Cincinnati Bengals (2-1): The Bengals pulled the upset at home as predicted here (and many other places). It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t even cute. For three quarters the Bengals were pretty well handled by the Steelers, and then the Bengals offense showed up and made some plays. But a win is a win, and the Bengals are second in the division. It’s hard to tell what to believe about the Bengals this season. Their defense was still stout against the Steelers, but the Steelers offense has struggled mightily this season. And the Bengals offense only came together at the end. What we do know is that with a re-energized Carson Palmer, they can be trouble. Next Game: @ Cleveland (0-3).

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2): The Steelers lost back-to-back games for the first time since 2007 with their loss to Cincinnati on Sunday and are now two games in the hole to the Ravens for the division lead. It’s not entirely clear if this team is just struggling or if there’s something seriously wrong. The Steelers have been largely unsuccessful running the ball (Willie Parker’s 95 yards against the Bengals were mostly first half), Roethlisberger has been getting hit frequently and making mistakes, and the defense has shown weakness without Troy Polamalu. Jeff Reed missed yet another field goal. Things simply aren’t clicking in Pittsburgh. Things won’t get easier with San Diego coming to town, and still not Polamalu in the secondary. Next Game: vs. San Diego (2-1).

Cleveland Browns (0-3): The Browns look like the Browns… again. I’m not sure what the media is talking about when they say that Eric Mangini is “changing the personality” of the team, but I’m not seeing it. Mangini looks to have things just as sloppy as ever. His decision to pull Brady Quinn was just silly. The Browns defense was absolutely toothless against the Ravens. Things don’t get much easier for the Browns, they play the Bengals, Steelers, Packers and Bears before the bye. Their only chance at a win before that bye is in Buffalo, but even that is doubtful. Next Game: vs. Cincinnati (2-1).

Thumbs Up

Joe Flacco, Ravens. 347 yards, a touchdown, 71% completions. Flacco looked poised and unfazed by anything the Browns defense threw his way.

Kelley Washington, Ravens. Washington is tied for the team lead with 12 receptions, despite being the team’s third receiver.

Carson Palmer, Bengals. Palmer wasn’t spectacular against Pittsburgh, but he was effective when it mattered most.

Willie Parker, Steelers. Parker ran for almost 100 yards and caught two passes for 36 yards. He finally showed flashes of the “Fast”Willie Parker he used to be.

Thumbs Down

Steelers Defense and Ben Roethlisberger: Despite how nice the numbers might look, the Steelers signature has been playing close games and playing them perfectly. In Sunday’s game, neither of these units was anywhere close to perfect.

Derek Anderson, Browns. The one-time Pro Bowler may have been confused from his days with the Ravens.

Bengals Defense. The Bengals D was all the rave in recent weeks. And yet, that same defense let the Steelers walk all over them for nearly 400 yards and barely put a scratch on Roethlisberger.

Eric Mangini, Browns Coach. Has he put on weight?

Three Issues Upcoming…

How will Pittsburgh respond? Mike Tomlin hasn’t been in this position before. Most of the current Steelers roster probably isn’t used to this either. A losing record so early? Losing to the Bengals? It gets no easier with the Chargers coming to town. Philip Rivers decimated the Ravens, and the Steelers defense may not fair better without Polamalu. And the Steelers offense certainly has shown the ability to win a shoot out.

What will the Browns do at quarterback? Brady Quinn didn’t have much success in his first two games, but he hardly got a shot against the Ravens. Meanwhile, Derek Anderson seemed to give a spark to some of his offense, before turning the ball over three times. Both quarterbacks have to be suffering from shattered self-confidence, and based on his reputation, Eric Mangini isn’t the kind of coach that specializes in team unity or building players up.

Are the Bengals the Ravens biggest competition? The Bengals are likely to win this week against the Cleveland (we’d assume), but the Ravens have a rough game in New England. And then in Week 5 the division rivals meet. The Ravens certainly hope to still hold their one-game lead over the Bengals entering the head-to-head match-up, but seeing a pair of teams at 3-1 is not out of the question.

