Morning take: Critics scared of Flacco?

by Tony Lombardi

July 14, 2011
4:00 am

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Here are the most interesting stories Thursday in the AFC North:

Baltimore Ravens receiver Derrick Mason believes critics are “very, very scared” of quarterback Joe Flacco.

Morning take: Based on comments from LaMarr Woodley and Dhani Jones, I think it’s the opposite. Flacco has to beat his critics more consistently, starting this year, to earn their respect.

Is Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis a one-year wonder?

Morning take: Barring injury, Hillis should have another solidÂ season behind a pretty good offensive line. But being on the “Madden NFL 12” coverÂ should make Browns fans nervous.

Should Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison be suspended for his comments towards NFL commissionner Roger Goodell?

Morning take: You can’t rule out the possibility. But usually players are allowed to speak their minds in the NFL without missing games. A fineÂ seems more likely.

Cedric Benson of the Cincinnati Bengals is one of the league’s least elusive running backs, according to Pro Football Focus.

Morning take: That’s not Benson’s game. The Bengals want the pending free agent back because of his straight-ahead style, which fits their team.

Tony Lombardi

Tony is the founder of EutawStreetReport.com and RussellStreetReport.com. His work has been featured on various websites and he hosts The Front Office and Word on The Street podcasts. Among his favorite things in life are his wife, kids, grandbaby Elise, family, friends, My Single Friend on Facebook, The Spirit of Christmas, The Beatles, Breaking Bad, Shawshank Redemption, Gladiator, The Godfather, Guinness, bourbon, meatballs and Key West, not necessarily in that order. Brussel sprouts, bacon and milk chocolate are highly overrated. Follow Tony on Twitter @RSRLombardi. I'm nicer in person than I am on X!