Jake Saltzman is a Boston Sports Desk Correspondent
BY JAKE SALTZMAN
Boston Sports Desk Correspondent
This is part 5 of an 8 part series in which I have set out to preview each of the NFL’s 8 divisions just prior to the 2010 regular season getting underway. Last time, I looked at the NFC East, and today I’m switching conferences as I break down the AFC North.
Division Overview
The AFC North is a tremendously compelling division for several reasons. While the quality of football has by no means been a poor one, it has been an inconsistent one. Nonetheless, 2010 should be a fascinating year in the AFC North. In 2009, the Cincinnati Bengals were a perfect eight for eight in divisional contests, yet went only two and six in non-divisional games. In their first round playoff matchup with the New York Jets, the Bengals could muster little momentum on either side of the ball, and as a result saw their magical regular year become greatly overshadowed by continued postseason disappointment. The Baltimore Ravens meanwhile, as a wildcard representative of the AFC in the 2009 NFL playoffs, looked spectacular on offense in their first round game against the Patriots, and held the almighty Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts to just 20 points one round later. This year, Baltimore expects big things from newly-acquired receiver Anquan Boldin, as well as from running back Ray Rice, as they begin the 2010 season as division favorites. In Cleveland, Eric Mangini just barely managed to retain his Head coaching job this off-season, but nevertheless claims to be on the same page with new team President Mike Holmgren. Not much is expected from the Browns yet again in 2010, but Mangini and Holmgren do in fact have some young weapons with whom to work offensively this year. The Pittsburgh Steelers on the other hand are a franchise enveloped in a web uncertainty to begin play here in 2010, as Pro Bowl quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is suspended for the first four games of the regular season. Head coach Mike Tomlin claims to be fully confident in backup quarterback Byron Leftwich’s abilities to run the offense, but should Leftwich falter early, Pittsburgh’s season could very well be one of little significance come Thanksgiving.
Baltimore Ravens:
Players to Watch: RB Ray Rice, WR Anquan Boldin, QB Joe Flacco, DT Terrence Cody, SS Dawan Landry, CB Chris Carr, FS Tom Zbikowski.
Key Games: Week 1 @ NY Jets, Week 6 @ New England, Week 15 vs. New Orleans, Week 17 vs. Cincinnati.
2009 Record: 9-7, 2nd AFC North
2010 Projected Record: 11-5, 1st AFC North
Who’s In: -WR Anquan Boldin
-QB Marc Bulger
-TE Ed Dickson
-DT Terrence Cody
-K Shayne Graham
-DB Ken Hamlin
-LB Sergio Kindle
-WR Donte’ Stallworth
Who’s Out: -WR Kelley Washington
-DT Dwan Edwards
-DT Justin Bannan
-CB Corey Ivy
-DB Frank Walker
My View:
-On paper, it is safe to say the Baltimore Ravens had the most noteworthy off-season of any team in the AFC. Bringing in Anquan Boldin will be a big help to the deep passing attack, and though one never knows what to expect from a rookie, the Ravens surely got their fair share of attention by drafting Ed Dickson, Sergio Kindle and Dennis Pitta. For a franchise so renowned for their defense, so praised for their veteran leadership, and with so much anticipation on offense, a flashy showing in the draft and on the free agent market was to be expected. Even bringing in Marc Bulger at quarterback was a significant move, as former Heisman Trophy winner and former number two quarterback Troy Smith has all of a sudden been pushed even further away from an NFL starting job. Not surprisingly, Smith asked for a trade over the summer, yet at present remains on the Ravens roster. Generally, I tend not to support an off-season dictated by the signing of big-name free agents and the drafting of more than one or two showy prospects. In fact, I do not think such a summer is going to pay complete dividends for the New York Jets come autumn and winter.
