Best In The Afc North

[poedacrow]

Who is the best team in the AFC North?

Well...my [b]favorite[/b] team is, of course, the Ravens.

Cincy gets my vote...Balanced offense, good running game, strong defense
and a quaterback that can throw deep and won't kill his team with interceptions

I guess we'll know for sure about 4pm...Cincy leads Stillers 6-3

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='poedacrow' date='15 November 2009 - 01:58 PM' timestamp='1258311530' post='281870']
Who is the best team in the AFC North?

Well...my [b]favorite[/b] team is, of course, the Ravens.

Cincy gets my vote...Balanced offense, good running game, strong defense
and a quaterback that can throw deep and won't kill his team with interceptions

I guess we'll know for sure about 4pm...Cincy leads Stillers 6-3
[/quote]
Even though this is a very hard pill to swallow, the Bengals are the best team in the AFC North. They have everything, good defense, good offense,special teams, good head coach. If the Steelers lose this game, it should atleast make us feel a little better about being swept by them on the season.

[Jamal]

Whoever wins the game between Bengals/Steelers game is the best in the north.

[Reddawn36]

[quote name='Jamal' date='15 November 2009 - 03:49 PM' timestamp='1258318176' post='281954']
Whoever wins the game between Bengals/Steelers game is the best in the north.
[/quote]
no, not necessarily... the winner will have the better record overall... cincy is 4-0 atm the steelers are 1-1 we are 1-2 browns are 0-3 all in division

so if bengals win they move on to 5-0... steelrs to 1-2...

if steelers win.. they are 2-1 and bengals are 4-1...

note.. steelers still have to play us twice....

I think at the end of the day the bengals are best in the division as of now.. depending on how bad bensons injury is

[gilgamesh]

Hats off to the Bengals today. Even without Benson, They were able to score enough points to beat Pittsburgh. I gotta say, their defense is something fierce. No wonder they embarrassed our O-line last week.

Also, with that game, a wildcard spot is totally within reach for us. After tomorrow, we stand a good chance of being 5-4, which is one game behind Pitt and Denver and maybe San Diego, depending on how they do today. Those are the serious wildcard contenders right now, as I don't see Jets, Dolphins, Texans and probably Titans as serious threats. We play Pitt twice later this season and own tiebreakers over SD and Denver. We have a better chance for that spot than most of the teams I've mentioned. But first things first, BEAT THE BROWNIES!

[Dubs]

Ditto..the Bengals are just dominant and i think they have a great chance at reaching and winning the SB this year. sweeping the ravens and steelers is a statement.
They have balance on offense and utilize that *cough* come on cameron*, and on defense they are buit much like the ravens defense Marvin Lewis created in 2000. They have big guys in the middle and a dline that knows what they are suppose to do whether its take up blockers or get to the QB and they can do both. A great set of Lbers that can blitz, cover and tackle they just dont have the Ray Lewis effect yet..in time though..and they have two man to man cover corners. Extremely well built team with a ton of talent. Im excited to watch Ravens offense vs. Bengals defense for the next decade.

[DorseyD]

Makes me feel better that the Steelers got swept by them too. Maybe we aren't as broken as we thought. We still have weaknesses but maybe with the somewhat light schedule ahead (Lions, Bears, Raiders, Browns) and a good showing head to head against Pittsburgh (at least a split....), we can make a run. Of course there's the hope for a miracle against the Colts. It seems to be a season of streaks and a lot has to do with the schedules. Lets hope the second half is our turn.

[SteelerRavenHalfbreed]

Based on the play so far, it's not even close....the Bengals are the best in the division. Who would have thought at the beginning of the season that both the Ravens and Steelers would be chasing the Bengals in the division? I guess that's why they play the game each week.

[getoverit513]

As a Bengals fan I am glad to see they are finally getting the respect they are due given their so far impressive sweep of division opponents and displaying a never say die attitude regardles of where the game stands. A sweep over the Steelers and Ravens any year is a feat of and in itself. Given this yes Cincy is definately the best team in the North but both your squad and the one in Pit are quality squads and as always the North will post two of six playoff teams.I am not going to come in here and say anyone in this division sucks except perhaps the brownies. Both games against you were tough hard fought wins and I wouldnt be opposed to a rematch come playoff time. Even though it will bring you a step closer up the hill now my sincere wishes of a dominate performance against cleveland on Monday.

