AFC North Notebook: Bengals' defense comes up big; Gordon makes immediate impact
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
Defense comes up big. After going through its share of struggles early in the year, the Bengals' defense continued its recent improvement with a dominant performance in Sunday's win over the Houston Texans.
Green says he's 100 percent. Coming off a game in which he tallied a career-high 12 receptions, star wide receiver A.J. Green says he's now fully healed from the toe injury that kept him on the sidelines for a few weeks.
Newhouse steps in for Smith. After right tackle Andre Smith was sidelined with an injury against the Texans, Marshall Newhouse stepped in and managed to limit one of the NFL's best defensive players, J.J. Watt.
Cleveland Browns
Gordon makes immediate impact. Still working his way back into football shape, wide receiver Josh Gordon's impact in a win over the Atlanta Falcons signals good things to come for the Browns' offense.
Hoyer not satisfied with performance. Despite leading the Browns on an impressive game-winning drive, some costly mistakes earlier in the game left Brian Hoyer feeling as though he let his team down.
Crowell has breakout game. After Isaiah Crowell's 12 carries for 88 yards and two touchdowns helped steer the Browns to victory, it appears the offense may finally have found its feature running back.
Baltimore Ravens
Ravens only team Brees has yet to beat. Heading into Monday night's prime-time matchup in New Orleans, the Ravens remain the only NFL team Saints quarterback Drew Brees has yet to beat over the course of his career.
Forsett standing out. With Justin Forsett enjoying the best season of his career, ESPN's Jamison Hensley takes a look at the running back's unlikely journey to this point.
Ravens must keep Saints off the field. If the Ravens have any hope of going into New Orleans and coming away with a tough road win, they'll have to establish a running game to keep the Saints' high-powered offense on the sidelines, the Baltimore Sun's Peter Schmuck explains.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Polamalu, Shazier expected back. The Steelers' defense appears set to receive a much needed boost coming out of the bye next week, as safety Troy Polamalu and linebacker Ryan Shazier are expected to make their returns from injury.
Steelers control their own fate. With six games left to play, the Steelers find themselves in good position to make a playoff push, essentially in control of their own fate down the stretch.
Rookies impressing Taylor. As Ike Taylor continues to work his way back from injury, it is rookies Martavis Bryant and Daniel McCullers that have impressed the veteran cornerback.