As you know, the matchup between the Bengals and Steelers isn’t until Monday night, but there are two divisional games to check out on Sunday. The Browns take on the Patriots at home at 1:00 on CBS; that certainly could be a bloodbath, but the storyline to watch, at least in the papers, will be the dynamic between coaches Eric Mangini and Bill Belichick. Mangini used to be Belichick’s mentor, but in 2007 he blew the whistle on Belichick for what became known as “Spygate,” and the two no longer speak.
The 1:00 matchup between the Ravens and Dolphins (also on CBS) could be a bit more interesting. Both are playoff contenders, and the Dolphins see the game as a big test after having lost to the Steelers, Jets and Patriots.
“It’s not going to be a pretty game,” Marshall said. “Both football teams are tough, physical and I think this is going to be a defining moment on what type of team we’re going to be for the rest of this season.”