There’s a logjam behind the Ravens for second-place in the AFC North.
The Steelers, Bengals and Browns are all tied with 2-2 records.
Cincinnati owns the early tiebreaker over Cleveland due to a Week 1 win. Pittsburgh is behind on tiebreakers due to a Week 1 loss to Baltimore.
But all three teams have larger concerns than where they’re at in the standings through the first quarter of the season. While all of them have shown some strengths, they all have issues too.
Here’s a peek into what’s going on around the division:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 2-2
Wins: Seattle, @Indianapolis
Losses: @Baltimore, @Houston
Injuries: OLB James Harrison (eye), QB Ben Roethlisberger (foot), RB Rashard Mendenhall (foot), OT Willie Colon (triceps – IR), G Chris Kemoeatu (knee)
The Good: Last year, Pittsburgh’s secondary was its weak spot. This season, re-signed Ike Taylor has been close to a “shutdown” cornerback and the unit is ranked first in the NFL in passing yards allowed (157.5).
The Bad: The Steelers are hurting up front. Their offensive line was thin even before losing Colon for the year. Along with other O-line injuries, it’s been tougher sledding for Roethlisberger, who has been sacked 14 times, fumbling four times and throwing five interceptions. Pittsburgh’s having trouble doing two things it’s known best for: running the ball and stopping the run. They’re 21st in the NFL in rushing yards and 22nd versus the run. Losing Harrison for a few games could have big implications.
Cincinnati Bengals
Record: 2-2
Wins: @Cleveland, Buffalo
Losses: @Denver, San Francisco
Injuries: WR Jordan Shipley (knee – IR), LB Keith Rivers (wrist), CB Adam Jones (neck)
The Good: Cincinnati just knocked off the previously undefeated Buffalo Bills. The Bengals’ defense is ranked No. 1 in the NFL in yards allowed per game. They are third in pass defense, despite losing top cornerback Johnathan Joseph to the Texans in free agency, and seventh in run defense. First-round rookie wide receiver A.J. Green has looked good with 19 catches for 312 yards and two touchdowns.
The Bad: Cincinnati is once again dealing with off-the-field drama. Starting guard Bobie Williams was suspended four games for the use of a performance enhancing substance, but will now be returning. Besides that, the Bengals are having the usual up-and-down performances from their rookie quarterback, Andy Dalton. He has thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns (4), but has games of 332 and 298 passing yards.
Cleveland Browns
Record: 2-2
Wins: @Indianapolis, Miami
Losses: Cincinnati, Tennessee
Injuries: OL Eric Steinbach (appendix – IR); WR/RS Joshua Cribbs (groin)
The Good: The maturation of quarterback Colt McCoy continues. The second-year signal caller was even called a young Drew Brees recently. Second-year cornerback Joe Haden is turning into a Pro Bowler, leading the Browns’ No. 4 pass defense in the NFL.
The Bad: Like the Steelers, the Browns are having trouble running and stopping the run. Madden 12 cover boy Peyton Hillis is averaging just 3.6 yards per run and was in the middle of recent drama when he left the team’s Week 3 game two hours before kickoff because of sickness. His agent told him not to play. Hillis got just 10 carries last week in a big loss to the Titans.