[Moderator 2]

I actually said watching[i] Hard Knocks[/i] over the summer, if the Bengals got their act together, stayed healthy and developed some chemistry they would be dangerous. I still think Mike Brown is a joke of an owner, but the rest of the team is solid.

[jschultz]

Cincy is legit. Their performance this year just makes me scratch my head over last year. Cedric Benson has been beastly. I'm sure Cincy fans are hoping he isn't hurt too bad. Even so, it looks like his back up is decent, although, if I doubt he can continue to take beatings like the one he did in this game week in, week out.

Meanwhile, Denver is in full on implode mode. We need to beat all the teams we should, punch the Steelers in the mouth and catch up to San Diego!

[DMT]

[quote name='getoverit513' date='15 November 2009 - 04:57 PM' timestamp='1258322235' post='282016']
As a Bengals fan I am glad to see they are finally getting the respect they are due given their so far impressive sweep of division opponents and displaying a never say die attitude regardles of where the game stands. A sweep over the Steelers and Ravens any year is a feat of and in itself. Given this yes Cincy is definately the best team in the North but both your squad and the one in Pit are quality squads and as always the North will post two of six playoff teams.I am not going to come in here and say anyone in this division sucks except perhaps the brownies. Both games against you were tough hard fought wins and I wouldnt be opposed to a rematch come playoff time. Even though it will bring you a step closer up the hill now my sincere wishes of a dominate performance against cleveland on Monday.
[/quote]

Wow, could it be that we have actually discovered a fanbase that is classy while winning too?

[theFRANCHISE]

Like others said, Cincinnati's the class of the division right now. Their sweep of the Ravens and Steelers, and doing so in convincing fashion, was no fluke. The scary thing is, this was virtually the same squad from 2008, the difference being that they have chemistry now.

On paper, they're not the best team in the AFC North (Ravens and Steelers have that distinction) -- but games aren't won on paper, as the Bengals have proven once again by shocking all of us this season. They're playing with a brand-new attitude on defense, and their offense just looks like they're having fun out there.

Laveranues Coles isn't supposed to be playing so well at his age, yet he's showing that he's still got some moves. Chad Ochocinco was supposed to be a distraction, but he's on pace to have a career year. Cedric Benson was supposed to be a first-round bust, but he's proving that Chicago's system was the issue, not him. And most of all, Carson Palmer is proving why he was one of the best young QBs in the league only a couple seasons ago.

They're a very good team, from top-to-bottom. The only problem is, now that they've reached this level of success, there's no telling how they'll fare in the playoffs. They've kept games close, but they're struggling to reach the end zone -- that'll be a problem if it continues in the postseason.

[BigMike]

Hats off to the Bengals. They have proven they are the best of the North this year. If they make it to the super bowl, I could see myself pulling for them. If the Ravens can't represent the north, I prefer to see the Bengals. That all said, I still hope somehow the Ravens can mount a serious run for the playoff.

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='15 November 2009 - 06:48 PM' timestamp='1258328891' post='282056']
Like others said, Cincinnati's the class of the division right now. Their sweep of the Ravens and Steelers, and doing so in convincing fashion, was no fluke. The scary thing is, this was virtually the same squad from 2008, the difference being that they have chemistry now.

On paper, they're not the best team in the AFC North (Ravens and Steelers have that distinction) -- but games aren't won on paper, as the Bengals have proven once again by shocking all of us this season. They're playing with a brand-new attitude on defense, and their offense just looks like they're having fun out there.

Laveranues Coles isn't supposed to be playing so well at his age, yet he's showing that he's still got some moves. Chad Ochocinco was supposed to be a distraction, but he's on pace to have a career year. Cedric Benson was supposed to be a first-round bust, but he's proving that Chicago's system was the issue, not him. And most of all, Carson Palmer is proving why he was one of the best young QBs in the league only a couple seasons ago.

They're a very good team, from top-to-bottom. The only problem is, now that [b]they've reached this level of success, there's no telling how they'll fare in the playoffs.[/b] They've kept games close, but they're struggling to reach the end zone -- that'll be a problem if it continues in the postseason.
[/quote]
Exactly my thoughts! we'll see how the Bengals, Saints & Viks do in the playoffs. Im impressed with all of these teams as of right now. But everyones true colors are shown in crunch-time/playoffs/win or go home! We Will See!

