Morning take: Are the Bengals elite?

December, 7, 2009
12/07/09
8:00
AM ET
By James Walker | ESPN.com
Here are the most interesting stories Monday in the AFC North:

Morning take: We will find out soon. The Bengals play a pair of road games back-to-back against the Minnesota Vikings (10-2) and San Diego Chargers (9-3) that will be telling before the postseason.

  • Cleveland Browns rookie receiver Brian Robiskie (four catches, 69 yards) flashed potential in a 30-23 loss to the San Diego Chargers.
Morning take: Robiskie caught just one pass all season leading up to Sunday's game. So this is good progress for the second-round draft pick.

  • Can the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6) stay together after losing their fourth straight game?
Morning take: Although there have been some small cracks recently, team chemistry and staying together shouldn't be issues for this veteran group. The biggest problem is the product on the field.

  • The Baltimore Ravens say they won't be fazed Monday by the history and environment of Lambeau Field.
Morning take: Baltimore's defense actually enjoys playing on the road, because the lack of crowd noise helps its communication. We will have more on this game throughout the day.

James Walker | email

NFL
  • ESPN AFC East Blogger
  • Joined ESPN in 2008
  • A Temple graduate and Hyattsville, Md. native who lives in Miami
Tags:

Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, AFC West, playoffs, AFC, NFC North, San Diego Chargers, AFC North, NFL draft, Green Bay Packers, Brian Robiskie, Minnesota Vikings, Lambeau Field

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Jamison Hensley
Jamison Hensley

Hensley joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun for 11 years. A graduate of the University of Maryland, he lives in the Baltimore area with his wife.

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