Speaking of which…

Now that that unpleasantness is behind us…

Quite an ugly Sunday, eh?  The three AFC North teams in action lost, while the Baltimore Ravens, winners of last Thursday’s game vs. the Jets, widened their now-insurmountable lead in the division and increased their hold on home field advantage throughout the playoffs.  Baltimore is no doubt enjoying their “mini-bye” as they tweet and giggle their way through a few well-earned days off, while the Steelers concentrate on retaining their current wild card berth and the Browns try to finish on a high note and in a positive direction for next season.  Speaking of which…

The Ravens will travel to Cleveland this week to face the Browns, who handed them their last loss in Baltimore September 29, leaving the Ravens at a 2-2 crossroads.  They haven’t lost since, while the Browns have traveled a decidedly weird path to essentially the same record as last season.  A nugget of hope for the Browns:  Despite the angst, poor game plans, injuries and suspensions, wardrobe issues and just general drama, the Browns are still in position to improve on last season’s 7-9 finish.  Speaking of which…

Even after yesterday’s ugly loss to the Bills, the Steelers will most likely be a wild card entrant in the playoffs, but who will play QB for them?  Rookie Devlin “Duck” Hodges showcased his “rookieness” last night, throwing four interceptions and missing several very open options; deposed starter Mason Rudolph looked as bad or worse in his last full start against the Browns.  The team has no real choice but to go with one of them, as the waiver wire and free agent pickings are slim and awful this time of year.  The guess here is Hodges will continue to start, but with a quicker hook should he continue to struggle.  Speaking of which…

QB Andy Dalton’s resurgence in Cincinnati seems to have arrived at a quiet end.  Dalton’s four-interception performance yesterday showcased the poor late-season decision-making he’s become known for, and it’s hard to envision the Bengals putting him under center at all in 2020.  They’ve clinched the #1 overall pick in the 2020 draft, which will undoubtedly land them 2019 Heisman Trophy-winning QB Joe Burrow.  Given the vast rebuild this team needs, his results may not differ much from Dalton’s, at least for a few years.  Speaking of which…

Former Raven and Cardinal DE/LB Terrell Suggs has been clear:  After his release from the Cardinals, he’ll accept the Ravens claiming him and no one else.  Given the success the Ravens have enjoyed overall, including solid chemistry and communication on their resurgent defense, it’s anyone’s guess whether they’ll take Suggs up on his demands, but adding an extra edge rusher, especially one with in-depth knowledge of their current defensive playbook, isn’t a bad prospect.  The Ravens will most likely be in the market for pass rushers in free agency and the 2020 draft, but if Suggs is available and falls to them through the waiver wire uncontested…why not?  Speaking of which…

Draft needs are vast and interesting across the AFC North.  The Browns appear to need offensive linemen and linebackers, in no particular order (a couple of new coordinators wouldn’t hurt either).  Depending on free agent defections, the Steelers will be looking for linebackers as well, although their offensive needs will probably take precedence; tight end and running back in particular.  As mentioned above, the Ravens will be after pass rushers, but offensive line remains a strong second area to consider.  As always, receiving help is also needed in Baltimore.  And the Bengals?  Well…they need almost everything.

Enjoy the week!