NFL
Divisional Breakdowns: AFC North
By Jake Bailey,
TheSportsStand.com (8/3/07)
With the NFL season fast approaching, it's time to preview the upcoming season by breaking down each team. This article will be the third of the eight part series brought to you by TheSportsStand.com. Article two will deal with the AFC North.
1. Baltimore Ravens: Last year, this team was one of the best in the
NFL. They fell just short of a Super Bowl birth by losing to the
eventual Super Bowl Champions in the Indiana
polis
Colts. Their nucleus remains pretty much in tact and they lost very
little and made a pretty good move to upgrade themselves. Their
defense remains amazing and is one of the best in the NFL. They lost a
star in Adalius Thomas, but their defense is still great. Ray Lewis
will continue to produce. Ed Reed is an excellent ball-hawing safety
that is a threat to take it to the house when the ball is in his hands.
Their secondary is strong with Chris McAllister and Samari Rolle. Both
could be number ones on defenses. Their offense was what was shaky
last year, with the defense helping them out more than anything. They
have a good QB in Steve McNair and a good TE in Todd Heap. Their
receivers are quite weak, and last year, the running game was weak.
This year they got a very good RB in Willis McGahee. With a strong
offensive line, McGahee should help the offense out and they should produce
more points. This will also help a horrible passing game. They
will definitely make it to the playoffs, and a strong defense can get them
far. If the offen
se
performs well, they can be a Super Bowl contender.
2. Cincinnati Bengals: This team has one of the strongest offenses in
the NFL. Carson Palmer is currently one of the best QBs in the league
and could be on his way to being the best. Rudi Johnson is an
excellent RB that can carry the load. Their WRs is one of the best in
the NFL. They have a pro bowler and an amazing WR in Chad Johnson.
He also has a really good WR in TJ Houshmanzadeh who could be a number one
on many other teams to back him up. The Bengals have a decent defense,
but last year, it showed many holes. Marvin Lewis, their head coach,
is considered by many to be a great defensive coach, but for some reason
this defense hasn't clicked. The
team
itself didn't seem like it's been clicking as of late. Perhaps it's
because half the team is in jail?
3. Pittsburgh Steelers: This team came of a very disappointing 2006 season after winning the Super Bowl. They have a decent offense. Roethlisberger is a decent QB but in my opinion, he's a bit overrated. Hines Ward will continue to produce and I expect Heath Miller at TE to make an impact this year. Willie Parker should have another productive season and carry the load. Their defense is led by Troy Polamalu, who is one of the best safeties in the league. The team could take a step back and have an off-year however. Bill Cowher, their former head coach, retired. He was an emotional leader and a great coach. His presence will be missed. Their new coach, Mike Tomlin has some big shoes to fill.
4. Clevelan
d
Browns: This team has been quite weak for a while, and I think that
streak will continue this year. They picked up Jamal Lewis, but he is
aging and I feel that he's lost a step. Their WRs are weak. The
lone bright spot returning from last year was Kellen Winslow who had a very
good year. Their defense, has Willis McGinest and Kamerion Wimbley,
but that's about it. This team had a very strong draft and got two top
5 picks. They got Joe Thomas to bolster a weak offensive line, and
picked up Brady Quinn who has the potential to be a really good QB in a few
years. The team is weak now, but give them a few years, and maybe,
just maybe, they'll be good.
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