AFC North
  

                2008 Offseason Preview

                       By: Khaled Abdallah

 

2008 AFC North Offseason Preview


Baltimore Ravens (5-11, 4th)

Defense: The Ravens' defensive personnel are still some of the best in the league but they are showing some signs of age at certain positions. Samari Rolle and Chris McAlister are still excellent cornerbacks at age 30 and 31, respectively. But the Ravens need to address the fact that their backups at that position are terrible. Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers made that abundantly clear by throwing five touchdowns in their Week 9 matchup. The Ravens seem to dig up good linebackers out of nowhere, but letting Adalius Thomas walk hurt them more than it seemed. Thomas could have stayed on at OLB and stud LB Bart Scott could have moved over to MLB after Ray Lewis' eventual retirement.

Offense: As usual, this team is lacking offensive playmakers at most positions. RB Willis McGahee went to the Pro Bowl, but only after the original selections bowed out because of injury. TE Todd Heap is becoming more and more brittle with every passing year. But, when healthy, Heap is one of the best tight ends in the league. In keeping with tradition, the Ravens don't have anyone resembling a franchise quarterback on their roster. The question I have for them is this: Why wasn't Troy Smith starting by the end of the year? I know that there are many mobile, Heisman-winning QBs who haven't fared well in the NFL (Eric Crouch, Jason White) but why not give Smith a shot? There are rumors about Donovan McNabb coming to Baltimore. But if that doesn't happen, they should reach for a QB like Kentucky's Andre Woodson in the first round of the draft.

 

Cincinnati Bengals (7-9, 3rd)

Defense: The defense needs some work, as has been the story for the past several years. The defensive backfield is decent in terms of personnel, but they are missing a talented safety to bring it all together. Cincinnati's situation at linebacker was a nightmare by midseason, with all but three of their LBs gone to injury. The possible return of MLB Odell Thurman from a two-year suspension could bolster that position and add some depth. The Bengals currently hold the #9 spot in the draft and it's not a reach for them to select a player like USC OLB Keith Rivers or DE Chris Long (if he lasts that long). Long would be ideal because they are in desperate need of an elite pass-rusher after recording the fewest sacks in the league (22).

Offense: The Bengals' offense seemed to hit a roadblock this year. QB Carson Palmer seemed decidedly more average this season than he has been in recent years. Palmer may have had 26 touchdowns, but he also threw 20 interceptions. With the possible departure of Chad Johnson, WR Chris Henry may be asked to step up to the #2 WR role. But Henry's immaturity puts his ability to fill that role in question. The Bengals will probably look to address the need for a WR later in the draft because their defense requires more attention at this point.

 

Cleveland Browns (10-6, 2nd)

Defense: The Cleveland defense finished 30th in the NFL in total defense and the reasons why are pretty evident. Loads of mental errors were committed all over the field and defenders were consistently out of position. There is, however, a very bright silver-lining that goes along with this. Nine of the eleven starters on defense are under the age of 29 and several are 25 or younger. That bodes well for the future of this defensive unit. They should improve with time. Cleveland should draft for depth in the later rounds unless there is a can't-miss prospect available.

Offense: I feel like I'm beating a dead horse when I talk about this team's offense. Yes, they were ridiculously explosive. And yes, they were a huge surprise. The main ingredient for success with this offense is to go into training camp with a sure starter at quarterback. Do not put the job up for grabs because QB Derek Anderson needs to establish more consistency with this offensive unit. For Cleveland there are two positions that need some attention: wide receiver and running back. A better #2 WR is a necessity because Joe Jurevicius isn't able to exploit the extra defensive attention given to Braylen Edwards and Kellen Winslow, Jr. Also, a solid backup for Jamal Lewis would allow the aging RB to maintain his health later in the season.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6, 1st)

Defense: Pittsburgh finished #1 in the league in total defense. They have some good youth across the board, so there really isn't much to say. OLB James Harrison stepped up wonderfully in the absence of Joey Porter (who went to Miami). Harrison had a brilliant season in his first stint as a starter, finishing with 95 tackles and 8.5 sacks. If any part of this defense is a possible issue, it is depth at cornerback. But that can easily be remedied in the later rounds of the draft.

Offense: The Steelers' offense was running pretty smoothly with the return of Ben Roethlisberger (who came off of his terribly ineffective 2006 performance to finish with 32 TDs and only 11 INTs). However, Pittsburgh's offensive line was atrocious in pass protection, giving up 47 sacks (good for 25th in the league). The O-line is a need they should definitely address, perhaps by taking Nebraska OT Carl Nicks with the 23rd pick in the first round. Their WR group is barely above-average and they sure could use a Plaxico Burress-type. Too bad they let him go a few years ago. At this point, I'm sure the Steelers would even be happy with Redskins WR Antwaan Randle El lining up opposite Hines Ward.

 

[Editor's Note: Well folks, this concludes our offseason preview of the AFC North. Check back on Tuesday for a full preview of the AFC South. To review Khaled's analysis of the AFC West, click here or go to our Archives].