First of all, welcome to my first blog. Thanks for checking this out, I plan to update once or twice weekly. Most of my content will be NFL based, but some MLB and NBA will be mixed in.
This season is full of interesting plots with old faces in new places, the Brett Favre saga, and off-season hold outs. These story lines will most certainly have an effect on the outcome of certain teams season's. Injuries have ravaged certain teams, and might open some doors for some clubs to pass the teams that are considered superior in rankings. This post is about the AFC north.
AFC NORTH
1. Baltimore Ravens-
Offense: Baltimore is poised by for a breakout season. Already considered a Super Bowl favorite in the AFC, the Ravens have added a couple of quality receivers over the off-season, including former Arizona WR Anquan Boldin, Donte Stallworth, and the recent pick up of veteran T.J. Houshmanzadeh from the Seahawks. Sitting behind one the best offensive lines in the league, and with Ray Rice in the backfield, the young Joe Flacco has no reason to perform poorly and should take control in his third season.
Defense: Led by Ray Lewis, this defense has always been a superior unit and will be again. With Haloti Ngata down in the trenches, and a superb linebacking core, very few teams will be able to run the ball on this defense. The lone problem on this team might be their secondary. Injuries to All-Pro safety Ed Reed and CB Fabian Washington have decimated an already weak secondary.
Season Result: With a reasonable schedule, I can't see the Ravens being any worse than 11-5 with the division win.
2. Cincinnati Bengals-
Offense: I'll start with this, the Steelers would be in this spot if it wasn't for the Big Ben suspension. But don't get me wrong, the Bengals are still a good team. However, the Bengals offense needs to step it's game up. A very slow start for Carson Palmer in the preseason does not bode well for his "comeback year." T.O. gives Carson another target to throw to besides Ochocinco, but Palmer has to show that he still has some arm strength and ability to return to the top quarterback he was a few years ago. Regardless, look for the Bengals to run hard with RB Cedric Benson, who saved his career with a season in which he averaged over 100 ypg. I, however, do not believe that Cedric can repeat his performance, based on his durability issues.
Defense: The Bengals have the makings of a top 10 defense. An outstanding cornerback tandem couples with a tough front built to stop the run, it will be tough for offenses to work against this group. Getting Antwan Odom back will do wonders for this team. Their young linebackers Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga will provide a good combo of pass rushers and run stoppers.
Season Result: The Bengals will be a good team that will be in the hunt come seasons end, but wont be better than 10-6, and that's if Carson can perform at an acceptable level.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers-
Offense: Yes, the Steelers do have the possibility to be second in this division, and yes they certainly have the possibility to make it to the playoffs, but in not only a tough division, but a tough conference as well, the Steelers are going to need a lot of things to bounce their way to get in. It begins with a man named Dennis Dixon. The young and quick QB of the Steelers will have to fill in for Ben Roethlisberger for the first four games. Can he keep the team afloat? It's tough to say for sure. If he can start the Steelers 3-1, even 2-2, the Steelers can make it to second in this division. If not, its hard to see them making it back into the playoffs. Break-out candidate Mike Wallace and tough running back Rashard Mendenhall will no doubt help Dixon and this team get going.
Defense: The Steel Curtain has one of the most impressive linebacking corps in the league. Some say their front 7 is the best in the league. I would have to agree. The question is will the secondary (mainly Troy Polamalu) stay healthy. Last year the Steelers defense showed their vulnerability with out Polamalu making his plays in the secondary. Thin at cornerback their pass coverage is certainly a liabilty, especially if #43 is hurt.
Season Result: If all these stars I just mention align then the Steelers could easily be a dominant team. They will finish no worse than 9-7, but no better than 11-5 if things work in their favor.
4. Cleveland Browns-
Offense: The Cleveland Browns are a team clearly in transition, but they are seemly transitioning from a bad team to an only slightly better team. Holmgren running the club will instantly make it better, but the offense is still a team of ??????? Finally dumping bust Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson was a good move, but the men they brought in to replace them (Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace) are question marks. However there have been reports that Jake has had a strong training camp. He did have a strong preseason so there is hope. But QB is not only position with questions on offense. They traded out their top 2 pass catchers last offseason (Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow Jr.) So they need help at WR, maybe Massaquoi? TE Ben Watson should help in the passing game. And the last question is will Jerome Harrison be able to stay on the field. His career has been riddled with injuries, and with Montario Hardesty out, it's all up to Harrison.
Defense: The Browns D is nothing really special. The only area I would really call great, is their corner tandem. CB Eric Wright has the ability to be the NFL's next great corner, while Sheldon Brown on the other side is one of the hardest hitters in the game. First round rookie CB Joe Hayden will get his shot to show his stuff as the nickel back. Their linebackers are not GREAT but good, with tons of depth. MLB D'Qwell Jackson is looking to make a comeback year, and NT Shaun Rogers, who was not suspended will anchor the teams 3-4 defense.
Season Result: This team is showing progress, but will need some help. I can see them going 6-10.
Stay tuned, next post will be the NFC North!
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