ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Here is what's on the mind of AFC North readers. As always, send all your questions and comments here.

On the Baltimore Ravens...

Mike from Baltimore writes: James, Very refreshing to see Cam open the offense up this weekend, especially with the Smith to Flacco play. No one in Baltimore was expecting that kind of offensive intelligence on the field! Apparently, no one from Oakland was expecting it either. A long time coming, but thumbs up for the Ravens offense!

Ravens_101_52 from Baltimore writes: Did Billick's arrogance hurt us so badly that the Raven's team is not respected? ESPN didn't have any highlights of the Ravens after Sunday's win over the Raiders. The only clip they had was of the comment from Suggs. How about get over that and move on to more important things! Now ... how about give us a little more respect.

On the Cincinnati Bengals...

Adam F from Santa Monica writes: James, thanks for keeping the AFC north relevant and entertaining. Quick note about the Bungles. They are awful all around yes. I think the secondary is better (not great), but a secondary is nothing without a D Line. No pressure on QB = all pressure on secondary. Do me a favor if you get a chance; watch how all the bengals linemen RUN INTO BLOCKS, rather than around. Seriously just watch. Why would any coach tell their players to do that?? EVERY WEEK we do that. I say this because I noticed how you said the secondary is heading in the wrong direction on Tuesday's chat script. The main reason why is because no one else in the rest of the organization/team is even helping them. Doesn't excuse them, but it's not fair to pin their downward spiral all on themselves. Just a something to check out.

Jim from Pittsburgh writes: James, love the blog, this is a great thing ESPN is doing. I just finished reading your article about Keith Rivers. I've watched the replay of that hit many times, because as a Steelers fan, I would hate to think that one of our best players was being dirty. It would be dissappointing. Every time I watch it, I keep thinking to myself, Rivers is within a few feet of the ball carrier, within striking distance due to the speed of Rivers and the lack thereof from Spaeth. Why isn't Rivers running at full speed to catch the ball carrier, and minimize the amount of yardgae he is gaining? If Rivers is running full-speed, Ward doesn't catch him square like he did, and Ward would also take some of the force from the collision. Rivers was playing like a rookie LB on a team that has lost interest. Don't blame Ward for this one, blame an organization and its players that had given up on a once promising season. I think the NFL saw this as well, and that is why Ward wasn't fined.

On the Pittsburgh Steelers...

Jobu from Chicago writes: James, You are a joker. Here is what you wrote for Steelers. The NFC East gives this team fits. But the Steelers are 5-0 against everyone else. (JW) Let me ask you this simple question. Which NFC team did the Steelers beat? Yes, they are giants in the lack luster AFC but which NFC team have they been able to do anything? Even the fabled Titans have beaten one NFC team (Vikings) who are not that impressive.

Reader from Austin, TX writes: The Steelers remain a Top 10 team - thanks to their defense and depth. (Woodley, Harrison, and B. McFadden--before his injury are having great seasons) I've enjoyed your coverage James. But the Black-n-Gold are missing the X Factor -- consistency. I had hoped one of the play-makers would have a break out season, but so far Moore is really the only big surprise. Time for Parker, Holmes, and Miller to make big plays in the second half of the season. Injuries, especially Mendenhall may prove to be the downfall in the Post season. I hope Big Ben rebounds from his poor performance against the Giants and gets rid of the ball more!

Will from Columbus, Ohio writes: Hey James, hows it goin? Told ya to keep an eye on Nate Washington this year. Haha. but anyways, What do you think of the play calling for the Steelers in the 4th quarter on offense? There was only 1 run in the 4th quarter and it was a horrible attempt at a draw. Not to mention they ended the 3rd quarter with 4 straight runs by Moore that would be leaving them in good situations on 3rd downs which is another thing... which we were 1 for 13 on 3rd down. The power running was working and they got away from it, personally if I'm the Rooney's I'm highly upset because that's our identity, especially in the 4th quarter. Not to mention it's easy to play defense when the offense is completely 1 dimensional. The Giant's played a good game, but in my opinion the Steeler's beat themselves in this one.