Tuesday, August 29, 2006

 

NFL Preview

Preview for the upcoming NFL season. Here's the AFC North preview, in order of predicted finish.

AFC North:

Pittsburgh: The Steelers are defending champs and could win what should be a very competitive division. QB Ben Roethlisberger's career record as a starter is an incredible 30-6, and the Steeler's running game should remain solid with last year's rookie surprise Willie Parker in the backfield. Jerome Bettis retired, so it will be up to Parker and Duce Staley, back from injury, to carry the brick. Hines Ward will be Big Ben's go-to receiver. Pittsburgh traditionally has solid defense and this year should be no different. 12-4

Cincinnati: After more than a decade of losing the Bengals turned the corner last year. They should continue that this year with another playoff appearance. It will be interesting to see how well QB Carson Palmer returns from major knee surgery. Palmer, along with receiver Chad Johnson and running back Rudi Johnson lead a formidable offense that should score plenty of points. Their defense however, is mediocre and might hold them back from winning the division. 11-5

Baltimore: The Ravens should be better than last year with QB Steve McNair brought in to improve a woeful offense. Their defense is always in the top-10, so there should be no problem on that side of the ball. The key may be the play of RB Jamal Lewis. One of the NFL's top rushers in previous years, he struggled last year, and while it's unlikely he will be a 1500+ yard rusher again, he might rebound to form a good tandem with newcomer Mike Anderson. Tight end Todd Heap could have a good year with McNair throwing him the ball instead of Kyle Boller. 8-8

Cleveland: Coach Romeo Crenel did an admirable job last year with the Browns, going 6-10 which is actually a lot better than most had expected. The Browns offense will be led by QB Charlie Frye, a sophomore pivot who has been given the starters job this year. He'll have a solid set of receivers with Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicius, and Kellen Winslow, back after missing all of last season injured. Coach Crenel was defensive co-ordinator of the Patriot's Super Bowl teams before coming to Cleveland, so his defensive philosophies should help the Browns keep opponents in check somewhat, but it might not be enough for them to think about the playoffs yet. 6-10

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