Speaking of which…

So, after his late-game heroics last night, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson again heads the MVP race, followed closely by the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson…depending on who you talk to.  While recognizing standout players and laudable performance is nice in week 10, none of us know who the eventual MVP will be, and most likely won’t know until the winner is announced.  Many, many things are still in play, including games…which matter when evaluating those that play them.  I realize the media can’t help its collective self, but slow down, folks.  Everyone gets their share in the end.  Speaking of which…

The AFC North is competitive again, at least since the Steelers’ defense has seemingly found itself.  The Steelers have won four straight games, with the defense mostly compensating for the benign play of possibly-forever-backup quarterback Mason Rudolph, who’s been able to avoid most major mistakes, but, after several starts, still appears tentative and unwilling to take downfield chances.  While this isn’t uncommon for backup quarterbacks, one hopes to see more from a player supposedly earmarked to eventually take over for injured starter Ben Roethlisberger on a permanent basis.  For now, the long-awaited defensive arrival holds the stage.  Speaking of which…

The Ravens’ defense showed some troubling cracks in their run defense during their blowout of the hapless Bengals, due primarily to the absence of mammoth defensive tackle Michael Pierce.  The Ravens’ depth along the defensive line is notably suspect, so any absence there could be problematic in the long term, especially with the Ravens facing their most difficult stretch of the season.  Pierce is listed as day-to-day, and with an important game against the AFC South-leading Texans this Sunday, the Ravens are clearly hoping for the best.  Speaking of which…

The Browns host the Steelers Thursday night, and it’s safe to say there’s no love lost between the two teams, especially in the midst of another frustrating season in Cleveland, albeit for different reasons than the norm.  The Browns sport a talented roster, but have been stymied by first-year head coach Freddie Kitchens’ baffling offensive decisions and untimely defensive lapses.  The Browns are coming off a much-needed win, and are still viewed by many as a “sleeping giant”, whose fortunes could change drastically with a little more guidance, discipline and direction – three items glaringly missing thus far this season.  Speaking of which…

If the Bengals aren’t actively losing, it’s tough to determine what the hell they’re doing.  Rookie quarterback Ryan Finley was predictably mediocre in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Ravens, and images of injured wideout A.J. Green lounging comfortably on the bench did little to inspire goodwill among fans, who are decidedly tired of this.  The league consensus is that the Bengals can’t even tank correctly, and while he’s kept a brave face in all of this, it’s hard to see recent coaching hire Zac Taylor lasting more than one season at this rate of spectacular losing.  Still, owner Mike Brown is ponderously, head-scratchingly unpredictable, so it’s possible Taylor survives to try to resuscitate this mess in 2020.  After all, Hue Jackson reappeared in 2018 for the Browns, so anything can happen.  But I wouldn’t count on it.

Enjoy the week!