Offensive Game Ball: Derrick Mason. Actually, lots of good news to go around on offense. But for 800 career receptions and one of the most fun TD receptions in recent memory – it goes to the vet and the leader. Mason made some nice catches throughout the game, a few for first downs, a few classic outs. But his 72 yard reception, turning to the ball, shaking the defender and strutting into the endzone: priceless.

Yellow Game Ball: Mike Furrey, Browns. The Browns wide out actually had a decent game when all was said and done, totaling four catches for 40 yards. And a few of those catches stung the Ravens. What wasn’t so hot, though, was his reception on the Browns first play of the game. Furrey caught the ball crossing about five yards out and promptly planted his bum on the turf. Seeing Ray Lewis out of the corner of your eye, Mike? Take the hit. [Honorable Mention to Eric Mangini opting for the field goal with the score 27-0 in the fourth quarter.]

Don’t Blink Game Ball: Domonique Foxworth. Foxworth  helped get Brady Quinn benched with his first quarter pick. I’m not sure whether he was tipped off by coaches or just did his film study, but with Braylon Edwards running straight at him, trying to sell the fly route, Foxworth didn’t move. Seriously, he didn’t flinch a muscle. And when Edwards let up and turned for the hook, Foxworth coolly stepped in front and took the pick. He also did his best Ed Reed impersonation, perilously pitching the ball to Reed for a few extra yards on the return.

Double Trouble Game Ball: Willis McGahee. McGahee is seeing fewer touches this year, but he’s making more of them. Apparently McGahee’s motto these days is “Twice as Nice,” finding the endzone two times for the third straight game. Today’s touchdowns were both on the ground and both involved McGahee prancing across the goalline untouched.

Underrated Game Ball: Dwan Edwards. The back-up defensive lineman was all over the field today. He wasn’t always making the big hit or even making the final hit, but he was a big part of getting pressure on the Browns QBs and closing holes in the run. Edwards certainly isn’t one of the Ravens bigger names on defense, but he is the classic example of a selfless player who plays his role for the team’s benefit.

Dumba** Game Ball: Eric Mangini, Browns Coach. Eric, Eric, Eric. You just weren’t made for this NFL coaching thing. Maybe quarterback controversy just follows you around. Brady Quinn wasn’t particularly good in the first half against the Ravens, but he also didn’t have much time to prove himself. The choice to switch to Derek Anderson mid-game was shortsighted and will come back to bite you in the ass.

Bite Your Tongue Game Ball: Steve Tasker, Announcer. I was actually quite pleased with the announcers today, which is an oddity. There was no sugar-coating of how bad the Browns were, no “let’s be nice” for the sake of the league. But one moment had me, and everyone, laughing a bit. Just as the Browns took the field in the fourth quarter, following their first and only scoring drive of the day, Tasker decided to praise Derek Anderson for his ability to turn the Browns around. Mid-sentence, of course, Anderson threw his second interception of the day, to Dawan Landry. Tasker quickly corrected himself, with a chuckle.

Defensive Game Ball: Brendon Ayanbadejo.  The back-up linebacker has been seeing more time recently, rotating in with Tavares Gooden, Jameel McClain and Antwan Barnes. Today he showed why. Four tackles, a sack, a pass deflection and an interception. Ayanbadejo was so good that he caught his interception of Derek Anderson with his gut. Actually, he didn’t even seem to be trying for the interception, but the ball stuck and he took it.

Teammate Game Ball: Derek Anderson, Browns. No better way to show his Ravens pride than tossing three to his old teammates when they counted most.

First Down Machine Game Ball: Kelly Washington. I’ve given Washington some trouble in recent weeks, but only because I love him. Washington caught five passes this week (proving more valuable than just about all of this year’s drafted receivers), and several for ffirst downs. In fact, I can only remember a pair of Washington catches this season that did not result in first downs. The man comes up big when it counts. Thankfully, the dancing has subsided… finally.