Yet, with regards to Baltimore, I understand what the Ravens have done here in preparation for 2010, and though it pains me mightily to admit so, I admire it. Ravens management was careful not to at all alter the longtime image of Ravens football, as veterans Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Todd Heap and Matt Birk, all experienced football players, were kept on and allowed to retain their respective starting spots. Though the Ravens hope and fully expect Sergio Kindle to eventually captain the linebacking corps, and though the drafting of two big-name tight end prospects will eventually signal the end of a brilliant career as Baltimore’s starting tight end for Todd Heap, that time is not now. And what makes that situation so scary for the rest of the AFC, is the fact that Baltimore is very much a championship contender right now, and could very well continue to be for years to come. If injuries on defense can be resolved and worked through, which one would have to expect to happen given Baltimore’s defensive credentials of the past, 2010 may very well be the year Baltimore returns to the Super Bowl.
Cleveland Browns:
Players to Watch: RB Jerome Harrison, FB Lawrence Vickers, WR Mohamed Massaquoi, WR Chansi Stuckey, LB Blake Costanzo, OT Joe Thomas, C Alex Mack, FS T.J. Ward.
Key Games: Week 1 @ Tampa Bay, Week 2 vs. Kansas City, Week 4 vs. Cincinnati, Week 7 @ New Orleans, Week 10 vs. NY Jets, Week 14 @ Buffalo
2009 Record: 5-11, 4th AFC North
2010 Projected Record: 6-10, 4th AFC North
Who’s In: -DB Sheldon Brown
-QB Jake Delhomme
-QB Seneca Wallace
-WR Bobby Engram
-LB Scott Fujita
-DE Clifton Geathers
-LB Chris Gocong
-DB Joe Haden
-FS T.J. Ward
-RB Montario Hardesty
-FB Peyton Hillis
-G Scott Kooistra
-WR Carlton Mitchell
-TE Ben Watson
-QB Colt McCoy
Who’s Out: -LB Kamerion Wimbley
-QB Brady Quinn
-QB Derek Anderson
-HB Jamal Lewis
-ATH Mike Furrey
-TE Steve Heiden
-TE/FB Michael Gaines
-DB Brodney Pool
-DT Corey Williams
-CB Hank Poteat
-CB Ramzee Robinson
-LB Arnold Harrison
My View:
-It is difficult to see the 2010 Cleveland Browns finishing the season with a record of.500 or better. Their division is far too strong, and while their non-divisional schedule has some winnable games, it also has several tough ones. It will also be difficult for the Browns to move the ball on offense, via a complete makeover a quarterback and a questionable ground game. In at quarterback are Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, two proven veterans who are more than capable of handling the grind of a full NFL season at the QB position. Neither man is an elite passer however, as Wallace is very much a running quarterback, and Delhomme’s career is winding down. A strong backfield could be able to alleviate some of the potential concerns under center, but Jamal Lewis is enjoying his first year of retirement and projected starter Jerome Harrison, while he will have every chance to succeed, has essentially been a career backup until this point. The Browns plan on continuing to use converted quarterback and All-Pro kick returner Josh Cribbs in wildcat packages, and barring injuries these plays could yet again be quite successful for an otherwise very vanilla Cleveland offense. A very young offensive line has quietly become one of the better ones in the game, as tackle Joe Thomas has been to three straight Pro Bowls, and second year center Alex Mack seems headed in that direction. The selection of Arizona State guard Shaun Lauvao could also pay huge dividends for the O-Line, as team first year team President Mike Holmgren can rest assured that Lauvao received quality pro-style coaching in college from an ASU coaching staff headed by former NFL coach Dennis Erickson. At receiver, rising second year man Mohamed Massaquoi really emerged as a legitimate number one receiver in the final weeks of last season, and was a big part of the Browns’ week 16 win against Oakland. Chansi Stuckey struggled initially after coming over from the New York Jets in the mid-season Braylon Edwards deal, but he too has adjusted nicely to life in Cleveland and should be a solid possession-type target for Delhomme this season, so long as the deep routes are left to Massaquoi and rookie Carlton Mitchell.
