NFL Division Preview Series: AFC NORTH

By: Chris

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)

Overall, this division is still relatively mediocre. In addition to the frequent Superbowl slump that haunts teams following their championship win, there are a few further concerns when I look at the Pittsburgh Steelers. Still, these concerns do not amount to create a large enough threat to their chances as AFC North champs. My first concern is the lack of rushing attack. Last season, the Steelers ranked 23rd in the league in rushing yards per game and were among teams like Chicago, St. Louis, Cleveland, and other sub-par squads. Per rush, the Steelers amounted only 3.7, which ranked 29th in the league. Willie Parker needs to return to old form, since the spell backs Mendenhall (bothered by injuries himself) and Moore weren't exactly stellar in their short stints either. Next, Big Ben. The guy was sacked 49 times, ranking him 4th in the NFL, which tells me he takes a beating every Sunday he is out there. Just recently, he limped off the field with a minor foot injury. Again, not good news. Finally, the famous Steeler D which has been flat out dominant over the past few years is starting to age. Guys like Harrison and Farrior are both 30+ years old, and although they are obviously still producing at a very high level, it is hard to imagine this upward trend continuing for much longer. Overall though, if the team can keep the injury bug away, they should have another solid season and for sure be a contender. Still, I have them at a stellar 11-5 record after a bit of a bounce back following the Superbowl.

2. Baltimore Ravens (10-6)

After the Ravens rather surprising performance in 2008, racking up 11 wins and a deep run into the playoffs, it is hard to figure they will repeat this with key losses like Bart Scott and former defensive coordinator Rex Ryan. Although stats do not show it, Flacco has been praised league-wide as holding a very high NFL IQ, and being one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league. Although last year he was able to heavily rely on the dominant Ravens D, I believe this year things will change. Flacco is due for a breakout year, and with the return of veteran #1 receiver Derrick Mason alongside Todd Heap and other receivers, his arsenal remains intact. Additionally, the Ravens added multiple-time-Pro Bowler Matt Birk. Along with Flacco, with the help of the newly bolstered O-line, the speedy RB Ray Rice is going to have a much improved season as well. Slowly but surely, carries will be distributed more to Rice than to the aging, injury-ridden Willis McGahee. That is my evaluation for the offense. Underlining point: Two youngsters due for a breakout, evidently showing a shift from defense to offense. Still, the Ravens D will be dominant, however, after such an astounding performance last season by the whole unit composed of playmakers like Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, the D looks to decline a fraction. Bart Scott was a huge loss and the afore mentioned playmakers are a year older. The D-Line is still stout and full of talent, featuring the likes of All Pro stud NT Haloti Ngata and more, making it very tough to have any adequate rushing attack against them. Still, the Ravens will change their identity a bit, and the offense will get more recognition season.

3. Cincinatti Bengals (7-9)

For this squad, there is nowhere to go but up. Carson Palmer looks to be fully healthy after off-season surgery and his now regenerated relationship with Chad Ochocinco spells nothing but TD in my mind. Still, the team has holes like the loss of stud WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh to Free Agency. Yet, Bengals FO was able to patch that hole with the addition of veteran Laveranues Coles, on top of the fact that former thug Chris Henry is looking fabulous in preseason. On the other hand, their rushing attack, if you even want to call it that, is dismal. For two straight years, Cedric Benson has averaged 3.5 yards per carry or less, and his compliment Brian Leonard, hasn't even sniffed the endzone once his whole career. The offensive line unit is below mediocre, and Palmer will most likely have to absorb a few hits and rushes week in and week out. Look for the Bengals to absolutely air it out all day... until Palmer goes down. As for the defense, starting with the line upfront, the Bengals really lack a big rushing defender that puts pressure on the QB. They ranked 30th in the league with a pitiful season sack number totalling 17. As for their LB core, Dhani Jones and Keith Rivers are both solid (Side note: Look out for Rivers, the guy is a young machine). Their secondary is still below average even after acquiring Roy "I can't do anything but hit hard" Williams. Small improvement from last year, but still a pretty bad team.

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12)

Lastly, the Cleveland Browns. Off the bat, the QB situation is already making me feel uneasy. Having still not decided between Quinn or Anderson, the Browns are truly lacking an offensive identity. Both quarterbacks have been nothing more than average, and if no one breaks out soon, the rest of the season (which won't be pretty) will most likely be run as a "QB by committee" system. As for Braylon Edwards, I hope he is done seeing his shrink. Enough with the dropped balls already, please, especially considering he is either in or soon-to-be-in his contract year. No messing around anymore Braylon, or else your talent will be forever wasted. One of the bright spots of the team is the offensive line, already featuring stud LG Eric Steinbach, and now new rookie starting Center Alex Mack after moving Hank Fraley to RG. Meanwhile the rushing attack wasn't pretty either, ranking 26th in the league in yards per game and almost last in terms of yards per carry. Jamal Lewis, already way past his prime, is looking at another declining year. The defense isn't much prettier. The big name (pun intended) is Shaun Rogers, whose heart really does not seem to be with this team. Still, his talent on the field is undeniable and he's a great run stuffer and tackler at the NT position. D'Qwell Jackson is a truly special player whose talents are unfortunately (as harsh as it sounds) being wasted in the dump that Cleveland is. Cornerback Eric Wright has immense potential, but is not surrounded by the right elements (no pass rush, subpar complimentary corner) to put him over the top. Look for this team to continue their way to another high draft pick in next years draft and make absolutely no noise in the upcoming season. Sorry folks.