AFC North preview and picks
The Pittsburgh Steelers have ruled this division over the years. But the Cincinnati Bengals served noticed last season that there’s a new gunslinger in town. As hard as it is for some people to believe, the Bengals dominated the division in 2009 with a 6-0 record.
As preseason approaches, with the Steelers mired in a quarterback controversy and the Cleveland Browns still in a rebuilding mode, the division shapes up as a two-horse race between the Bengals and the Joe Flacco-led Baltimore Ravens. And folks, keep an eye on the Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens
Projected win total: 10
My prediction: Over
What’s new: Quarterback Joe Flacco’s leash was loosened last season, but the problem was his receiving corps was still on the mediocre side. That has changed considerably with the addition of WR Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth. Add veterans Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton and Flacco has the kind of depth at the position most quarterbacks yearn for at this level.
The key is Boldin staying healthy and Stallworth performing at his highest level. Making things even more interesting in the passing game is the addition of two tight ends in the draft – Ed Dickson and Dennis Pita.
Veteran tight end Todd Heap has been hampered by injuries in recent years. Dickson was one of top receiving tight ends in the draft and Pita showed great hands while catching balls at Brigham Young.
What’s the same: Ravens fans are still whacko for Flacco.
“He’s got a strong arm and will show everyone how big it is with the receivers he has now,” said his player agent Joe Linta. “You don’t sign those kind of receivers to just run downfield.”
The bolstered passing game, coupled with the solid numbers running backs Ray Rice and Willis McGahee are expected to put up, and you have the makings of an offensive juggernaut.
The defensive line needs help, but even at age 35, linebacker Ray Lewis plays at a higher level than some guys in their 20s.
Key stat to remember: Rice and McGahee combined for 1,883 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2009.
Cincinnati Bengals
Projected win total: 11
My prediction: Push
What’s new: The Bengals gave receiver Chad Ochocinco some relief by signing Antonio Bryant who should take some of the defensive pressure of No. 85.
Drafting talented receiver Jordan Shipley, if he lives up to potential, gives the Bengals depth at the position. The addition of tight end Jermaine Greshman and defensive end Carlos Dunlap will help too.
What’s the same: The defense was the strength last season and it returns nearly intact in 2010. The Bengals have a solid defensive secondary led by two of the best corner tandems in the league - Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph.
Quarterback Carson Palmer returns. Running back Cedric Benson had a breakout season in 2009. His power runs should provide a great complement to the passing game if he stays healthy. The defense has a solid pass rusher in Antwan Odom and linemen Domato Peko and Robert Geathers are solid.
Key stat to remember: NFL Comeback Player of the Year, Benson, rushed for 1,251 yards in 2009.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Projected win total: 8
My prediction: Push
What’s new: Running back Willie Parker was not re-signed and leading receiver Santonio Holmes was traded to the Jets. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be suspended for the start of the season, handing the quarterback reigns to untested Dennis Dixon. The Steelers added receivers Arnaz Battle and Antwaan Randle El.
The Steelers drafted receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who could make an impact, but running back Jonathan Dwyer is the key addition. The Steelers struggled inside the red zone and Dwyer is the kind of short-yardage, power-running back the Steelers need.
What’s the same: Running back Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore will get the bulk of the carries and the aging Hines Ward will provide leadership at receiver. Heath Miller has developed into a solid tight end.
The Steelers placed the franchise tag on placekicker Jeff Reed. The oft-injured strong safety Troy Polamalu is the one player who seems to determine whether this team wins or loses. When the safety plays, the Steelers play at another level. Even the offense seems to be motivated by his presence.
Key stat to remember: Drafted running back Jonathan Dwyer averaged 5.9 yards a carry and rushed for 26 touchdowns the last two years for Georgia Tech.
Cleveland Browns
Projected win total: 3
My prediction: Push
What’s new: The Browns traded away quarterback Brady Quinn to Denver and Derek Anderson was released. They signed Jake Delhomme to be the starter and former Seattle backup Seneca Wallace to be the backup.
The wild card here is drafted Texas QB Colt McCoy. He could be the starter by mid-season or earlier if Delhomme struggles.
They helped themselves at tight end by adding former New England TE Ben Watson. Depth was added at linebacker with the addition of former Miami LB Matt Roth.
The Browns improved – slightly - the worse receiving group in the league by drafting receiver Carlton Mitchell. He’s a guy with size and speed.
What’s the same: The return game is actually the team’s strength with return specialist Joshua Cribbs recently re-signed. He will also start at receiver. Other receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiske highlight the offensive secondary. Workhorse Jerome Harrison leads a host of returning running backs.
Key stat to remember: The Browns ranked last in the league in passing last season with 129.8 yards a game.
