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The dirtiest teams in the NFL, ranked from No. 1 to No. 32
In terms of on-field dirtiness, however, there's no decision. I don't know if The Rolling Stones are the greatest rock 'n 'roll band, but I know Mick Jagger is the greatest rock star. By that thinking, I don't know if the Cincinnati Bengals are the dirtiest on-field team in the NFL, but I know Vontaze Burfict is the dirtiest player, so he alone gets the Cincinnati Bengals to the top. Burfict's deliberate, dirty hit at the knees of Pats tight end Martellus Bennett on Sunday is what inspired this list and should be deserving of a fine and, given his history, a suspension too. (The latter won't happen, though.)
First Look: Bengals vs. Browns
The Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) dropped their second straight game on Sunday in a 35-17 loss to the Patriots at New England. The Bengals did have a 14-10 lead in the third quarter. Cleveland remained winless on the year, falling to 0-6 after a comeback attempt fell short against Tennessee, losing 28-26 to the Titans.
Bengals fall to season-worst 25th in USA TODAY Power Rankings
The Cincinnati Bengals fell six spots to a season-worst 25th of 32 teams in the latest USA TODAY Sports NFL Power Rankings. The Bengals ranked as high as eighth in the power rankings earlier this season, but have lost four of their last five games. They ranked 19th last week.
No obstacles in Hometown Huddle
Her husband has played 108 straight games, the longest streak on the Bengals roster. But the number that says more about what Anna and Domata Peko have meant to their team and their city is 11 As in 11 straight Hometown Huddles, the annual NFL event the Marvin Lewis Community Fund partners with the United Way to help build a community staple for children and spark volunteerism.
What an amazing draft pick Ezekiel Elliot has turned out to be for the Dallas Cowboys, becoming the first rookie in NFL history to run for 130-yards in 4 straight games. Everyone expected him to do well behind the Cowboys massive offensive line, but to set an NFL record in Week 6 of the NFL season… that’s insane!
Andrew Whitworth, who lived it 10 years ago, had the slight, knowing smile of a father and a little bob of his head as he eavesdropped on the media grilling of Cedric Ogbuehi Monday. Benched in the middle of the third quarter Sunday in the middle of the Patriotic rampage at Gillette Stadium, Ogbuehi, the first-year right tackle, is emblematic of these 2-4 Bengals. Wonderfully gifted athletically with an upside off the charts, Ogbuehi, the club’s first-round pick in 2015, simply isn’t producing like his projections.
AFC North Notes
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger out vs. New England Patriots
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger won't play against the Patriots, and backup Landry Jones will get all the practice reps this week. A source told ESPN that the Steelers are cautiously optimistic that Roethlisberger -- who had surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee Monday -- can play Week 9 against the Baltimore Ravens. Pittsburgh is scheduled for a Week 8 bye.
What really ticked off John Harbaugh about his fourth-and-goal call
Upset Baltimore Ravens fans vented on social media about how coach John Harbaugh essentially took points off the board in Sunday's 27-23 loss to the New York Giants, when he decided to go for it on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. It was the first play of the fourth quarter, and the Ravens were trailing 17-13. Baltimore decided to pitch the ball to running back Terrance West, who was stopped for a 2-yard loss.
Robert Griffin III doesn't need surgery on his fractured left shoulder at this time, a league source told Cleveland.com. But with rookie Cody Kessler playing well, there's no need for him to rush back. Griffin has been undergoing regular checkups on the shoulder, and the coracoid bone is healing well, the source said.
Random Bytees
The NFL's top performer in every category imaginable
Green torched Darrelle Revis and the Jets' defense on the opening week of the season for a big 54-yard touchdown. Green is averaging 23.3 yards per catch on post routes, catching six of his seven targets for 140 yards, a touchdown and a perfect 158.3 passer rating. He's dangerous on corner routes as well, this season catching two of the three attempts sent his way for 45 yards.
Which player should be traded?
The trade deadline arrives in 13 days. Which sets the stage for Wednesday’s question of the day on PFT Live. Which player should be traded before the window closes? We’ve suppled a list of five finalists, and you’re invited to add others in the comments. (As if you need an invitation to tell us which player(s) you think we missed.)
After win over Jets, Cardinals aim for Seahawks
Using a healthy dose of David Johnson, the Arizona Cardinals seemed to have righted their listing ship, just in time for a critical NFC West showdown with Seattle. The Cardinals' methodical 28-3 victory over the New York Jets on Monday night lifted them to 3-3. There are 10 games to play, plenty of time to climb back into contention, but the schedule is daunting.
Packers RB Eddie Lacy seeking second opinion on injured ankle
Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy is seeking a second opinion on his injured left ankle. A source told PFT’s Mike Florio that Lacy will be seeing Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte for the follow-up assessment. No final prognosis has been determined and “anything else is speculation.”