[theFRANCHISE]

The thing is, and this isn't meant as a slight to the Bengals, but Cincinnati hasn't experienced success on a consistent basis in a long time. Simply put, the guys on the squad don't know what it's like to win over an extended period of time. Sure, they'll probably learn -- but until you win as consistently as the Steelers have and the Ravens have, it's tough to say whether the Bengals can go deep in the postseason.

They've got the clutch part down-pat, winning in the last minute in several of their victories this season -- but what about external factors? Weather? Numerous injuries to key positions? The other team simply figuring out their gameplan? The Bengals don't know how to battle through adversity just yet -- but they'll get there and have to learn from it over time if they want to continue another run like this season.

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='15 November 2009 - 07:15 PM' timestamp='1258330511' post='282074']
The thing is, and this isn't meant as a slight to the Bengals, but Cincinnati hasn't experienced success on a consistent basis in a long time. Simply put, the guys on the squad don't know what it's like to win over an extended period of time. Sure, they'll probably learn -- but until you win as consistently as the Steelers have and the Ravens have, it's tough to say whether the Bengals can go deep in the postseason.

They've got the clutch part down-pat, winning in the last minute in several of their victories this season -- but what about external factors? Weather? Numerous injuries to key positions? The other team simply figuring out their gameplan? The Bengals don't know how to battle through adversity just yet -- but they'll get there and have to learn from it over time if they want to continue another run like this season.
[/quote]
Exactly! everyone has to learn Hands On or through experience. We'll see what they're really made of though

[getoverit513]

[quote name='Steelerkillers' date='15 November 2009 - 08:19 PM' timestamp='1258330765' post='282078']
Exactly! everyone has to learn Hands On or through experience. We'll see what they're really made of though
[/quote]
I agree with everything except the weather part. The weather here chages every 5 minutes.

[Moderator 2]

[quote name='getoverit513' date='15 November 2009 - 07:31 PM' timestamp='1258331461' post='282089']
I agree with everything except the weather part. The weather here changes every 5 minutes.
[/quote]

Sounds like here--it can be 20 degree's with a sub-zero wind chill in December or it can be 70 and sunny and everything in between.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='getoverit513' date='15 November 2009 - 07:31 PM' timestamp='1258331461' post='282089']
I agree with everything except the weather part. The weather here chages every 5 minutes.
[/quote]
By weather, I'm referring more to freezing rain and snow. Weather we haven't seen Cincy play in yet this season, but probably will soon enough.

You can't take for granted the impact that the cold weather has on the passing game, especially when the Bengals' offense, as multi-faceted as it is, is predicated on the pass more than run. Sure, Cedric Benson is having an outstanding year, but note that more teams play the Bengals with the fear of the pass than the run.

You never want to give Carson Palmer and his receivers any sort of leeway; you take your chances with Cedric Benson than Palmer any day.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='15 November 2009 - 07:15 PM' timestamp='1258330511' post='282074']
The thing is, and this isn't meant as a slight to the Bengals, but Cincinnati hasn't experienced success on a consistent basis in a long time. Simply put, the guys on the squad don't know what it's like to win over an extended period of time. Sure, they'll probably learn -- but until you win as consistently as the Steelers have and the Ravens have, it's tough to say whether the Bengals can go deep in the postseason.

They've got the clutch part down-pat, winning in the last minute in several of their victories this season -- but what about external factors? Weather? Numerous injuries to key positions? The other team simply figuring out their gameplan? The Bengals don't know how to battle through adversity just yet -- but they'll get there and have to learn from it over time if they want to continue another run like this season.
[/quote]
The Ravens win consistently? O.o

I don't know about weather, but weren't the Bengals participants in the "Ice Bowl" back in the day? I would think they would be used to cold weather.

It is quite unusual that they are still so healthy; injuries have previously been the bane or promising seasons for them. This might just be a healthy year for them, and we may have to wait until next year to see their performance suffer.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='15 November 2009 - 09:10 PM' timestamp='1258337416' post='282129']
The Ravens win consistently? O.o

I don't know about weather, but weren't the Bengals participants in the "Ice Bowl" back in the day? I would think they would be used to cold weather.
[/quote]
Hey, the Ravens have certainly won more consistently than the Bengals have in the past decade.

