NFL: First half overachievers and underachievers in the North
At the halfway point in the season, most teams will now have an idea of where their season is headed and how they’d like it to end: whether that be pushing for the playoffs or simply avoiding the dreaded winless season. Some teams aren’t where they expected to be thanks to disappointing stars, while others have been propelled to the top by great performances from unexpected sources. In this short series, I’ll suggest one over-achieving player who will need to “keep it up” and one under-performer who needs to “pick it up” for each team, by region, looking this time at the North.
Previous entries: East
AFC North
BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 13: Running back Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled by Green Bay Packers defenders in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens
Keep it up: Torrey Smith, WR – Smith has been targeted 61 times, with 31 catches for 629 yards. The completion % isn’t great, but it never is on downfield throws. He’s averaging 10.3 yards per target, while passes aimed at any other Ravens receiver have averaged 6.1 yards per attempt. He’s making a difference where others aren’t.
Pick it up: Ray Rice, RB – After winning the Super Bowl, the Ravens let several free agents walk, putting all 120 million eggs in Joe Flacco’s basket and he’s not been good enough. That said, Ray Rice is probably more important and producing less. Rice powered the Ravens ground and air attack last year with 1621 yards from scrimmage. This year he’s on pace for just 814 thanks to a dreadful 2.9 yards per carry and equally troubling 4.9 yards per catch.
Cincinnati Bengals
Keep it up: Marvin Jones, WR – The 2nd year pro already has more catches and yards than his rookie year, but what’s been far more incredible is his 7 TDs. He had an 8th called back for a penalty on Thursday night. If he can keep up this kind of pace, the Bengals offence will be a force to be reckoned with.
Pick it up: Domata Peko, DT – Nothing to do with his play so far, which has been perfectly adequate on a very good D line. But the Bengals have just lost star DT, and the key to the defense, Geno Atkins for the season with an ACL injury. Peko and others will need to step up and fill in for his production or the Bengals could falter down the stretch.
Cleveland Browns
Keep it up: Jason Campbell, QB – So he’s only had one start this year. The Browns have a good defense, and can move the ball on the ground just enough to get by. With the emergence of Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron, they even have some pass catchers. All that’s been holding them back has been abysmal QB play, and Campbell was anything but that with nearly 300 yards 2 TDs and no INTs against a very strong Chiefs D. If he keeps that up, the 3-5 Browns could make a late playoff push.
Pick it up: Entire offensive line, OL. Anchored by all-pro LT Joe Thomas, the offensive line was meant to be a strength of this team. Instead they’ve given up the 5th most sacks, while only rushing for 3.9 yards per carry. The offence just needs to tread water if the D maintains its great play, but Jason Campbell will need to stay upright to give them a chance.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Keep it up: Antonio Brown, WR – The offence is struggling, but that’s nothing to do with Brown, who has excelled after moving into the no.1 role. A few more big plays would be nice (11.3 yards per catch, 2 TDs isn’t exactly explosive), but he’s on pace for 128 catches for 1440 yards. Hard to argue there; any receiver would be delighted with those numbers.
Pick it up: Jarvis Jones/Jason Worilds, OLB – The Steelers have had uncharacteristic issue getting after the opposing QB. Star Lamar Woodley has produced 5 sacks, but is getting no help from the other side, where Jones and Worilds have combined for just 1. A recent surge has put the Steelers right back in the picture, but it’s the D that will need to carry them, and that’s going to require more pressure from the edges.