ESPN AFC North Blog

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Welcome to the 2008 regular season, AFC North fans. It's going to be a fun year.

Let's kick it off with some reader questions.

Alfredo from El Paso, Texas writes: Lawrence Timmons it appears has all the tools to become a "beast" for the Steel Curtain; what do you think his chances are of breaking the starting lineup this year?

James Walker: With the way Timmons is playing, Alfredo, there's a very good chance he will be a starter at some point. But it's not too big a deal at this point. The Steelers are deep at linebacker that the coaching staff has a luxury to put Timmons on the field in positions where he can make an impact.

Mike from Meriden Ct writes: Hey James, What are the chances of the Browns signing Ty Law? I know he wants alot more than he is probably worth at this stage of his career but he can help us. And if not Law, what do you think of Ricky Manning Jr. who just got cut by the Bears? 

James Walker: Ty Law is the name that won't go away in Cleveland, Mike. According to people I've talked to, Law wasn't a possibility initially. But after the Browns watched their overall secondary play poorly through training camp and the preseason, he's back on the team's radar. As usual, it all depends on money and the type of contract Law would command. Cleveland is not into breaking the bank for an older player at this point. Reportedly, Law also has interest from other teams like the New England Patriots and New York Jets, so that also will play a factor.

WorldClass in Philly writes: With Pacman and Brandon Marshall getting recently reduced sentences, any word on the Cincinnati brass exploring a similar option for Chris Henry? Seems as though a plea from Mike Brown or Chris himself wouldn't hurt given the generous mood Goodell seems to be in.

James Walker: That is a world-class question, but it's not going to happen. Jones' reinstatement was expected for months and Marshall had a three-game suspension. So in the eyes of the NFL, Henry's four-game suspension was more serious. Keep in mind, Henry had a pending year-long suspension lifted and reduced. The league won't help his cause twice in three months.

Tony from Believeland writes: James, love the mailbag, keep it coming...I am a die hard Brownies fan but I won't lie to myself and say they look ready for the regular season...I know they have had the injuries, but will they work out the kinks?? Or will they embarrass themselves during 5 prime time games this year??

James Walker: Tony, you're awfully skeptical to write from "Believeland." I understand Browns fans constantly wait for the other shoe to drop. It's part of the city's fabric. Cleveland won't be an embarrassment this year, the team has too much talent including seven returning Pro Bowlers and the additions of defensive linemen Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams. With so many key players returning from injury, getting the timing down on offense will be the biggest challenge. But the team will be competitive this year.

Troy from Olney, Md. writes: James, with the unfavorable results from the MRI on Kyle Boller's shoulder and the lingering illness suffered by Troy Smith, what do you think the chances are that the Ravens front office tries to sign a veteran QB or engineer a trade? Or, do you think this means that rookie QB Joe Flacco will get the nod come the opener against Cincinnati on Sept. 7?

James Walker: Troy, if the season started today Joe Flacco would be the starter. It's not what the Ravens want to do, ideally, but if Troy Smith's health doesn't improve in the next couple days, the team has no choice. Kyle Boller is still on the 53-man roster so it appears he's going to tough it out for now. Baltimore will not get a veteran quarterback until Boller knows for sure he's done for the year.

Jon in Elyria writes: James, will the Browns use Jerome Harrison more this season? Despite being buried on the depth chart, it seems like he could contribute a lot as a situational back. Anytime I've seen him get into the game (albeit rarely, and mostly in the preseason) he looks very difficult to bring down and shows a good ability to find that extra yard or two at the end of the run. Thanks!

James Walker: You hit the nail on the head, Jon. Harrison is a situational back, which means there are special instances when the coaching staff think he can be successful. The coaching staff did a great job last year of picking those spots. That's why every time you saw him on the field, Harrison was productive. But there are some basics, such as pass protection, where Harrison cannot help the Browns. And with the amount of blitzing teams like Pittsburgh and Baltimore often bring, he would be more of a detriment in those type of situations. That's one of the reasons several games often go by when Harrison is not in the plans.