Scary Good Game Ball: Joe Flacco and Cam Cameron. The pair certainly know how to run an offense. Flacco set another career high with 347 passing yards today. The team continued its offensive explosion with 34 points. My only complaint is that their pass-happy, score quick approach ruined my prediction of getting both McGahee and Ray Rice to 100 yards. Not often that a team passes the ball 37 times and runs it only 28 in this kind of rout.

Silent Game Ball: Josh Cribbs and Braylon Edwards, Browns. The Browns only true offensive weapons, and the only players that had most Ravens fans worried. And both failed to show up. Their disappearance was TO-esque.

First Timer Game Ball: Ray Rice. Special congratulations to Ray Rice who found the endzone for the first time in this NFL career. Hard to believe that it took 22 games (including the post-season last year). Rice’s 9-yard scamper seemed to excite everyone on the Ravens. The little man deserved it.

I suppose at one point it may have been about Jamal Lewis coming back and playing the Ravens – that’s always interesting, right? Not really. Lewis had some decent games against the Ravens, but Ravens fans especially have never had it out for Lewis now that he’s on the Browns. I don’t really think that Lewis has it in for the Ravens either.

Oh, and did I mention that Lewis won’t be playing today, anyway.

Some in the press are trying to play the “can the Ravens handle this success” card. That’s just silly. The Ravens went 11-5 last year and made it to the AFC Championship – with virtually the same roster. They can handle the success.

They also proved last year that they know how to win games they should win. They even won games they weren’t supposed to win.  Week 1 might have been a scare against the Chiefs, but minus two big mistakes, and that game is a 100% blowout.

Sorry, but there is no story this week. Here’s what the story should be: Can the Ravens put up enough points to overtake the Saints as the league’s #1 scoring offense? Probably not. Can they at least hold on to #2? Probably.

1. Two Ravens runners will top 100 yards. That’s pretty bold, right? I’m leaning towards Willis McGahee and Ray Rice, obviously. Not sure that there are even enough carries in one game to get them both over 100 yards, but it only really takes one big run (and the Browns specialize in making those available). If this doesn’t happen, I won’t be losing any sleep. Just a gut feeling.

2. It won’t be a shut-out. As much as Ravens fans and the team want it, the Browns are going to score. This Ravens defense is not there yet, especially not with Josh Cribbs helping out with field position. Not sure if the Browns will find the endzone or not (based on yesterday’s score prediction, I’m leaning towards not), but they will put something up on the scoreboard. But man, what would a shut out do for the Ravens points allowed average!

3. The Bengals will upend the Steelers. Ok, so this one isn’t Ravens, obviously. But there’s only so much to say about Ravens-Browns. Looking at the other division game this weekend, I’m loving the Bengals. Their defense is more legitimate than most think at the moment, and with the Steelers unable to run and vulnerable to the sack, there’s hope for Cincy. I also love Hines Ward saying that Pitt isn’t worried about their running game because the passing attack can handle it – for how long, Hines?

Three Questions:

1. Will the Ravens big play defense show up? The Ravens are facing a pair of back-up runners (one a rookie). Their also facing an inexperience quarterback leading a sloppy offense. The turnovers should be there for the taking – so will the Ravens take them? I expect a couple of turnovers, of course. But the bigger question is can the Ravens turn one into their signature scoring play? Fans are waiting – Ed Reed, Fabian Washington, Haloti Ngata, we’re looking at you.

2. Will the Ravens secondary improve? It better, given the opponent is far less advanced than San Diego was last week, but we all still have doubts. Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said the defense will be returning to more standard secondary arrangements, hopefully keeping everyone on the same page and (we can only hope) in the right position. It would also help if he taught his smaller corners how to defend a pass, and not just run stride for stride with a receiver. But we can only hope for so much in a week.

