As teams lace up their shoes, stretch out and take a deep breath before the playoff run, the upcoming weeks poses hurdles both on and off the filed.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have hitched their wagon to the rising star of Ben Roethlisberger ( who recently appeared on David Letterman), and are poised to take the division.
The Baltimore Ravens have struggled with injuries, controversy, and inconsistency, and the trend doesn?t look to stop any time soon.
As for the Cincinnati Bengals, being 1-4 in the division hasn?t helped their playoff chances and what analysts were calling confidence has revealed itself for the umpteenth straight year as just hot air.
If you like watching the demise of a once historic and respected football team and organization, the 2004 Cleveland Browns have provided something for everyone, and after weeks of indecision concerning head coach Butch Davis, it?s clear why Ohio was considered a swing state (who said politics and football don?t mix).
The Dawg pound seems equally divided concerning not only the future of its head coach, but almost every single decision that?s been made concerning the Browns -- even the
decision for reinstatement.
But after Tuesday, Davis resigned and right in time for the Browns to face the New England Patriots.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Washington made it a challenge, but in the end the Steelers came up with another one to add to their win column. While all eyes are on rookie of the year candidate Roethlisberger, it?s the Steelers defensive unit playing strong, fundamental football, that?s winning these games. The Bus has rushed for a 100 yards each of the past four games, and that doesn?t hurt either. The Steelers are10-1 for the first time in many years, and are on the verge of running away with the AFC North.
Last Week?s Games
Baltimore vs New England
Ever since the Patriots lost to the Steelers, they?ve been playing inspired football. On the other sideline, losing is worse than insult when added to injuries, and without Jamal Lewis, Jonathan Ogden, or Todd Heap, it?s making things even harder for Kyle Boller. The Ravens defense was simply outplayed by Tom Brady and the Patriots, which to their credit doesn?t happen all that often. The Ravens are still in the hunt for the division title, or a wild card slot, but need to put together a winning streak.
Cleveland vs. Cincinnati
The second highest amount of points scored in NFL history just also happens to be the first victory for the Bengals against an AFC North opponent all year. In the AFC North?s version the insignificance bowl, the Bengals showed signs of growth, while the Browns continued their bid for a top five draft pick, leaving their fans wondering who would be the person making that decision on draft day with the immanent demise of head coach Butch Davis being played out before their eyes.
This Week?s Games
New England vs. Cleveland
The Patriots are an elite team, and this game should be there?s no matter whose coaching the Browns. But it will be interesting to see how the shake up effects the Browns players, and Terry Robiskie will be auditioning for the vacant position of head coach. This is a catch 22 for the Browns, if they win they fall in the draft, if they lose this week?s shake up could be just a tremor in what already looks to be a turbulent off season.
Pittsburgh vs. Jacksonville
The Steelers are in the midst of what looks to be a historic season, and are poised to take the AFC North as they enter the hardest part of their schedule. The Jaguars are playing good football, and this will be a challenge to see if they are ready for the post season. But if they can?t stop the running game, or keep pressure on Ben Roethlisberger, it could be a long night for the Jags.
Cincinnati vs. Baltimore
The Bengals won?t be scoring much this week, and the Ravens need this game to stay both in the divisional race, and the wild card hunt. The Bengals, on the other hand, need this one too, to keep any hopes of a winning season intact. The Ravens have played well considering not only the amount of injuries they?ve had to deal with, but also the amount of talent standing on the sidelines. Kyle Boller has been playing better, and that?s a trend that I fully expect to continue going into this week at home seeking a win to build on going into the final four games of the regular season.