Matt's Season Preview - AFC North

by Afraidofedhochuli

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

Afraid of Ed Hochuli: Matt's Season Preview - NFC West Afraid of Ed Hochuli: Matt's Season Preview - AFC West Afraid of Ed Hochuli: Matt's Season Preview - NFC South Afraid of Ed Hochuli: Matt's Season Preview - AFC South

Afraid of Ed Hochuli: Matt's Season Preview - NFC North

Falcon02520Legend

797 days ago

Score 1

Good predictions. They are pretty much in line with what most people would agree on.

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AfraidofedhochuliDraft Pick

797 days ago

Score 1

Cool, thanks! I am trying to be as close as possible while getting new points across. If you have any ideas please let me know. This is the first season I have been doing this.

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Steel TownDraft Pick

797 days ago

Score 0

I might be biased as a steelers fan But I see it like this: Ravens (12-4), Steelers (10-6), Cleveland (9-7), and Bengals (9-7 or 8-8). I would also like to point out that the Ravens are a steve Mcnair injury away from a loosing season. But if they can keep him save they should take the division easily. I feel that the Bengals are extreemly over rated and last years 8-8 record showed that. I think the browns are going to start to make huge waves in this division, but not this year. As for the steelers, besides the record I basically agree with you. But I do think this will be santonio Holmes' breakout year, he had an excellent preseason.

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AfraidofedhochuliDraft Pick

797 days ago

Score 2

HOMER! :) No, I can see where all of your points come from, but I wouldn't trust the preseason. I mean...last season the Raiders were 4-0...

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Falcon02520Legend

797 days ago

Score 1

All teams in the division are going to have winning records?

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Falcon02520Legend

797 days ago

Score 4

The odds are better for me marrying Jessica Alba than the Browns chances are of having a winning record.

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AfraidofedhochuliDraft Pick

797 days ago

Score 1

If that happens...can I play "dust in the wind" at the reception?

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Falcon02520Legend

797 days ago

Score 2

You can play football at the reception for all I care. My new wife and I will be in the hall closet ; )

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Dukeboy999Varsity Captain

797 days ago

Score -4

Ok this is a terrible article, no offense to the writer. Everything you said about the Ravens was how they lost a little bit in a couple areas. But there record will be the same? And how will the Bengals not give up at least 30 a game? Not to mention the Browns wont even sniff 6 wins. You say the Steelers will only win one more than the Browns? Look for my article matching up the two teams in a few minutes and about why you are wrong.

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AfraidofedhochuliDraft Pick

797 days ago

Score 2

I will listen to you when you can explain to me WHY these things are wrong. Until then you can keep your "critique" to a minimum

And how will the Bengals not give up at least 30 a game? Never said they wouldn't...what I said is: Their defense, though. It is not that great. Their corners have a lot of talent but NOT a lot of consistency.

Why will the browns not "sniff six wins"? What is your reasoning?

You say the Steelers will only win one more than the Browns? Yes. Because the steelers are not that good.

Don't come in with negative feedback without backing it up.

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Falcon02520Legend

797 days ago

Score 2

Even though Baltimore lost some things, their offense will be soooo much better this year that they will make up for the losses. Plus HE PREDICTED THEM AT 11-5 when they WERE 13-3 LAST YEAR.

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AfraidofedhochuliDraft Pick

797 days ago

Score 2

I think he skimmed. Thanks Falcon!

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Dukeboy999Varsity Captain

797 days ago

Score -2

I agree with the Ravens prediction. And I have plenty to back it up if you read the article I posted Matty my boy. As much POTENTIAL as the secondary has for the Bengals it has never equaled production, which is all that counts. And where do I get started on the Browns?

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Dukeboy999Varsity Captain

797 days ago

Score 0

And McGahee is a big plus for the Ravens this year.

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AfraidofedhochuliDraft Pick

797 days ago

Score 2

I posted a nice reply for you on yours

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AfraidofedhochuliDraft Pick

797 days ago

Score 1

I am goign on record now saying that the line: They made giant strides on Defense: about the Browns, ws to be Offense. I am editing that.

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Bberg11Varsity

797 days ago

Score 3

McGahee will be a nice upgrade for the Ravens, but McNair doesn't offer much more than Kyle Boller did. This team is still going to lean on its defense.

Cleveland is not there yet. They had a good draft, but that won't help them a whole lot this year. Relax on them. Pittsburgh will have a good year I think. I'm done underestimating Willie Parker. I think he is one of the most underrated backs in the league. And Hines Ward may not have the numbers of a number one wideout, but he does everything else you can ask from a WR better than anyone in the game.

And Cincy, I think, will be right there fighting for a playoff spot by the end of the season.

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SarahDSoccer Kid

797 days ago

Score 1

I have to agree with the underestimating of Willie Parker, I am in fact biased (and self actualized), but I do believe that he will help his team out a lot this year. I think Big Ben will be on his game, and I think that Hines (as always) will come through. I do realize that they need more then just a few players to shine though. I look forward to seeing them prove the naysayers wrong. I also look forward to them whopping the Browns.

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Falcon02520Legend

796 days ago

Score 1

McNair does do two things that Boller could not; 1. He provided much needed leadership on the Offense and command of the huddle 2. He (unlike Boller) doesn't turn the ball over on every other snap. McNair may not win alot of games for the Ravens, but he is not going to loose them any.

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