Around the AFC North (1/19): Reed Down on Flacco's Performance

In today's edition of Around the AFC North, we take a look at the Ravens' Ed Reed pretty much trashing Joe Flacco's performance from this past weekend's game, how the Steelers will deal with their salary cap situation, and the indictment of Bengals receiver Jerome Simpson.

Baltimore Ravens: Reed Says Flacco Needs to Play Better

Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed was not interested in sugarcoating Joe Flacco's performance against the Houston Texans this past Sunday. Flacco complained prior to the game that he doesn't get enough credit for the team winning so many games the past couple of years. Reading between the lines, Reed implies that Flacco doesn't deserve the credit after performances such as the one he had against Houston (quotes after the jump).

"They had a lot of guys in the box on him and they were giving [the pass] to him," Reed said. "I think a couple of times he needed to get rid of the ball. It just didn't look like he had a hold on the offense. I don't know how much of [that was] the play calling … but it just didn't look like he had a hold on the offense, you know, of times past … It was just kind of like they [were] telling him [what] to do -- throw the ball or get it here, you know, get it to certain guys."

"He can't play like [he did against the Texans]," Reed continued. "One specific play that sticks out to me was when Ray Rice came out and got pushed out of the backfield and [Flacco] still threw him the ball and he had Torrey Smith on the outside. I can see that sitting on the sideline or sitting in the stands. You don't know what someone else is seeing."

Flacco is the reason why the Ravens shouldn't have a fighting chance against the Patriots.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Rooney on the Future for the Team

Pittsburgh is $25 million over the cap and have to make some decisions before the mid-way point of March. Owner Art Rooney insists they will get things done without having to tear the team apart.

"It's not a situation where we're looking to tear things apart and start over," team president Art Rooney II said Tuesday in his first interview since the Steelers were upset in Denver on Jan. 8. "I think there are a lot of pieces in place. Getting younger on defense is a process that's already started. Obviously, we have some decisions to make with certain players and their contracts."

Cincinnati Bengals: Jerome Simpson Indicted

A shame, but typical, for Cincinnati. A.J. Green and Jerome Simpson would've been a solid 1-2 punch.

According to The Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy, Cincinnati Bengals fourth-year wide receiver Jerome Simpson was indicted by the Kenton County Grand Jury for Trafficking Marijuana (over eight ounces but less than five pounds), which is a Class D Felony and is punishable by one to five years in prison.