Okay, in light of the current lockout, I wanted to wait for it to end. However, every day news of more delays come and I've given up hoping that anything can get passed by the owners, plaintiffs and players in the next few days.
So here are my predictions for the AFC North. I hope that you enjoy them.
AFC NORTH
1. Baltimore Ravens – 13-3
Reasons – The Ravens have been poised for a few years now, since the introduction of Harbaugh and Flacco, to make the leap. After playoff appearances in the last three seasons, coupled with close losses at the end of these runs, the consistency is there. However, the Ravens need two things – more explosive play from Flacco and to cut down on costly mistakes. It could be said that Flacco is still developing as a quarterback, but the drafting on WR Torrey Smith should give him one more receiving threat. Secondly, they’ve lost big games, notably to Pittsburgh and one to New England last year, because of mistakes – fumbles and interceptions. If the offense can become more explosive and cut down on mistakes, it will make it easier for the aging defense to win it all. Speaking of the defense, though Ray Lewis is a young 36, the rest of the corps are getting older. The secondary, a major problem last year, was bolstered by the addition of first round pick Jimmy Smith. Ed Reed should be healthy to continue applying pressure.
Overall – The Ravens can make the leap to a championship, but they better hurry because the window for the defense is closing.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers – 12-4
Reasons – It’s always a tossup between the Ravens and the Steelers for the AFC North crown. However, a Super B owl loss is always demoralizing for a team. Rarely do past Super Bowl losers come back with a championship season the next year. The Steelers also have a habit of swaying between mediocrity and glory. Though their record from the last five seasons it 51- 29, those reasons include a 9-7 and 8-8 season. All that being said, Pittsburgh has an easy schedule this year, the only teams with winning records being Baltimore (x2), Indianapolis, Kansas City and New England. Besides this encouraging schedule, Pittsburgh also returns almost its entire starting roster from last year. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger won’t have any suspensions and could be poised for a career year. Perhaps the addition of Plaxico Burress could help him? Round two? The defense is always fierce, lead by Harrison, Woodley and Polamalu. Polamalu needs to not have any injury issues or miss games. A rule change about hitting the qaurterback should quite Harrison and sure him that hard hits are still part of the league. Regardless of the drama off the field, the unit thrives under Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau.
Overall – The Steelers could be a playoff team once again, if they can get over the Super Bowl letdown.
3. Cleveland Browns – 7-9
Reasons – The Browns have spent the last few years searching for a quick solution. Now with a General Manager (Holmgren) and a Coach (Shurmur), who both believe in the West Coast system, some consistency may be on the horizon. Colt McCoy will have to finish developing, but has a potential running game behind him. Peyton Hillis had a breakout season last year, though durability could be an issue. Own Marcelic could help take the load off. They lack a stand out receiver, because Cribbs is still really a return man and may leave as a free agent. Ben Watson is a good tight end and should bolster the new West Coast offense. If the lockout ends soon, and Shurmur can get together with McCoy and teach the offense, they could finally have an identity. The defense is mediocre and new coordinator Dick Jauron is switching it to the 4-3. The secondary is known as the ‘corner stone’ of this unity and might be able to help them. However, transitions are never easy – time will show if the 4-3 is better suited to the current Browns.
Overall – The Browns had flashes of brilliance in games against New England and New Orleans last year. However a .500 season might be a stretch for these guys. One more ‘rebuilding’ year, boys.
4. Cincinnati Bengals – 4-12
Reasons – the Cincinnati Bengals have become such a show over the last few years, it’s a wonder Marvin Lewis hasn’t been fired for allowing it to go on. Now the loud mouths are on the way out and the rookies are in. Dalton (quarterback) and AJ Green (Wide receiver) are expected to fill the gaps of Palmer and ‘T.Ocho’. Maybe one day they can, but with the lockout dragging on, every day they lose of training camp makes it more and more unlikely that they will do so immediately. Until then, the offense will rely on Cedric Benson, who once again found himself in legal trouble and may have a suspension coming. He also needs to be re-signed as soon as the lockout ends. He’s capable and could really help give the offense a rock to start on. If these three can’t get something going, Marvin Lewis may be jobless. The defensive unit should continue to progress under Mike Zimmer. They’ve had some ups and downs over the past few years, but have generally been good. Better than the offense, though that’s not saying much. There was a little fall off last year, but it needs to become consistent and give the offense the help it needs. The Bengals have to show that they’re more than reality T.V. If things don’t change this year, then the management may finally cancel the current regime.
Overall – Don’t hope for much from these Bengals. It’s been a few chaotic years and one down, but calmer year, will be better in the long run.
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