Posted by ESPN.com James Walker
As always, send all of your questions and comments here.
Ben from Potomac, MD writes: James, I really enjoy reading your blog. It is great how you update it as often as you do. Now I never miss anything in the AFC North. I have a question about the Ravens vs Colts game? How come the Ravens were not able to move the ball until the game was out of reach? Did it have to do with the play calling by the Ravens coaching staff or is the Colts defense really this good?
James Walker: Usually in a blowout, Ben, a team rarely follows the script it entered the game with. Offensively, the plan for Baltimore was to run the ball against the Colts' struggling run defense. But the early 17-0 lead in the first quarter threw the Ravens' game plan completely out the window. Now the team is behind big and throwing the ball 38 times with a rookie quarterback, which it didn't plan. Becoming one dimensional so early made it easy for Indianapolis to stop the Ravens.
Reader from Phoenix writes: With Chad and Housh both getting into their thirties, do you think the window has closed enough that these two players may be with other teams next season? Is also too soon to start talking draft?
James Walker: Good question. If this year has proven anything, it's that the window for Cincinnati's core group has definitely closed. The 2005 season was the start of something potentially great, but the Bengals failed to build off that three years later so it's time to rebuild. Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis hinted it was time to "blow up" the team (his words) at the end of last season. But Lewis doesn't have the power to makeover the entire roster, so he was stuck with coaching this year's group. I expect at least one Pro Bowl receiver to be gone next year, with T.J. Houshmandzadeh being the favorite because he's an unrestricted free agent. If you want to start talking draft, knock yourself out. But there is a ton of season left so we're not going there until at least January or February.
Marcus from Hyattsville, MD writes: First I wanna say Hyattsville says what's up! Second, do you think the Brady Quinn will get traded to another team due to Anderson turning it on or should they just trade Anderson based on his lack of consistency?
James Walker: Marcus, what's good in Hyattsville? I haven't been in my hometown in about a month. With the way things are playing out, the Browns trading Brady Quinn is not likely. There is strong speculation that Quinn's reps would ask for a trade if he is not given a fair chance to be compete for the starting job in 2009. But the Browns would not let a first-round pick sit three years without giving Quinn that opportunity. A trade of Derek Anderson this offseason is much more probable. Unless Anderson has a significant turnaround in these next 12 games, Quinn likely will be leading the Browns in 2009, if not sooner.
Reader from Pittsburgh writes: Hey J! I enjoy reading your AFC North coverage. I just have two quick questions for you regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers. First, is just me or is Brian McFadden quietly becoming one of leagues best corners this year? Second, the Steelers always gave great linebackers but, it seems this one best groups ever with starters and guys backing them up. What your take?
James Walker: McFadden has been solid. He began to really show flashes last year and upped his workout regiment while training in Florida in the offseason. Now that he's in the starting lineup he's been able to show more of his all around game. This is a contract year for him, so he will be one of the key pieces the Steelers want to retain for 2009.
Kevin from Kent, OH writes: Do you think all the injuries that the Steelers have had will actually benefit them later in the year due to factors such as freshness, and experience under adversity?
James Walker: It should, Kevin, as long as the Steelers eventually get their key players healthy again. The NFL at times can be a microcosm of life, where teams grow stronger through adversity and when learning something about itself that it may not have known coming into the season. The Steelers learned a lot about their depth in the past three weeks with players such as McFadden, Mewelde Moore, Nate Washington, Orpheus Roye and Chris Hoke all stepping up. That should serve them well down the road.
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