Browns in the bud. Is it likely that the Bengals and Ravens could surprise everyone this year and lay claim on the division champion? Also I would like to know what your take on Super Bowl 40 was. In my opinion, after watching the replays on t.v., the Seahawks should have won it 17-14.

Rob from Cincinnati writes: Hi James, It would be nice to see Maxwell make the club. Getting a veteran to step up rather than depending on draft choices to fill the void in the #3 WR spot would be a big lift. But I've seen Maxwell--he's a nice posession receiver, not a a guy you can split out. Houshmandzadeh is the best posession WR in the game, and despite his campaigning, not so great when split out wide. If Maxwell makes the club it will be on special teams--I think the rookies Simpson and Caldwell make it over him. Especially if Caldwell is conviced to return punts and kicks again. Rob