Here are the top stories Friday in the AFC North:
- Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom knows the pressure is on him to play better in 2009.
Morning take: In the second year of a $29.5 million contract, Odom (three sacks in 2008) needs to pressure the quarterback more often if the Bengals expect to make major strides defensively.
- Pittsburgh Steelers punter Daniel Sepulveda is sitting out of organized team activities while he rehabs his knee.
Morning take: There is nothing wrong with Sepulveda being cautious in May. It may sound odd, but punting is expected to be the biggest upgrade from last year's Super Bowl winning team to this year's group.
- Baltimore Ravens receiver Demetrius Williams flashed some potential this week in practice.
Morning take: Without adding any significant pieces to the receiver position this offseason, the Ravens hope Williams can be an addition of sorts after playing just seven games in 2008.
- The Cleveland Browns have a good competition going at center between Hank Fraley and rookie Alex Mack.
Morning take: We noted recently that this was one battle to watch this offseason. Fraley has been productive in the NFL for a long time. But Mack is a first-round pick and expected to win the job right away.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
James Walker
Walker joined ESPN.com in 2008 after three seasons covering the Cleveland Browns for the Columbus Dispatch. He also covered the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Cavaliers at the Dispatch. Walker grew up in Hyattsville, Md., before attending Temple University, graduating in 2001 with a B.A. in communications and mass media. He resides in the Cleveland area.
AFC NORTH SCOREBOARD
Sunday, 11/29
1:00 PM ET Cleveland Cincinnati 8:20 PM ET Pittsburgh Baltimore