AFC North Preview

The AFC North should be an interesting battle this season as the talent in that division is fairly equal. The schedule will weigh heavily in the outcome of this division. We feel that the Pittsburgh Steelers would be the front-runner in the division under different circumstances but their schedule is just too tough this year to be considered a top seed.

1) Cleveland Browns

Record last year: 10-6 / Projected: 10-6

It appears that Cleveland is satisfied with the state of their team as it is now because they were content with not having a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd round draft pick. From the looks of things the Browns have quite a team despite not having a very productive draft. They are strong in every offensive category and have sufficient depth at quarterback and the addition of Donte’ Stallworth will add yet another vertical threat to the already potent offense. They have a moderate schedule and should be able to muster ten wins again this year. The Brown’s defense has a solid front 7 including newcomer Shaun Rogers who should fit in nicely to this physical dog pound defense. Kamerion Wimbley will be entering his third year at OLB and will continue to wreak havoc on opponents. Cleveland will need to improve their secondary in order to keep big plays to a minimum. Losing defensive back Leigh Bodden may be tough to overcome but with their ability to rack up points they should be able to prevail in most games.  

2) Pittsburgh Steelers

Record last year: 10-6 / Projected: 9-7

This team is a lot better than their projected record would indicate. The Steelers have all the ingredients of a potent and well balanced team. Big Ben Roethlisberger had his contract extended in the offseason and now has even more weapons at his disposal this year. Drafting Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed with their first two picks should prove to be very beneficial in conjunction with Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward, Heath Miller, and Willie Parker. Their defense will remain solid with playmaker James Harrison on patrol and Casey Hampton clogging up the interior. The loss of Alan Faneca should surely be noted and its effect will be evident. Pittsburgh did, however, acquire guard Justin Hartwig from the Panthers to help out in protection, so they should still have an effective ground game. Look for a possible wildcard spot for the Steelers this year despite a tumultuous upcoming schedule.

3) Cincinnati Bengals

Record last year: 7-9 / Projected: 5-11

It is plenty of turmoil in Cincy to say the least, from contract disputes to disgruntled players, there is a lot to be desired from Cincy this season. Though they have a talented offense capable of putting up many points, an unhappy superstar (Chad Johnson) can be a detriment to the locker room and on the playing field. Last year’s highly regarded second round draft pick Kenny Irons is still trying to recover from a season ending ACL injury suffered last year. Even though Cincy has a deep backfield they will still have an uphill battle in the division. The Bengals, ranked 27th in total defense last season, have lost its three most productive players from last year on each level of the defense- Justin Smith (DE), Landon Johnson (LB), and Madieu Williams (S). In an attempt to patch up a depleted defense the Bengals drafted Keith Rivers LB,  from USC (1st Rd) to help sure up the linebacking core. Also they added 2 defensive tackles and a defensive back in the draft as well. It won’t be enough, look for Cincy to struggle again this year on the defensive side of the ball in what may prove to be a very long year for them.

4) Baltimore Ravens

Record last year: 5-11 / Projected: 4-12

If Joe Flacco doesn’t emerge as a bonafide gunslinger early in the season this may be a very disappointing season for the Ravens. The retirement of Jonathan Ogden &  Steve McNair may indicate that it is time for new offensive talent to step up. The departure of Ogden, 11-time Pro Bowl left tackle, will have adverse effects on the entire offense. Their first two picks Joe Flacco (QB) and Ray Rice (RB) will have an even tougher time adjusting to the game without Ogden protecting the left side. Baltimore’s defense is always going to be stout and stingy, that shouldn’t change. Though stacking up wins could be tough if the Ravens struggle to put points on the board or commit costly turnovers. With the defense aging and the offense getting younger it could be time to rebuild in Baltimore.   

What is your take on the AFC North? Its your call.

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