Nfl Tickets - Midseason Report: Afc North

Let's take a look at the state of the AFC North at the halfway point of the 2009 NFL season.

Cincinnati Bengals (6-2): If earlier this year I told you that the Bengals would be in first place at midseason, you probably would have told me I was crazy. Two of this team's division rivals faced off in the conference title game last season and the Bengals had a top 10 pick in the draft, yet it's true. The Bengals have the same record as the Pittsburgh Steelers through eight games, but they won the head-to-head matchup earlier this season in Cincinnati. The Bengals are yet to lose a divisional game and have already swept the season series with Baltimore.

How have they done all this, you ask? It all starts with the team's defense. This was an underrated unit last season because the offense struggled so badly. This defense is doing a great job at defending both the pass and the run. Marvin Lewis had to eventually get this team's defense going, right? The defense also doesn't have to spend a ton of time on the field, as it did so often last season. A big reason for that has been the emergence of the running game and, more specifically, Cedric Benson. Benson, a former top five pick, had been labeled a bust after failing to produce in Chicago. After a change of scenery, he's a guy that sells NFL tickets and consistently gains yardage. The NFL can be a funny place.

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2): The reigning champs hit some bumps in the road this season, but they're back to playing good football. The emergence of Rashard Mendenhall has rejuvenated the team's running game and given it the hard-nosed look that fans have become accustomed to over the years. Ben Roethlisberger has been impressive despite dealing with issues off the field, and the defense is as tough as ever, especially against the run. The Steelers are one of the most balanced all-around teams in the NFL, which is always a recipe for success. I could definitely see this team reaching the Super Bowl again; they've got what it takes.

Baltimore Ravens (4-4): The Ravens are a good 4-4 team. For example, the Jacksonville Jaguars are 4-4 and the Ravens are a much better team, in my opinion. This franchise has a bright future offensively, but the defense appears to be wearing down a bit. Joe Flacco and Ray Rice are potential superstars at their respective positions, but I'm not sure if they'll be enough to carry the team to the postseason this year.

Cleveland Browns (1-7): The Browns have had a really tough season. They've just recently decided to go back to Brady Quinn at quarterback, a decision which should have been made weeks ago. The team needs to focus on the little things and try to take it one week at a time. It's not easy to go through a season like this, but if each player tries to grow a little bit every week, good things will come of it.

by: Brent Warnken

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