AFC North Notebook: Browns throw defense a bone; Ravens love being hated
Every Monday and Friday, theScore's NFL editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the AFC North Notebook.
Cincinnati Bengals
Checking up on the rookies. How is the Bengals' 2014 rookie class performing? CincyJungle.com checks in on a remarkably quiet crop of first-year players.
Kirkpatrick has patience tested. Former first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick didn't expect to be fighting for a significant role on the defense in his third season as a pro, but that's the situation he faces. He tells ESPN he is trying to be patient and is ready to seize his opportunity.
Lewis under pressure? NFL.com's Adam Schein identified Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis as one of nine coaches whose job could be in danger if his team doesn't meet expectations in the second half of the season.
Cleveland Browns
Browns players pumped about LeBron. LeBron Mania hasn't just hit sports fans in Cleveland, players are getting caught up in the excitement, too. The list of Browns players who attended the Cavaliers' season opener includes Johnny Manziel, Joe Haden and Donte Whitner.
Defensive standouts rewarded with collars, bones. Defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil throws his best defensive players a bone by handing out spiked dog collars and metal bones every time a player makes a big play on the field.
Pettine ranked near bottom. Yahoo Sports' Shaun King ranks Browns head coach Mike Pettine as the 27th best (or sixth worst) head coach in the NFL, yet has only good things to say about the job he's doing.
Baltimore Ravens
"Joe Cool" keeps team on track. Jenny Vrentas of TheMMQB.com examines the role Joe Flacco's calm and collected personality had in helping the Ravens get through the Ray Rice scandal relatively unscathed.
Ravens love being hated in Pittsburgh. Linebacker Terrell Suggs says he appreciates how much energy Steelers fans spend on hating the Ravens. "I take is as a sign of respect," he told ESPN.
Williams emerging as top nose tackle. Second-year defensive lineman Brandon Williams was recently identified as one of the NFL's best run-stuffers by NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah, a former NFL scout. Williams' teammates say he's a big reason for the team's success.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Harrison says defense must execute. Linebacker James Harrison, who was part of some legendary Steelers defenses last decade, says the current unit needs to perform better. Harrison said there's nothing wrong with Dick LeBeau's play calls, it's simply a matter of execution.
Steelers' new receiver strategy paying off. The Steelers' depth chart at wide receiver is flexible and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger seems to like it. Antonio Brown is the clear No. 1, but after him, the order depends on what personnel group is on the field and what kind of plays are being called – and it's working.
Goodell, Rooney discuss no-shows. Owner Dan Rooney recently spoke to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about the issue of fans not showing up to their seats for games. Over 7,000 people didn't show up for the Steelers' recent Monday night game against the Houston Texans, making the stadium look strangely empty.