And the Ice Bowl was played between the Packers and Cowboys; you're referring to the Freezer Bowl instead. And even still, that was back in the day -- I'm talking today's players in conditions met on the road; though the Bengals are the #2 seed right now, there's no guarantee they'll stay there. They could easily go on the road at New England in the postseason, and there's an outside chance that the Broncos could host the Bengals. A lot of time between now and the end of the season for playoff seeding to be settled.

On top of that, even though the Bengals should be used to cold weather in Ohio, the trend still holds that teams struggle to pass in harsh conditions. If Cedric Benson wears down, then the offense could be forced to rely on Carson Palmer's arm in the postseason -- a nightmare scenario for most offenses, even with Palmer's talent. Playoff teams always want to run the ball well if they have to play in bad conditions.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='15 November 2009 - 10:11 PM' timestamp='1258341066' post='282181']
Hey, the Ravens have certainly won more consistently than the Bengals have in the past decade.

And the Ice Bowl was played between the Packers and Cowboys; you're referring to the Freezer Bowl instead. And even still, that was back in the day -- I'm talking today's players in conditions met on the road; though the Bengals are the #2 seed right now, there's no guarantee they'll stay there. They could easily go on the road at New England in the postseason, and there's an outside chance that the Broncos could host the Bengals. A lot of time between now and the end of the season for playoff seeding to be settled.

On top of that, even though the Bengals should be used to cold weather in Ohio, the trend still holds that teams struggle to pass in harsh conditions. If Cedric Benson wears down, then the offense could be forced to rely on Carson Palmer's arm in the postseason -- a nightmare scenario for most offenses, even with Palmer's talent. Playoff teams always want to run the ball well if they have to play in bad conditions.
[/quote]
So has every one this side of the West divisions. That's not saying anything though.

Freezer Bowl, Ice Bowl, what's the difference?

I see what you're saying and I'm not expecting a deep playoff run, but I don't think weather will affect them very much for the remainder of the regular season.

I agree with you about Benson though, they would be in trouble if something happened to him.

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='15 November 2009 - 09:10 PM' timestamp='1258337416' post='282129']
The Ravens win consistently? O.o

I don't know about weather, but [b]weren't the Bengals participants in the "Ice Bowl" back in the day? I would think they would be used to cold weather[/b].

It is quite unusual that they are still so healthy; injuries have previously been the bane or promising seasons for them. This might just be a healthy year for them, and we may have to wait until next year to see their performance suffer.
[/quote]
Back in the day is soooooo long ago! these modern-day bengals havent experience that type wheather. As I've said, "We Will See what they're really made of in the postseason. The Bengals as of right now are flirting with the possibility of a Superbowl appeareance. I think they'll end up with a bad case of Blue B**ls!

[darklight1216]

[quote name='Steelerkillers' date='15 November 2009 - 10:26 PM' timestamp='1258341976' post='282190']
Back in the day is soooooo long ago! these modern-day bengals havent experience that type wheather. As I've said, "We Will See what they're really made of in the postseason. The Bengals as of right now are flirting with the possibility of a Superbowl appeareance...
[/quote]
I knoooooooow, but they should still be used to cold weather.

[shaikh015]

Bengals where bad last year...Now do you see what 3 pro bowl potential wide outs can do for you...Give a lot of credit to the offensive line...The broadcaster asked Chris Johnson of the titans what gift he was getting for the offensive line for blocking well for him this year...LOL!!!!

[darklight1216]

[quote name='shaikh015' date='15 November 2009 - 10:31 PM' timestamp='1258342266' post='282193']
Bengals where bad last year...[b]Now do you see what 3 pro bowl potential wide outs can do for you[/b]...Give a lot of credit to the offensive line...The broadcaster asked Chris Johnson of the titans what gift he was getting for the offensive line for blocking well for him this year...LOL!!!!
[/quote]
As opposed to the bums that they used to have?

I think the fact that they are on pace to field the best defense (or at least 2nd best) in franchise history has something to do with it, but maybe that's just me.

