Matt's Season Preview - AFC North
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From http://afraidofedhochuli.blogspot.com/
The AFC North. In Alphabetical Order
Baltimore Ravens This team is strange. It seems that they are always an “underdog” because people are used to a solid defense and an anemic offense. That has changed. This offense is dangerous with McNair at the helm, Heap at the TE position, Mason (one of McNair’s favorite targets) and the addition of McGahee. McGahee has something to prove, which is why, to me, this is the most underrated signing of the offseason.
The downside, though, is that the defense has gotten older and lost Adalius Thomas to New England. This may make more of a difference then you think. He was their most athletic and versatile defender.
I don’t see a huge drop off because of it, though. They are still a top 3 defense and their offense has gotten better. They are starting to meet in the middle.
They will have a couple tougher matchups this season but will still be the winners of this division.
2006 Record: 13-3 2007 Prediction: 11-5 1st in the AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals On paper, this team should be the best in the division, but they have yet to live up to their potential. With a WR core like this, a Pro Bowl QB and a consistent RB, their offense will be in the top 5 for the foreseeable future.
Their defense, though. It is not that great. Their corners have a lot of talent but NOT a lot of consistency. They ranked 15 th in YPA/G, 8 th in RYA/G and 16 th in PYA/G in the AFC! That won’t work. (30 th, 15 th, and 31 st in the NFL respectively)
If they can’t stop the other team, their offense will struggle. They have those WR in Johnson and “Who’s Your Momma” but with the loss of OG Eric Steinbach in free agency and no solid back up RB, this team WILL struggle when playing from behind.
Their schedule isn’t going to hurt terribly, but they will have to show that they are a tough team if they will have any chance of getting over the 8-8 hump. If they can do this, they will be in the hunt for the division.
2006 Record: 8-8 2007 Prediction: 10-6 2nd in the AFC North
Cleveland Browns I want the Browns to be the surprise team of the league. They made giant strides on Offense, and now have a solid O-Line. They have a RB that has produced in the past and WR that can catch. They have a TE that could make the jump to superstar and the drafting of Joe Thomas AND Brady Quinn should help this squad break their recent record of feebleness.
Their defense will be their Achilles Heel this season. It is made up of mostly no-namers. The players that ARE known are OLD. Ted Washington at Nose tackle…2 of the starting 4 LB are 2nd year players and their safeties have a combined 7 years of experience.
They have a tough road ahead, but if they can click, they can turn some heads.
2006 Record: 4-12 2007 Prediction: 6-10 4th in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers This team is so weird because, if you say they are good they will blow it; if you say they are bad they will surprise you.
Their offense needs some work. Their O-line is older and their WR are overrated. Hines Ward is a solid player, but he can’t be counted on as a number 1 anymore. He needs some help and this won’t be Santonio Holmes breakout season. I do believe Big Ben will play better this season without the Superbowl Winner’s pressure on him, and Heath Miller is going to be special. I don’t trust Willie Parker yet. I don’t think he is the answer, but he could prove me wrong.
I always saw Joey Porter as the face of the defense and he is gone. They will not be a terrible defense, but I don’t think that they will be the powerhouse they will, and with the division they are in this will be tough.
I don’t think they will have a winning season unless new Head Coach Mike Tomlin can patch up the losses of Whisenhunt, Grimm and Cowher. That is quite a task.
2006 Record: 8-8 2007 Prediction: 7-9 3rd in the AFC North
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Afraid of Ed Hochuli: Matt's Season Preview - NFC North
