AFC North expectations

Article by Gordon Dedman

 

ESPN’s Merril Hoge was talking to Steelers.Com and was asked to rate the teams in the division. He declared that the division race was down to three as Cleveland continues to do a wonderful job of messing it up. If they cut Manziel and start working on the team, they might have a chance he added.

Hoge believes that Cincinnati are as complete as they can get while the Ravens can’t keeping changing things as it will eventually catch up with the team.

Naturally he went for the Steelers to win the division in the belief that they have the better quarterback and the better running back of the teams. I couldn’t believe he left out Antonio Brown so I went back and replayed the video to make sure my notes were correct… and they were.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Although you wouldn’t expect an ex-Steeler to say anything different, Hoge does present a good case. The Steelers offense was one of the most powerful in the NFL last season. The silence of the “blame Haley” brigade is now deafening. Those back to back record breaking games against the Colts and the Ravens, plus winning the division has put a muzzle on his critics.

Stability is a great catalyst for success and the Steelers offense has that at the moment. Although to continue that progress, the defense needs to develop this season. Training camp is the ideal environment for the defense to achieve this as daily they will face an offense ranked at the top.

Baltimore Ravens

Having lost two of their top three receiving corps to free agency last season, the Ravens need to address the loss of the 1298 total yards they provided. The number one go to player for quarterback Joe Flacco was Steve Smith, but now aged 36; he might find it difficult to add any extra yards.

Baltimore used the draft to boost their offense and Flacco’s production, but time will be needed for their rookies to contribute. With their new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman, one possibility is the increased use of running back Justin Forsett as a receiver.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns are the Browns and misfortune appears to follow them around. Coach Mike Pettine revealed two of this year’s draft picks wouldn’t be in camp. Cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu is likely to be absent for the entire season in an attempt to allow a serious knee injury to recover while tight end Randall Telfer would be re-evaluated midseason.

Former Oakland quarterback Terrelle Pryor is being mentored as a wide receiver with the Browns. ''We're going to throw him right into the mix,'' Pettine said of Pryor. ''I know that's not an easy transition, but if anybody has the skill set to do it, he does.”

Pryor spent the offseason training with the Antonio Brown, Josh Gordon and Randy Moss, so he will appreciate what will be required to make it. If nothing else, Pryor can provide backup to starter Josh McCown and Johnny Football.

Cincinnati Bengals

Quarterback Andy Dalton has led the Bengals to four straight postseason appearances and is fully expected to make it five, but in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, there will be no room for error.

This season Dalton will hope to have the additional services of wide receivers Marvin Jones, who was out injured last year, and Denarius Moore from Oakland. The added bonus of an injury free A.J. Green will increase the Bengals’ potential.