AFC Notes: Bengals, Browns, Ravens

Bengals

• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano say there’s zero sense Bengals HC Zac Taylor‘s seat is hot. They write the Bengals as an organization hate change and Taylor’s performance with QB Joe Burrow in the lineup was actually solid. 
• It helps that Burrow is sold on Taylor, as Fowler and Graziano quote a source close to him as saying: “He loves it there and thinks he can win a Super Bowl with them.”
• QUESTIONABLE for Week 14: CB Mackensie Alexander (knee), WR Tee Higgins (hamstring), S Brandon Wilson (hamstring)

Browns

Browns GM Andrew Berry believes Baker Mayfield deserves “a lot of credit” for how he’s performed this season. 

“I think Baker deserves a lot of credit in terms of how he’s approached this year,” Berry said, via NFL.com. “I don’t know that the challenge of going into a third offensive system, no offseason can be appreciated enough externally. That’s no easy task for any player, let alone a young quarterback.”

Berry went on to praise Mayfield’s decision-making ability and limiting of turnovers. 

“I think the growth that Baker has shown, in terms of his decision-making, protecting the football and ultimately making plays that help us win games [is impressive],” Berry said. “I think everyone can see his growth really from quarter to quarter to quarter over the course of the season and he certainly deserves a lot of credit for the work that he’s put in.”

• Browns WR Jarvis Landry said he “absolutely” believes Baker Mayfield is still Cleveland’s franchise quarterback. (Scott Petrak)
• Landry said the Ravens’ defensive backs “grab a lot,” so the Browns’ receivers plan on playing “physically” and force the officials to make calls. (Nate Ulrich)

Ravens

Ravens OC Greg Roman said they have been “really pleased” with Ben Powers starting at right guard. 

“We’re really pleased with Ben. I think he’s worked very diligently. He got an opportunity and he’s taking advantage of that,” said Roman, via Jeff Zrebiec. 

When asked about the distribution of carries between the Ravens’ running backs, Roman said they will continue doing “what’s best for the team.”

“I like fantasy football but reality football is where we live and we’re going to do what’s best for the team,” said Roman, via Jamison Hensley. 

Ravens DC Don Martindale expects better performances out of DE Yannick Ngakoue in their system.

“I think the best is yet to come with him,” said Martindale, via Zrebiec. 

• Albert Breer of SI says that the Ravens had planned to activate rookie DT Justin Madubuike in place of WR Dez Bryant in order to manage injuries to defensive linemen Brandon Williams and Calais Campbell, but were ultimately unable due to the league reversing the decision.