AFC north.(NFL)

BALTIMORE RAVENS

WR Derrick Mason has lived up to his reputation as a top receiver, becoming QB Anthony Wright's favorite target. Mason doesn't have great speed, but he runs good routes and accelerates well in and out of breaks. Mason's emotion, competitiveness and pride make him a good candidate to become the leader the offense needs.... RE Janet Johnson is replacing Anthony Weaver (toe), who will miss the next three games. Johnson has a nonstop motor and might be more of a pass-rushing threat than Weaver, but he has problems against the run, especially against plays run at him. PROBLEM SPOT: Injuries have kept the team from finding a lead blocker for RB Jamal Lewis, which has damaged the running game. FB Alan Ricard is the best choice because Lewis is comfortable playing with him, but injuries have kept Ricard out of three games. Backup Ovie Mughelli, who broke his thumb filling in for Ricard (calf strain) against the Lions, is a solid backup, but he will be at less than full strength until the thumb heals.--Mike Preston

CINCINNATI BENGALS

OLB Brian Simmons is the leader of the defense, serving as a calming force for rookie LBs Odell Thurman and David Pollack. Simmons' ability to read and react allows him to get a good jump on the ball. He's physical enough to fight off blocks inside and quick enough to shut off the outside run. He's also positioning himself better to cover backs and tight ends in the passing game.... WR Chad Johnson has improved greatly as a downfield blocker in the running game. He's doing a better job of keeping his hands inside against defenders.... SS Ifeanyl Ohalete is getting more chances in the base defense after proving himself as a hard hitter on special teams. He's the kind of enforcer needed to add punch to the run defense. PROBLEM SPOT: The team's productive offense and opportunistic secondary allowed the Bengals to overcome the weakness of the run defense--until the Jaguars exploded for 181 yards rushing on Sunday. Opponents are averaging 4.9 yards per rush. Defenders must do a better job of tackling, maintaining gaps and applying pressure so they don't give up big plays.--Chick Ludwig

CLEVELAND BROWNS

The Browns will test Josh Cribbs, a quarterback in college, on kickoff returns. Backup RB William Green was not effective, and RB Reuben Droughns is too valuable to be exposed to injury.... Chris Crocker solidified his spot as the starting strong safety with a big game against the Bears. Crocker has become a willing tackler, though he still must work on positioning. He has marginal size (5-11,192) for a strong safety but has good speed.... The Browns still think WR Antonio Bryant (6-1,196) can play a major role because of his size and speed. His cutting ability creates separation against average cornerbacks, and he fights for the ball when blanketed by better comers. PROBLEM SPOT: Getting to and through the red zone has been tough. In the first three games, the team produced only one TD in six trips ...