AFC North Power Rankings Week 8: Browns win, Bengals starting to fade

Ravens and Steelers have concerns but still above both Ohio teams

Week 8 in the AFC North has come and gone and we are approaching the halfway point of the season. The Cleveland Browns secured an emotional win against the Baltimore Ravens, the Cincinnati Bengals find their season slipping away and the Pittsburgh Steelers just get it done, once again.

The AFC playoff picture is interesting for all four AFC North teams with everyone having a chance.

1. Baltimore Ravens

5-3, but the pass defense is a glaring weakness

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

Giving them the side-eye until they prove me wrong.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

It would be a shocker if they made the postseason.

4. Cleveland Browns

Eating a much-needed “W”

A lot to get into but first watch this radio call from the booth from Andrew Siciliano and Nathan Zegura honoring the late Jim Donovan, who passed away this weekend from a valiant fight with cancer.

Bengals collapse in the 2nd half, lose to Eagles in a must-win game

Going into their matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, this was a must-win game for the Cincinnati Bengals. Considering how the AFC is wide open, it was imperative that the Bengals find a way and early in the game it looked like it was trending that way. The offense was moving the ball effectively, and the defense was playing well.

Then the 2nd half happened. With the game tied at 17 apiece late in the 3rd quarter, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw a bomb to wide receiver DeVonta Smith.

As the 3rd quarter was approaching the end, the Bengals went for it on 4th and 1 but they didn’t convert and the momentum shifted.

After a fast start in the 1st half, the Bengals offense stalled, and as far as their defense goes (as they have done before) they unraveled at the worst possible time. Wide receiver Tee Higgins was missed in this game (inactive due to a quad injury suffered in practice) but tight end Mike Gesicki picked up the slack but it wasn’t enough.

I wouldn’t make a big deal out of this observation but late in the 4th quarter, it appeared that Cincinnati started to slowly give up. Not ideal. This team just isn’t as good as they were in years prior. The offense is too inconsistent and the defense is a below-average unit. Head coach Zac Taylor’s seat should be warm at this point and it’s hard for anyone to view this team as a playoff contender.

Cleveland upsets Baltimore, Ravens pass defense needs to be fixed

It was an emotional Sunday afternoon on the banks of Lake Erie. Longtime and beloved Cleveland Browns radio announcer Jim Donovan passed away on Saturday after a bout with leukemia. Considering how the season has gone, losing Donovan felt like another gut punch.

Backup quarterback Jameis Winston was the starter after Deshaun Watson was lost for the season with an Achilles injury. The offense had one of their best outings of the season which fueled their upset victory over division-leading Baltimore. It’s clear that the Browns offense has talent, the problem was not getting competent quarterback play. Winston provided that. The skill positions contributed but wide receiver Cedric Tillman stood out the most.

It was a much-needed win but Winston, as always, stole the show with his postgame interview:

As for the losing team, Baltimore’s defense will be the topic of discussion. Yes, the secondary was missing key players with cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins not playing in this matchup but breakdowns in the secondary seem more of an issue this season than previously. Maybe it’s lack of continuity or their cornerback’s coach but the secondary will cost the Ravens a chance of getting to the Super Bowl.

Steelers win again, Russell Wilson starting to cook

Another week, another Pittsburgh Steelers win. Hosting the New York Giants on Monday night, this game was gridlocked at 9 going into the 3rd quarter. Both offenses were stalling in the redzone but the Steelers found a way to score in the form of special teams.

Offensively, quarterback Russell Wilson turned back the clock and looked like the Russell Wilson we saw in Seattle circa 2020. As far as his deep ball goes, it’s still the best in the league. The touch is still there:

Defensively, they made life difficult for Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (but it’s not as difficult of a task as people think).

With the Steelers win on Monday night, heading into the bye week they find themselves in first in the AFC North. However, their schedule begins to get difficult. Just going to rattle off a few games:

• Week 11 vs Baltimore
• Week 12 @ Cleveland (TNF)
• Week 14 vs Cleveland
• Week 15 @ Philadelphia

The division games are always the important ones but Philadelphia will be a test as well.

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How would you rank the AFC North after Week 8? Share your rankings in the comment section below: