ESPN NFL

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

Rob from Cincinnati writes: People forgot pretty quick how nasty the Bengals were on offense two years ago. We were poised to take it to the next level last year but took a step back. Why is everyone writing us off so soon? Last season was a hiccup. Fear tha Tiger. WHO DEY!

Peternate from Cleveland writes: James, just wanted to let you know that the blog is top-notch. Great one-stop shopping for AFC North news. As much of a die-hard Browns fan that I am (not to mention long time season ticket holder), I'll be the first to admit that the Browns cannot be declared better than the Steelers until they actually BEAT the Steelers. It's been a long, long time. Also, don't be surprised to see Cincy play better than last year. They're still loaded with talent on offense, and Marvin Lewis typically has them prepared to fight on Sunday. As for the ratbirds, I think last season was a true picture of what they are - an aging team of bickering egos who are in desperate need of rebuilding. GO BROWNS!!

Reader from Essex, Md. writes: I BELIEVE THE RAVENS WILL WIN THE AFC NORTH THIS YEAR. EVERY YEAR WE MAKE KEEP ACQUISITIONS ESPECIALLY IN THE DRAFT. FLACCO AND RICE WERE TOO GREAT PICS. EVEN THOUGH I BELIEVE TROY SMITH WILL BE OUR STARTER THIS SEASON AND FOR THE FUTURE STOP SLEEPIN ON HIM AMERICA... WITH A HEALTHY TODD HEAP DERRICK MASON,MARK CLAYTON, AND D.WILLIAMS WE WILL DO GOOD... WE STILL HAVE THE BEST DEFENSE IN THE LEAGUE AND WE HAVE NEW COACHES AND SCHEMES...

Jory from Orlando writes: It's easy for people to believe the browns may actually catch the steelers in the division race. However, please keep in mind the browns have only won two games against the steelers in the past 7 years. As unlikely as it is the browns may have a better record that the steelers this year, but it will take many more years of domination for them to even be considered in the same class as the steelers.

Rob from Cincinnati writes: Chris Henry--I couldn't disagree with you more. First, your piece makes a bad assumption: that the second-half improvement in the team's record directly correlated to Chris Henry's return. What the turn-around mainly had to do with was improved play by the defense and getting the two starting tackles--Anderson & Jones--healthy. Secondly, bringing back Chris Henry would be a terrible decision on the Bengals' part. Despite the fact he was able to dodge the criminal charges, he would certainly still be subject to a civil suit. From a PR and locker-room standpoint, that action would make it look like nobody on the team?s accountable. They waited too long to part ways with him before; taking Henry back now would make them look foolish. Based on the Bengals' prior mistakes, I wouldn't be surprised if they signed him, but I'm certainly not rooting for it.

Reader from Salem writes: The Browns aren't going to catch the Steelers this year. Steelers to good on defence. Browns don't even know how Anderson is going to play. He's not a pro bowl QB with the 17 or so Ints. He had last year. His WR/TE made him look better than he really is. And who is the starting QB for the Ravens. Earlier this summer they said Troy Smith if the season started then. Is Troy Smith Still in front. Rik from Columbus, OH writes: James, In regards to CJ, yes I still think he will be a Bengal. I don't think the Owner, Mike Brown, is going to give up on him any time soon. He's still go 3 years left on the contract and Brown is going to get every last minute of it out of Johnson. By the way the Browns will not catch the Steelers. The Browns are way overhyped going in to the season this year. Let's remember they didn't even make the playoffs last year. If they come out and dominate this year than I'll be a believer but since it's July 18th, I'll stick to my guns and say the Steelers are still the top team in the division until proven otherwise.

Kevin from Columbus writes: Great article on Cribbs! I always look forward to reading your column, and I'm glad you still hop on 1460 with The Common Man and the Torg from time to time. I can't wait to read your analysis of hopefully 12 (or 16) Browns wins this season. I'm sure you are as anxious as the rest of us for the season to get going. I know it's a few months late, but congrats on the promotion! Keep up the great work.

Mike Wilder writes: If Cincinnati's Chris Perry & Kenny Irons can stay healthy this year, I look for the Bengals to regain their '05 form. They've lacked a change of pace back that can make the first guy miss. With Perry and Irons, I see them improving on their 3rd down conversion % resulting in more red zone opportunities and points.

CWub writes: I believe that the Browns have a very good chance of catching up with the Steelers, but Im not sure if Derek Anderson is going to have another good season. He produced well last year, but at the end of last season, he threw 5 interceptions in his last two games. Also, Jamaal Lewis is getting oler and will become a Shaun Alexander (have a great season, then have two poor seasons), which I think is going to happen. I believe they will go 6-10 at worst to 9-7 at best.

Shawn from Cincinnati writes: Hey James, seems no one is giving the bengals any respect this year, which is a good thing. Everyone seems to discount the defense as a punch line, but I don't think they realise the extent of the injuries they suffered last year. They went up against the #1 offense in history with 2 linebackers, one a defensive end (Geathers) and the second a rookie safety (Ndukue). The offense will score this year, and with healthy linebackers and a solid secondary (trust me on that) they're going to shock some people. I'll email you in December to say "I told ya...." Later, Shawn.