We haven't had an edition of Around the AFC North for awhile, but without the Daily Dawg Chow on the weekends, the weekend seems like a fitting time to talk about some of the latest hot topics in the division. In today's edition, we take a look at another suspension for the Bengals, the doubt about the future of Ravens safety Ed Reed, and Mike Tomlin's salary.
Cincinnati Bengals: Dontay Moch Suspended for Banned Substance Use
You might be wondering, "who?" The Bengals drafted linebacker Dontay Moch in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft, but he suffered a broken foot in the first preseason game. Moch did not record a statistic last season despite recovering from his foot injury in October. Anyway, Moch didn't help his chances of playing in year two, as he will be suspended for four games to start the 2012 season for using a banned substance:
If the suspension is upheld, Moch will have missed the first 20 games he was eligible to play to start his career, due to injuries (broken foot in the preseason last year), migraines and now a suspension. It wouldn't be a stretch to suggest that Moch could be a roster casualty due to his overall inability to get on the field for one reason or another.
Baltimore Ravens: Ed Reed Committed to Playing in 2012, Despite Comments
A few days ago, there was some confusion as to whether or not Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed was considering retirement, based on comments he made on Sirius NFL Radio. He seemed to clear the confusion up shortly thereafter, but it all still seems a bit confusing:
Hours after Ed Reed said he was "not 100 percent committed right now to playing this year" in an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio, the Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl safety changed his tune. In a statement obtained by the Carroll County (Md.) Times, Reed said he is, indeed, planning to play this season, and possibly beyond.
"It's not about retirement. It's about my focus in the offseason, health, family and football," Reed said. "This is the time of year where players think through things. My goal is to play football in the years to come."
I'm pretty sure Reed will remain with the Ravens this season, especially after the injury that linebacker Terrell Suggs already suffered this offseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin is the 6th Highest Paid Coach in NFL
Details on how much money Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin makes, comparatively:
A Forbes Magazine report lists Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin at $5.75 million, tying him with Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt as the 6th highest paid coach in the NFL, and 8th highest in professional sports.