NFL preview part 2

AFC CONFERENCE NORTH

Pre-season Standings

Pittsburgh Steelers  3 – 1
Cincinnati Bengals  2 – 2
Baltimore Ravens  1 – 3
Cleveland Browns  0 – 4

I never think of this as a particularly strong Division. The Steelers have won it recently as Ben Roethlisberger has led a decent offense but he has lost the big lump in front that protected him and as they attempt a spread pass offense they need the line to withstand presure and give QB time to find his men out wide.

They should still win the Division but as they showed by losing 4 late last term – they are not a mentally strong team when it counts and could easily disappoint again.

They need to run the ball well – Willie Parker especially – and find targets when passing but they are a defense team and create turnovers so they should still win this Division even though they are not as dominant as many believe.

How do the other teams shape up?

Cleveland Browns – a real threat – you better believe it. Their offense is fine – they have more weapons this year and a real mean attitude for an unfancied side. What was poor was their defense – they hardly made a fumble, interception or sack but they have bought well and hope to take the pressure off their secondary by putting heat on QB’s. Play-off hopefuls and deservedly so.

Baltimore Ravens – were rubbish last year and having hardly recruited will be so again. A team for us to keep opposing. Defense is their mantra but last year they conceded 24 points a match. Says it all!

Cincinnati Bengals – Carson Palmer can chuck the pill and Chad Johnson can catch it but this is a team with no defense (27th last year) and no real character. They get in off-field scrapes and despite trying to clean up their work this year they are still in the media for all the wrong reasons. Points buys when they play as they score lots off defense but this is a team going nowhere. Might go 8-8 but no better.