ESPN AFC North Blog

Posted by ESPN.com James Walker

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Matt from Philadelphia PA writes: Mr. Walker. As always...great coverage on AFC North. Quick question. Can you tell me what logical reason went into pulling Quinn after his 2nd interception? I don't get it...DA get's 8 games and 9 INT's and tons of inconsistency and Quinn gets 2 INT's and he's pulled. Is there something I'm missing?

James Walker: Matt, the rationale of Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel was that he wanted a spark, similar to what Andy Reid tried to do Sunday by benching Donovan McNabb of the Philadelphia Eagles. But I am in agreement that if you're going to make a quarterback change, don't renege on that decision two weeks later. Many, including myself, disagreed with Derek Anderson's benching from the start because it solely put the blame on the quarterback when there were a half-dozen players offensively who were underperforming. Now after three games people realize that it doesn't matter who the quarterback is when the entire offense is in shambles.

Jason Mills from Knoxville, TN writes: Hey James, how do you think the Steelers control Wes Welker, Randy Moss and the Patriots' pass offense? Are we going to see more nickel defense with Lawrence Timmons being on the field a lot more than usual?

James Walker: J. Mills, this is tough matchup but expect the Steelers to try to rattle Matt Cassel with pressure early. New England is a pass-first team, and that's a major reason Pittsburgh has trouble with the Patriots. The Steelers' defense is geared toward taking away the run first, then pinning their ears back with numerous blitzes once you're forced to pass. But a team that throws first to set up the run can often throw Pittsburgh's defense off stride, especially if a quarterback (ala Tom Brady or Peyton Manning) is very good at making quick decisions. Cassel is playing tremendous football so it will be an interesting test for both sides.

Brandon from Baltimore writes: Hey James, this past week, the Ravens dismantled the eagles pass offense, and appeared to have rebounded since the Giants loss. Do you see this team going 2-0 over the next 2 weeks versus the Bengals and Redskins?

James Walker: Baltimore has a great chance to win both games, Brandon. The Bengals are the Bengals and the Redskins have been inconsistent of late. Sunday's win over the Eagles was important, because it takes some of the pressure off the Ravens down the stretch. A split here the next two weeks would leave them at 8-5, which is still great standing for a wild-card berth.

Jordan from Dallas writes: Is there really no chance for the browns to make the postseason?

James Walker: OK, Jordan, we think you're playing games but we'll bite. The Browns have zero chance of making the playoffs. We said that two weeks ago.

Jason from Heidelberg, Germany writes: James, In your opinion, do you think Cincinnati is done with Marvin Lewis as the head coach? It appears to me, he doesn't have a handle on the situation anymore. They've made numerous dubious as well as questionable changes in both player and coaching personnel. He's like Norv Turner; good assistant but not a head coach. Your thoughts?

James Walker: Greetings to those in Germany, Jason. I'm always amazed by how far-reaching our AFC North blog has become. I'm one of the few people not on the Marvin Lewis bashing bandwagon, because seeing the big picture I believe he is a capable head coach. The problem is in Cincinnati you have to grade everything on a curve, because Lewis has to work twice as hard to be successful there. It worked for a while, but eventually the lack of a scouting staff, money spent in free agency, etc. caught up. No head coach in nearly 20 years has made it work there long term, but Lewis came the closest.