Defensively, Cleveland made several moves to better a defense that last year surprisingly head opponents to under 20 points on six occasions, most notably bringing in Super Bowl champion Scott Fujita to anchor a linebacking corps from which Kamerion Wimbley has departed. Sheldon Brown too comes in, he from Philadelphia, and though Brown’s best days are behind him, the move could be a brilliant one, as the secondary is talented, young, and in need of a veteran to tie things together. Do not be mistaken however, as the Browns are very high on the likes of rookies Joe Haden, T.J. Ward and Larry Asante, as well as on fourth-year man Eric Wright. Despite this, the defensive will be troublesome for the Browns in 2010, as defensive tackle Shaun Rogers has had all kinds of off-field troubles this summer, and is lucky not to be facing a suspension. Big things will be needed once again from end Robaire Smith, though now in year 11 it remains to be seen if Smith’s body can hold up. Furthermore, C.J. Mosley remains off of the practice field, and in order for Cleveland’s D-line to be an effective one, Mosley will have to stay healthy as well as improve upon his 2008 average of one tackle a game. While I do think the Browns are headed in the right direction, success may very well come later rather than sooner.
Cincinnati Bengals:
Players to Watch: RB Cedric Benson, WR Terrell Owens, CB Leon Hall, KR/WR Quan Cosby, TE Jermaine Gresham, RB Brian Leonard, DT Pat Sims, OG/C Otis Hudson.
Key Games: Week 1 @ New England, Week 2 vs. Baltimore, Week 8 vs. Miami, Week 10 @ Indianapolis, Week 12 @ NY Jets, Week 13 vs. New Orleans, Week 16 vs. San Diego
2009 Record: 10-6, 1st AFC North
2010 Projected Record: 10-6, 2nd AFC North
Who’s In: -WR Terrell Owens
-DE Carlos Dunlap
-DB Brandon Ghee
-TE Jermaine Gresham
-OG/C Otis Hudson
-DB/KR Adam Jones
-WR Matt Jones
-K Mike Nugent
-K Dave Rayner
-WR Jordan Shipley
-DB Gibril Wilson
Who’s Out: -RB Larry Johnson
-FB Jeremi Johnson
-WR Laveranues Coles
-TE J.P. Foschi
-K Shayne Graham
-DT Shaun Smith
-LS Brad St. Louis
My View:
-For a team so heavily plagued by player-misconduct over the last few years, the Bengals’ signing of Terrell Owens mystified me greatly. Then again, so did last year’s signing of Larry Johnson, and this early summer’s signing of Adam Jones. I’m not one to question success, and the 2009 Bengals certainly had plenty of that, especially given the multiple tragedies endured by the Cincinnati football community a year ago. Coach Marvin Lewis has a solid grasp on what surely has been, and on what will continue to be a rowdy, hot-headed locker room, though I don’t think for one minute anybody is any longer capable of keeping 24/7 tabs on T.O. nor the man he’ll be lining up opposite in a couple of weeks, Chad Ochocinco. Having veterans Dhani Jones, Leon Hall and Abdul Hodge around might help keep the defense in its place, however. As mentioned in the intro, the Bengals were perfect in their division last year. While I don’t see that happening again, there is no reason for the Bengals not to have a winning record against the likes of the Steelers, Browns and Ravens. The two “wildcard” games the Bengals have on their AFC schedule are brutal however, against the Colts and Chargers, and so while a playoff appearance is projected, a 10-6 record is probably a little generous.
Offensively, there are no questions about the talent among the receivers and halfbacks. Chad Ochocinco is a rare talent, Terrell Owens still has plenty left a 15-year veteran, Andre Caldwell is a solid third or fourth option, and if he can stay out of legal trouble, Cedric Benson is as consistent a running back as any other in the league. Though fullback Jeremi Johnson is out, the Bengals are high on his replacement Fui Vakapuna, as are they on specialists Brian Leonard and Bernard Scott. Any one of the three is capable of spelling Benson for a snap or two, though don’t expect Benson, if he’s active, to see the bench much. The offensive line is a good one, despite lacking a big name, and is equally adept to run and pass protection. Fifth round draft pick Otis Hudson could prove to be a draft steal along the O-line. The only possible concern for the offense is at the tight end position, which has been the Achilles Heel for the Bengals for quite some time. Last year’s starter J.P. Foschi is now in Buffalo, and his replacement, rookie Jermaine Gresham, has had an impressive preseason. With the regular season right around the corner, any sort of last-minute setback at the tight end position would be devastating for Carson Palmer and the offense.
