8-8 Wins the Division

Well, maybe, but I don't think so. I'm betting 10-6 does it, and at least one team will get it going. Maybe the Ravens develop a decent passing game. Maybe the Steeler's secondary pulls together and their offensive line solidifies. Or maybe the Browns find a rushing attack. All of a sudden, that team will be something to be reckoned with. I'm not emotionally ready to accept the Bengals as a contender in the AFC North, but if somehow 8-8 does it, you never know.

With the Browns, I think we already know the defense is good enough to reach the postseason. They're not dominant by any stretch, but they have turned in good performances that have kept Marvin Harrison, Terrell Owens, and the Ward/Burrees duo from the endzone. Overall, things are mediocre but, frankly, that's a relief. On offense things are slowly getting going and the team has been able to do some things. Getting a rushing game going is imperative now, and would result in giving opposing defenses a lot more to think about.

One note -- Shea is now on IR, which means the Browns have no one resembling a fullback. I didn't think Shea was sufficient in that roll, and having absolutely no one is asking for trouble. It makes running on 3rd or 4th and short a difficult proposition. Perhaps Mr. McLeod will get a phone call today.