3. Will the Browns implode? Their play on the field has already collapsed, obviously. That’s not really the question. But the whole team seems on the verge of absolute self-destruction. If the Ravens really pound the Browns, it might just be enough to send them over the edge and on the path to being one of the truly memorable bad teams in football history. Ray Lewis has a history of leaving bad memories for opponents, we can only hope he delivers here.

Ravens Rush Attack vs. Browns Rush Defense

The Browns rush defense could be one of the worst in league history, even relative to other Browns defenses in recent memory. And as bad as they have been, the Texans are actually still worse at the moment, statistically. Regardless, the Browns have allowed more than 400 yards rushing in just two games. And the Ravens? Well, they only bring the league’s fourth best rush attack to the game. While no individual Raven is going to have Adrian Peterson-type numbers at the end of the day (180 yards and 3 TDs), you can bet that the Ravens are going to get as much as they can on the ground. Any of the Ravens three runners (Willis McGahee, Ray Rice and Le’Ron McClain) could handle this defense alone. And with the help of the Ravens offensive line, which has been downright dominant on the ground this season, you can expect to see defenders blown off the ball play after play. Edge: Ravens

Ravens Pass Attack vs. Browns Pass Defense:

Compared their rush defense, the Browns pass defense is a super-star unit. At present, the Browns pass defense is seventh in the league, allowing just over 170 yards passing per game. But the Browns apparent success in stopping the pass is a bit of a magic act. The Browns have four sacks in two games and no interceptions. They are not getting pressure, nor are they finding the ball. In reality, it’s not that the Browns are able to stop the pass, but more that opponents find it easier (and safer) to keep the ball on the ground. Meanwhile, Joe Flacco and the Ravens pass attack continues to grow. Flacco’s numbers in San Diego were not outstanding, but he did find the endzone twice and converted a number of important third downs. The receivers are finding their niches in the unit. And the offensive line has done a brilliant job of keeping Flacco safe. Edge: Ravens

Browns Rush Attack vs. Ravens Rush Defense

The Browns 2009 version of Jamal Lewis is not the Jamal Lewis that Ravens fans remember grinding out 2000 yards in 2003 and driving an offense for six seasons. Lewis has continued to have leg injuries since arriving in Cleveland and this year is no different; he did not practice on Thursday and may not play on Sunday. But even with Lewis, the Browns rush attack is less than explosive. Lewis has less than 100 yards in his two games this season and is not even averaging four yards per carry. As a team, the Browns have managed just 41 carries in two games and 143 yards on those attempts. The Browns will be bringing that attack, without Lewis, against the Ravens and the league’s best rush defense. You can’t run through them (think about that, running through Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata), and you can’t run around them. And, actually, come to think of it, you may not even be able to run to them. (Click Here) Sorry, couldn’t resist. Edge: Ravens

Browns Pass Attack vs. Ravens Pass Defense

If there’s one spot where the Browns might be able to make some ground against the Ravens, it’s in the air. The Ravens pass defense has been severely suspect in its first two games. Not only did the Ravens allow Philip Rivers to pass for over 400 yards last week, but in Week 1 they allowed the Chiefs and Brodie Croyle to move downfield easily on several occasions. The Ravens corners are small and are still not totally familiar with the team’s system. Add to that a limited pass rush and it’s a formula for big passing days. The question is whether the Browns can capitalize on the Ravens weakness. Brady Quinn can certainly throw the ball, but he’s yet to prove it in the NFL. And receiver Braylon Edwards will give the Ravens trouble downfield – he’s the kind of height/speed combo that caused so many problems in San Diego. But the question is whether the two can connect. Last week they managed to combine for more than 90 yards. If that’s the only damage Quinn can do, the Ravens should be ok. Edge: Even

Special Teams

The Ravens special teams made solid progress last week in San Diego. Steven Hauschka’s kick offs and place kicking both looked solid. Sam Koch had one of the best games of his career. And the Ravens return game began to show signs of life. But the Ravens did struggle to contain Chargers return man Darren Sproles. In Cleveland, the Ravens will have to face the only return man better than Sproles – Josh Cribbs. They’ll also face one of the few kickers more accurate than legend Matt Stover, veteran Phil Dawson. And their own former punter, Dave Zastudil. The Browns special teams could cause problems for the Ravens, but not enough to change the game. Edge: Browns