Defense was an on again/off again problem for the Bengals last season, as evidenced by a perfect division record, yet relatively poor showings against Detroit and Houston in the regular season, as well as against the Jets in the postseason. Carlos Dunlap is a solid addition to the D-line, yet I’m not sure the Gibril Wilson pickup makes sense for the secondary. The defensive backfield, along with special teams (also an area for concern in 2009) were the two areas Cincinnati really could have afforded to get young on this off-season, and while cornerback Brandon Ghee was also added, Chris Crocker and Jonathan Joseph have 13 years of combined experience. Even still, the Bengals are serious playoff contenders again in 2010, and while they lack it in the secondary, good young talent is plentiful among the linebackers, as well as on the defensive line.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Players to Watch: QB Dennis Dixon, WR Mike Wallace, LB Larry Foote, LB Thaddeus Gibson, RB Mewelde Moore, RB Frank Summers.
Key Games: Week 4 vs. Baltimore, Week 8 @ New Orleans, Week 9 @ Cincinnati, Week 10 vs. New England, Week 15 vs. NY Jets
2009 Record: 9-7, 3rd AFC North
2010 Projected Record: 8-8, 3rd AFC North
Who’s In: -OT Flozell Adams
-DB Will Allen
-WR Arnaz Battle
-LB Larry Foote
-LB Thaddeus Gibson
-QB Byron Leftwich
-C Maurkice Pouncey
-DB Bryant McFadden
-WR Antwaan Randle El
-WR Emmanuel Sanders
-DE Jason Worilds
-OT Jonathan Scott
Who’s Out: -WR Santonio Holmes
-RB Willie Parker
-RB Carey Davis
-DB Tyrone Carter
-DB Deshea Townsend
-DE Travis Kirschke
-LB Rocky Boiman
My View:
-Mike Tomlin and his Pittsburgh Steelers made several moves this off-season to reformat their football team in an effort to recreate the Steelers of five years ago. Antwaan Randle El and Larry Foote are back in the mix, Hines Ward has been retained and upgrades to the legendary Steel City offensive line have also been made. Pittsburgh is an enigma in that while it is clear what type of identity the Steelers are seeking here in 2010, nobody, including Head coach Mike Tomlin knows just how that type of identity will be reached. On offense, the Steelers are very reliant upon the speed of their youngsters, namely running back Mewelde Moore and receivers Limas Sweed and Mike Wallace, yet still anticipate a good number of touches for crafty, possession-type receivers like Antwaan Randle El, as well as for the crafty veteran Hines Ward. Thus, it is unclear how the Steelers’ offense will adjust when put to the test physically up the middle and beyond the line of scrimmage. That job of course does not rest upon the shoulders of just the skill players (backs, receivers) but instead the offensive line and tight ends. The revamped O-line gets a big boost from the arrival of former Dallas Cowboy Flozell Adams, as well as from first overall team draft selection Maurkice Pouncey, but will have to adjust to the scrambling, outside the pocket passing style of Byron Leftwich for the first four games of the regular year, and then back to the more conventional style of Ben Roethlisberger for the remainder of the campaign. Due to the new arrivals along the line, it remains to be seen just how smoothly (or chaotically) the transitions will go. At tight end, while few in the business are as good at catching the ball as Heath Miller, I still think Pittsburgh whiffed in the draft by not selecting a big, blocking-first tight end to both aid and compliment the deep passing attack.
Physicality on defense however is a complete non-issue, as Casey Hampton and James Harrison remain on the roster, meaning you can bet the black and gold will make their presence felt on the D-line and among the linebacking group again in 2010. Larry Foote returns after spending 2009 in Detroit, and should be a major bonus for a defense he already knows quite well. The secondary too lacks any glaring weaknesses, but it will be tested at times simply because of the fact that the Steelers matchup against Drew Brees, Carson Palmer and Tom Brady respectively, going back-to-back-to-back in weeks 8, 9 and 10. I think Pittsburgh will be a contender for a wildcard position in 2010, and in my mind there is really no reason the Steelers cannot do serious damage in the playoffs should they get there. Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension is more than an inconvenience, as a poor start could be irreversible; but should the Steelers play solid football early on, Pittsburgh could be last year’s Cincinnati here in 2010
