MiddletownJournal.com

Attention Cincinnati Bengals fans: Look for the pace of the offense to quicken against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Oct. 19, for three reasons:

1. The strength of the unit is the wide receiver corps of Chad Ocho Cinco, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Antonio Chatman and Chris Henry. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is comfortable operating the two-minute drill. The team had the most success in the hurry-up mode in its 26-14 loss to the New York Jets.

2. With the running game failing miserably because of the offensive line's inability to open holes and tailback Chris Perry's penchant for fumbling, the passing game must be accentuated.

3. The season's over, so it's time to pull out all stops and play the spoiler's role. The team has nothing to lose except another game as it inches closer to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft.

"I think Ryan will keep playing better and better for us," head coach Marvin Lewis said. "We've got to keep playing better and better around him as well. That's our task. Ryan is going to be the guy this week, and we've got to keep doing everything we can, in every area, to make sure everybody lives up to their task and their job, and puts us in position to win the game."

Steelers Great timing

The Pittsburgh Steelers agree Oct. 12 was the perfect time for a bye.

Defensive linemen Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel, tailback Willie Parker and fullback Carey Davis were injured and missed the Steelers' 26-21 victory at Jacksonville on Oct. 5.

Parker, fully recovered from a sprained knee, resumed practice this week and is scheduled to start against the Bengals.

"I'm ready to play, man," Parker told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I went out there today and my main focus was getting my timing down, just practicing so I can help the team."

Parker has 66 carries for 263 yards (4.0) and three TDs in three games. Meanwhile, the Bengals' Perry has rushed 96 times for 253 yards (2.6) and two TDs in six games.

Browns Special talent

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards continues to show off his enormous talent when he hangs onto the football.

The fourth-year veteran from the University of Michigan — plagued by numerous drops this year — caught five passes for 154 yards (30.8) and a TD in the Browns' 35-14 rout of the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants on Monday night.

Quarterback Derek Anderson fired an 11-yard scoring pass to Edwards, and the two hooked up on a 70-yard play.

"We were on the same page," Edwards said. "All night, Derek saw me, even when I wasn't sure he was going to."

Ravens Downward spiral

Baltimore wide receiver Derrick Mason said it best after the Ravens got shredded by the Indianapolis Colts 31-3.

"They jumped on us real bad," Mason said. "Honestly, you've got to tip your hat to them. They executed in every phase, special teams, offense, defense, cheerleaders, coaching, everything. And we didn't."

The Ravens, losers of three straight, play road games five of the next seven weeks starting Sunday in Miami.

"There is going to be adversity," coach John Harbaugh said. "That, to me, is an opportunity to show what kind of man you are and what kind of a team you are. What's important is where we go and what we do with it."

AFC North schedule

Pittsburgh (4-1) at Cincinnati (0-6), 1 p.m. Sunday

Cleveland (2-3) at Washington (4-2), 4:15 p.m. Sunday

Baltimore (2-3) at Miami (2-3), 1 p.m. Sunday

Week 6 Star — Browns WR Braylon Edwards caught five passes for 154 yards and a TD in a 35-14 victory over the New York Giants.

Week 6 Goat — Ravens QB Joe Flacco threw three interceptions in a 31-3 loss at Indianapolis. He has one TD and seven INTs in 2008.

Quote of the Week

"Everybody just stuck together and played as a team. The defense played well, and I have to credit the offensive line. This felt like the Browns of last year." — Browns TB Jamal Lewis after Monday night's triumph over the Giants.