[beetus]

The Bengals are legit man, they are def the best team overall in the AFC North. Breaking it up by position however:

QBs:
1) Roethlesburger
2) Flacco
3) Palmer
4) Whoever Mangini decides to put in at Cleveland

The Bengals have won despite Palmer being very pedestrian for most of the season (besides the Chicago game).

RB:
1) Rice
2) Benson
3) Medenhall
4) Lewis

Yes Cedric Benson is the league's second leading rusher, but seriously, look how much Cinci feeds him the ball. Ray Rice is the most well rounded and complete back.

WR:
1) Chad Johnson
2) Mason
3) Ward
4) Holmes (seriously, I can't put a Browns player here lol)

TE:
1) Heap
2) Miller
3) Fiochi
4) Whoever the TE is in Cleveland

Really, Heap and Miller are tied, I just have to give the nod to Heap for obvious reasons =P.

OL:
1)Ravens
2)Bengals
3)Steelers
4)Browns

Despite looking silly in Cinci, the Ravens have probably the best young OL in the NFL.

DL:
1)Bengals
2)Steelers
3)Ravens
4)Browns

Bengals DL looked just great against both us and Pitt, even with both of their starting DEs being hurt.

LBs:
1)Steelers
2)Ravens
3)Bengals
4)Browns

I think Ravens and Steelers are neck and neck here. JJ is probably the most underrated player in the league.

CBs:
1) Bengals
2) Steelers
3) Ravens
4) Browns

I really could see the Ravens being last here...

Safeties:
1) Ravens
2) Steelers
3) Bengals
4) Browns

Ed Reed... enough said.

KR/PR

1) Josh Cribbs
2) Stefan Logan
3) Lardarius Webb
4) Bernard Scott

Hey the Browns are tops here! Cribbs is just a beast, Webb has potential if he sures up his technique.

[Alexir]

QBs:
1) Roethlesburger
[b]2) Palmer
3) Flacco[/b]
4) Whoever Mangini decides to put in at Cleveland


RB:
[b]1) Benson
2) Rice[/b]
3) Medenhall
4) Lewis


WR:
1) Chad Johnson
[b]2) Ward
3) Holmes
4) Mason[/b]

TE:
1) Heap [b]Agree[/b]
2) Miller
3) Fiochi
4) Whoever the TE is in Cleveland



OL:
[b]1)Bengals
2)Ravens[/b]
3)Steelers
4)Browns



DL:
1)Bengals
2)Steelers
3)Ravens [b]Agree[/b]
4)Browns

.

LBs:
1)Steelers
2)Ravens [b]Agree[/b]
3)Bengals
4)Browns


CBs:
1) Bengals
2) Steelers
[b]3) Browns
4) Ravens[/b]



Safeties:
1) Ravens [b]Tied. Cuz we have ED REED BOOMBAYE![/b]
1) Steelers [b]Tied. They have better depth at Safety than we do.[/b]
3) Bengals
4) Browns



KR/PR

1) Josh Cribbs
2) Stefan Logan
3) Lardarius Webb [b]Agree[/b]
4) Bernard Scott

[Child Of Humanity]

I think our team is pretty good this year but both our games against you were very close and hard fought. Steelers are over rated since they have converted to a passing team instead of a smash mouth running team. Rattle Rottenburger and you will beat him all day! You guy are in no way out of the mix. Many games yet. Good luck with the Browns tonight. Hope your guys are pumped up and not overlooking the Browns. This is a trap game. But I think you guys will win big. Like I said, it aint over til it's over. The AFC north is extremely competitive so we will see who sits atop the division at week 17. Go Ravens! Sweep the Steelers and you're right back in the hunt. We have 3 very hard games left in the season. Minnasota, San Diego, and the unpredictable Jets. Keep the faith! And we Cincy fans appreciate the Ravens and their fans for respecting our team and fans. It is of course mutual. Not like Steelers and their fans who respect no one.

[quote name='JEEPercreepermd' date='15 November 2009 - 02:11 PM' timestamp='1258312312' post='281881']
Even though this is a very hard pill to swallow, the Bengals are the best team in the AFC North. They have everything, good defense, good offense,special teams, good head coach. If the Steelers lose this game, it should atleast make us feel a little better about being swept by them on the season.
[/quote]