Intangibles

The Ravens are among the league’s best at home. The Ravens defense is eager to prove that they remember how to defend the pass and make the big play. The whole unit is energized by the finish to last week’s game and the boost in national media coverage this week. The Browns are quickly establishing themselves as the league’s worst team. Eric Mangini is continuing to fight reports that his team despises him.  It all points one way. Edge: Ravens

Prediction

No chance, not close, don’t even hesitate. Actually, my only hesitation is that I hate feeling this confident. But there’s simply no doubt. The Ravens are going to run away with this one. The only questions… Will Harbaugh pull his starters early if things get out of hand? (If he does, will it matter? Troy Smith could handle this defense). Will the Ravens defense score and find its big play ability? Will the Ravens put up more yards on the ground or in the air? Ravens 34, Browns 9

Thursday is usually the day where we break down the big match-up or big story of the week. Usually. Honestly, there isn’t one story in the Ravens-Browns game coming up on Sunday worth an entire column. Not one. There’s just nothing too interesting in this match-up, nothing the Browns are about that is worth a few hundred words.

So instead, here are three half-hearted items that the Ravens need to think about heading into Sunday…

1.  Josh Cribbs. The Ravens kick and punt coverage improved in Week 2 against the dangerous Darren Sproles, thanks in large part to great kicks by both Steven Hauschka and Sam Koch. If there is one returner more dangerous than Sproles right now, it’s Cribbs. Sproles nearly broke a few big kick returns and his impact on field position hurt the Ravens defensive effort. The Ravens need to more than match their effort from last week to contain Cribbs.

2. Braylon Edwards. If you want to talk about big, fast receivers, you want to talk about Edwards. Personally, I’m still having nightmares about Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers, I can’t even handle thinking about Edwards. The only threat the Ravens need to consider when the Browns have the ball is Edwards. If Brady Quinn can put the ball in the air, Edwards has a good shot of bringing it down. Last week Edwards caught six passes for more than 90 yards in a loss.

3. The Big Play. Let’s do the math together. Cribbs plus Edwards equals a dangerous mix and a good possibility of some big plays. We saw in Week 1 how just a pair of big plays can make any game look close. One interception… one big pass… one kick/punt return… A mistake here, a mistake there; it all adds up. The Ravens biggest worry, and our biggest worry as fans, should be the possibility that our defense continues to let up the big play.

The Browns aren’t heavy on talent. They aren’t loaded with heart at the moment either. But it only takes one player and one play to change a game.  The Browns have more than a few individuals that can really make a difference even in the face of a floundering franchise.

But in the end… don’t bet against the Ravens.

Baltimore Ravens (2-0). The Ravens offense appears for real. For the second straight week, the unit put up more than 30 points (all by the offense alone) and is now second in the league in points scored. In fact, if not for Drew Brees and the Saints, this team would probably be #1 overall. With the Browns coming to town, another 30 point week doesn’t appear out of the question. The question appears to be when this defense will show signs of the dominant force it once was. The Ravens are a popular pick for number in power polls across the country, but even local fans know there are signs that might not last long. This Week: vs. Browns (0-2).

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1). The Steelers lost a brutal defensive battle in Chicago to fall to 1-1. The defense was dominant throughout most of the game, but it was the Steelers offense that struggled. For the second straight week (and beginning the second straight season), the Steelers seem to have lost their rush attack. With an embattled offensive line as well, offensive production is falling to Big Ben, whose body can only take so many poundings. The Steelers had many opportunities to win this game, including a pair of Jeff Reed field goal misses, but never closed the door. Unlike last week, this is un-classic Steelers football. This Week: @ Cincinnati (1-1)

