AFC North QB Questions

In seesaw-like fashion, QBs in the AFC North are enigmatically inconsistent week to week.  By Danielle Berman

(AP Photo/Chris Park)

Baltimore Ravens
   QB Joe Flacco has had mixed reviews that go as far back as his first game as a Raven. He is called the next great signal caller one week only to be criticized as inexperienced and unreliable the next. This past weekend against the New York Jets, Flacco’s play was less than extraordinary. On offense, Flacco was fumbling, scrambling, and throwing interceptions, and the media started buzzing with questions and critiques. Luckily, the Ravens defense forced four turnovers, with three of them resulting in touchdowns, and they ended getting the win.

   Head coach John Harbaugh and his teammates have faith in Joe Flacco and believe he is the best guy for the job. The Ravens head into their bye next week, but it will be interesting to see which Joe Flacco shows up against the Houston Texans in week 6. If the Ravens want to beat QB Matt Schaub and company, “Joe Cool” better be ready to throw the ball.


Pittsburgh Steelers  

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)

   The Steelers have not been themselves so far this season. A humiliating loss against Baltimore to start the season coupled with a loss to Houston last weekend has made the Steel City a little shaky. QB Ben Roethlisberger was just 16-30 against the Texans and was sacked 5 times by the Houston defense. In his postgame interview, Big Ben focused on the fact that he needs to step up and make plays.

   But one problem: he might not even take the field next Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. He injured his ankle against the Texans this past weekend and the results showed a bad sprain. With the Steelers defense playing like it is, facing a surprisingly hot Titans team, Steel-nation should be nervous if Charlie Batch was taking the reins.

                                                             Cleveland Browns  

(AP Photo)

   Browns QB Colt McCoy has played at a high level in this first quarter of the season. In the Browns most recent game against the Tennessee Titans, McCoy recorded his first 300-yard game, completing 40 passes for 365 yards and a touchdown. Cleveland fans should be excited right?

   Not exactly. Cleveland still lost to the Titans 31-13, despite McCoy’s career day. It was disappointing to say the least for McCoy, who despite his best efforts, has only pulled out two wins this season. Turnovers are affecting offensive production. The Browns had the ball for 37 minutes and only made it to the red zone once. Colt McCoy is not to blame for this loss, but he needs to figure out how to create more points for his offense. Have the Browns found their long-term signal caller? Signs point to yes, but leave some room for error.

 



Cincinnati Bengals  

(AP Photo)

   Andy Dalton proved to his teammates on Sunday that he deserves to be an NFL quarterback. Even though it was a last second field goal that stole the win away from the Buffalo Bills, it was Dalton who was recognized for the victory. His first half performance was one of his worst ever, throwing 7 for 20 and two interceptions. After the half, though, Dalton came out firing. He was 11-16 with no interceptions and two touchdowns (one running, one passing). He led his team back from a 14-point deficit to win in the final seconds. Bengals fans have something to cheer about with a fresh face at quarterback to rally around. But don’t get your hopes up just yet: Dalton still has plenty of mountains to climb this season.