AFC North Update

I am a happy blogger now that my Steelers have a commanding lead in the AFC North this preseason. The Steelers look to strengthen that lead this Saturday when they host the Packers at Heinz Field.

Speaking of the Steelers, (which I do often), Head Coach Mike Tomlin continues to impress. He has nerves of steel. He is about to begin his head coaching career in Canton, Ohio, and he shows no sign of nervousness or anything like it. After the game, all he talks about is what needs to be better. Among the people that are sure he will have a long career in Pittsburgh are Dick Vermeil, the late Bill Walsh, Tony Dungy, and of course myself. (I verified the Vermeil one personally)

Browns C LeCharles Bentley says his knee is approximately 70%. What does that mean? Well, once again the Browns shelled out a lot of hope and respect to a guy that can't/won't play for them.

Speaking of the devil, Brady Quinn's agent Tom Condon is hung up on the elevators in Quinn's contract. The Browns have stated that they will go above the slotted money for the #22 pick, but Condon wants a lot of incentive-based tomfoolery at the back end of Quinn's contract. Bad newz for Brady. He won't play a down this season if this continues much longer

Carson Palmer looks good in camp-- in the old, familiar knee brace that Kimo von Oelhoffen put him in. The most important body part in Cincinnati is being adequately protected.

Cincinnati will get a chance to practice with the New Orleans Saints in Paul Brown Stadium on August 16th. The scrimmages will be closed to the public. (Ocho Stinko will mar that defensive secondary). Two days later, the Bengals will host the Saints at Paul Brown for a preseason exhibition game.

Apparently Willis McGahee might be a top fantasy pick after this season. The Ravens are looking to keep the ball out of the air, and into McGahee's hands. A lot of fantasy owners just got excited. I'm not one of them...yet.