Cincinnati Bengals (1-1). The Bengals offense reappeared in Week 2 against the Packers, who they beat in Lambeau (always impressive). But it wasn’t Carson Palmer and the receivers driving the Bengals offense, it was Cedric Benson and the rush attack. Good for the Bengals that their rushing game seems back on track – bad for the Bengals that their division foes present some of the toughest rush defenses in the league. Good luck bringing that game to Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Antwan Odom finally showed up in the NFL (only six years late). Through two games Odom has seven sacks (including five against the Packers). You can be sure teams will adjust, but Odom has to be licking his chops looking at Big Ben’s sack numbers upcoming. This Week: vs. Pittsburgh (1-1)

Cleveland Browns (0-2). For the second straight week the Browns looked absolutely hapless on both sides of the ball. After a pair of decent first quarter drives that resulted in field goals, the Browns never scored again – or even threatened, really. The run game is defunct, led by an aging Jamal Lewis. The passing game is out of whack as well, Brady Quinn cannot seem to put it all together. Meanwhile, the Broncos ran the ball up and down the field and totaled 180 yards rushing. Combine that with Adrian Peterson’s 180 last week and we may be looking at the worst run defense in NFL history. Not a good time to go into Baltimore and meet the three-headed monster. This Week: @ Baltimore (2-0).

Making Gains:

Antwan Odom: As previously mentioned, 5 sacks (FIVE!) against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers on Sunday. Smart coaches will begin to adjust, unlike the Packers.

Willis McGahee: Averaging over 4 yards a carry in San Diego, finding the endzone twice for the second straight week. McGahee is showing signs of the player the Ravens traded for before the 2007 season. Add his success to the mix of Ray Rice and Le’Ron McClain and the Ravens rush attack is downright terrifying.

Braylon Edwards: The Browns receiver is about the only bright spot on an otherwise dismal team and what looks to be a dismal season. Edwards top 90 yards on 6 receptions and is proving to be the Browns only legitimate threat.

Cedric Benson: The Bengals running back had a career day on Sunday, totaling more than 140 yards and approaching 5 yards per carry. If Benson and the Bengals can continue on the ground, the Bengals will be a force again offensively.

Slipping Away:

Jeff Reed: The Steelers kicker had a bad game. One of very few in his career. He’ll likely correct it, but the Steelers signature is mistake-free football, especially on Special Teams. If Reed is missing kicks, the Steelers are in trouble.

Brady Quinn: Quinn’s passer rating is under 70 through two games and there isn’t much sign of hope (except, perhaps, playing the Ravens pass defense). The golden child for the Browns is completing passes, but not any that are worth the effort.

Ravens Secondary: 440 yards in the air to Philip Rivers. The Ravens secondary was confused, out of position and unable to make plays. The only redeeming notes were two interceptions in the second half that saved an otherwise dreadful performance from being historically bad.

Pittsburgh Pass Rush: Where, oh where, has the defensive MVP gone? Through two games the Steelers have just two sacks – one by James Farrior and one by Aaron Smith. Note that names like Harrison, Woodley, Timmons… all missing. The Steelers built their defense on pressure. Without it, what are they?

Three Questions:

Can the Ravens dominate the way they should? Truly good teams beat truly bad teams, and they do so convincingly. The Ravens missed their first opportunity against the Chiefs. With the Browns coming to Baltimore, everything should be in place for a blowout. If the Ravens can’t deliver – be it because the defense is ineffective again or the offense stutters – the Ravens will begin to lose some rep.

Division Debacle: Can the Steelers right themselves? The AFC North faces itself this week – Browns at Ravens and Steelers at Bengals. Steelers-Bengals is clearly the more interesting of the two match-ups. If the Bengals can continue to rush the passer effectively and the Steelers cannot find a running game, it could definitely get interesting. More interesting will be how the Steelers would respond to a 1-2 start and a possible two game deficit to the Ravens.

Is Quinn still the man? The Brady Quinn era has faltered more than once. If Quinn fails to produce against the Ravens, or worse, if he crumbles against them, how long before the cheers for Derek Anderson return? My bet – by Monday.