Steelers Outlast Bengals

Steelers 27, Bengals 10

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger overcome some wintry conditions to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 27-10 on Thursday night.

The Steelers are now 8-3 and, with some help from the in-state Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday, could open a full two-game lead on Baltimore in the AFC North. A two-game lead would be helpful, as the Steelers' schedule the rest of the way is as tough as it gets.

Gerry Dulac grades the Steelers' performance from last night, and calls for the Steelers to swap punters.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis earned some respect for deactivating Chad Johnson for the game, though I'd question why Lewis didn't take such stands earlier in his tenure as the Bengals head coach. Why now? Why deactive your best healthy offensive player when you're 5 games away from likely being replaced?

According to this poll, nearly 85% of respondents would like to see "Ocho Cinco" elsewhere in 2009.

Mark Curnutte of the Cincinnati Enquirer nails it: Despite being 1-8-1, and playing on the road in a short week without four key starters on offense, the Bengals put up one hell of a fight for three quarters.

AFC News and Notes

New England Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel has improved since the last time he played at Dolphins Stadium. The Patriots plan to get physical with the Dolphins.

The Buffalo Bills secondary will be short a few bodies when they travel to Kansas City this weekend. Statistically speaking, not much separates Bills quarterbacks J.P. Losman and Trent Edwards.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Greg Camarillo is following in Wes Welker's footsteps, writes Harvey Fialkov, though Camarillo's new contract has less zeroes than the one Welker signed. Dolphins linebacker/loudmouth Joey Porter says Michael Vick deserves a second chance.

New York Jets kick returner Leon Washington was named the AFC's Special Teams Player of the Week. Jets cornerback Ty Law hopes to crack the starting lineup.

Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage apologized for sending a profane e-mail to a fan. Browns wide receiver Joshua Cribbs could be more involved in the offense.

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh will match wits with his former mentor this Sunday. The Ravens need to protect Joe Flacco, limit big plays and force turnovers in order to beat the Eagles on Sunday.

The Houston Texans's defense is porous. Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson will return to the starting lineup.

Jacksonville Jaguars assistant head coach Mike Tice is surprisingly calm as he prepares to face his former employer. The Jaguars offensive line will have their hands full this Sunday. Former Jaguars linebacker Brent Hawkins was sentenced after pleading guilty to drunk driving on Thursday.

Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher parachuted to practice on Thursday. Titans wide receiver Brandon Jones is appealing his $15,000 fine for his touchdown celebration.

It should be quite a show when the Indianapolis Colts and San Diego Chargers square off this Sunday in Qualcomm Stadium, writes Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star. Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney is looking for revenge.

Denver Broncos rookie Spencer Larsen is a throwback player. Broncos tight end Nate Jackson was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

The Kansas City Chiefs defenders like the helmet radio, provided defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham remembers to turn the mike off during practice. Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez was back at practice and should play against Buffalo on Sunday.

San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson thinks the team needs to commit to the run for it to be successful. The Chargers will face a familiar opponent this weekend. Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie's first NFL start came against the Colts and resulted in a three-interception game.

Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell won't fume in front of teammates or the media. Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha received some verbal bouquets postmarked "Dove Valley, CO".

NFC News and Notes

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Felix Jones is done for the year. Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens is frustrated with his numbers.

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress is bothered by a hamstring injury. The Giants defense is aware of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner's problem with fumbles.

The Philadelphia Eagles want to establish the run early in their game against Baltimore this Sunday. Eagles head coach Andy Reid lit into his team on Wednesday.

After playing well early in the season, the Washington Redskins offensive line has taken a step backwards. Redskins head coach Jim Zorn has some decisions to make on who will play, and who will sit, against Seattle on Sunday.

Chicago Bears defensive end Mark Anderson is mired in a sack drought. Bears linebacker Lance Briggs doesn't think money has changed the way the Bears play defense.

In Nicholas Cotsonika's perfect world, the new Detroit Lions general manager would be Scott Pioli, who is currently the New England Patriots' VP of Player Personnel. If guys like Jeff Garcia can come back from obscurity, why can't Daunte Culpepper?

Green Bay Packers linebacker Brandon Chillar has filled in nicely for Nick Barnett. Former Packers legend Bob Jeter passed away on Thursday at the age of 71.

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson says there's no dispute with running backs coach Eric Bieniemy. Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier lamented having to prepare on Thursday without the two Williams in the meeting room.

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution is calling for a "Redout" for this Sunday's Atlanta Falcons-Carolina Panthers game. Falcons wide receiver Roddy White missed another day of practice, but expects to play on Sunday.

The Carolina Panthers are completely healthy for this Sunday's game against Atlanta. Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis is flourishing now that he's on the weakside.

Three New Orleans Saints are waiting to hear from the NFL about their appeals of four-game suspensions. Saints running back Reggie Bush was limited in practice on Thursday.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson is enjoying his increased playing time. Buccaneers wide receiver Joey Galloway says he was sidelined with a broken foot.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin is one tough hombre. Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic scouts Sunday's Cardinals-Giants game.

The Seattle Seahawks believe they'll rebound in 2009. Giving up big plays have lead to an increase in points allowed for the Seahawks defense, writes Danny O'Neil.

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes that the St. Louis Rams are in need of an extreme makeover. Rams guard Richie Incognito teed off on the Rams fans.

San Francisco 49ers rookie guard Chilo Rachal has impressed head coach Mike Singletary. 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz was fined $20,000 for critcizing officials after his brainfart on Monday Night Football 11 days ago.