Hines Ward Says Steelers Cannot Win Without Big Ben and More AFC North News

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and current NBC NFL analyst Hines Ward has said that the Steelers will struggle to win with quarterback Byron Leftwich under center in place of the injured Ben Roethlisberger.

Talking to Erik Kuselias of Pro Football Talk (as reported by PFT's Mike Florio), Ward said things will go "not very well" for the Leftwich-led Steelers this Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens. On their chances to get into and win in the postseason, he added: "If Ben’s not on the field its very hard for the Pittsburgh Steelers to go to where they want to go."

Baltimore Ravens

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is dealing with rib and shoulder injuries that will keep him out of this Sunday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens. However, Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs won't believe it until he sees someone else under center, reports Edward Lee of the Baltimore Sun. Suggs cites the numerous injuries Roethlisberger has played through as reason for his suspicion.

James Reagan of Bleacher Report wonders whether Roethlisberger's injuries mean that the AFC North divisional title has basically been handed to the Ravens.

Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green currently leads all receivers in the NFL in Pro Bowl balloting; his 258,405 votes has him sixth overall among all players.

Bleacher Report's Sean O'Donnell says the Bengals need to make Sunday's contest against the one-win Kansas City Chiefs a statement game.

Cleveland Browns

Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden is fully aware how much the remainder of the season will count towards his chances to retain his starting job next season.

Bleacher Report's Amy Dittoe gives us the four Browns players who have the brightest futures ahead.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Since being named starter in the wake of Ben Roethlisberger's injury, present Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback Byron Leftwich has been barraged with the doubts of those around the league who don't think he can pick up where Roethlisberger left off. Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says that Leftwich is tuning those voices out and doesn't care about the doubters.

A problem the Steelers have had all season, even prior to Roethlisberger's injury, is some inconsistency on offense. Bleacher Report's Nick DeWitt takes a look at what they are and where they come from.

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