In 2006, the Baltimore Ravens dominated the AFC North with a 13-3 record, only to be abruptly stopped in the AFC Divisional Championship by the Colts. Nevertheless, the Ravens have a strong team that has the ability to make another championship run in the AFC. The biggest problem for the Ravens is that they belong in a “black and blue” division where everyone consistently beats up on each other; it’s so hard to tell who will come out on top. Who will be the leader of the AFC North in 2007?

Baltimore Ravens

In the 15-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Division Championship last season, the Ravens looked out of sync and out of gas. It seems to signal a sign that this team that is filled with aging superstars may not have too much left in the tank. However, how many people do you know will bet against Ray Lewis and that defense? Although he’s aging, Steve McNair is the best option for Ravens and the best quarterback this franchise has ever had. The addition of Willis McGahee will boost the running game that seemed completely flat last season.

Prediction: The Ravens must go into this season with a clear head and not let the embarrassing playoff loss linger in their heads. They are the best team in the AFC north and should remain the divisional champs in 2007. Baltimore wins the division with no less than 11 wins.

Pittsburgh Steelers

New head coach Mike Tomlin will be taking over a Steeler team with the nucleus that won them a super bowl title two years ago. According to various reports, the Pittsburgh Steeler training camp is vicious as ever. This team looks to be ready to return to 2004-2005 form this season. Ben Roethlisberger had a lot to think about last season after that terrible motorcycle accident. It seemed to throw him off his game and as a result, the entire offense suffered. This year Big Ben, Hines Ward, and Willie Parker are looking to bounce back and help this team to get back into the playoffs.

Prediction: The Steelers had a breakdown last season that caused them to miss the playoffs for the first time in three years. This year, this team will bounce back offensively and remain stout on defense to get back into the playoff hunt with at least 10 wins.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing season where they lost their last three games of the regular season and missed the playoffs. On offense, this team is one of the most talented units in the AFC, if not the entire league. Under center, Carson Palmer has become an elite NFL quarterback with the help from wide receivers Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmandzeh. This trio is one of the best in the league and will continue their success in 2007. The biggest glaring hole with this team is the defense who ranked 31^st against the pass and 30^th overall in the league. Edgerton Hartwell is the newest addition to the defense that needs more playmakers for this team to take the next step forward.

Prediction: Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, and the rest of the offense will remain awesome for the Bengals, but this defense has to make more plays if this team wants to make the playoffs and I don’t believe that they can do it. Cincinnati misses the playoffs again with an 8-8 record. Talk about déjà vu.

Cleveland Browns

Head coach Romeo Crennel did not envision that the Browns would still be a basement dweller after his first two years with the team. There are just too many holes to fill before this team can become seriously competitive. Brady Quinn is penciled in as the starting QB, but he will need to get in camp so he can begin developing with a receiving corps that has the potential to be talented in the future. Kellen Winslow Jr. actually played an entire season last year and did pretty well. Braylon Edwards often struggled but showed flashes of why he was picked so high in 2005. Running Back Jamaal Lewis ran out of gas in Baltimore but will look to get it together with the Browns. The strongest unit on the defense is the linebackers, who will need help in the secondary and the D-line if they want to be competitive.

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Judge said:

Well he may have been reviled for charging $75 for his autograph even before he was signed as a Cleveland Brown, but football hopes trump all in a city that loves its team and is starved for a winner. Saturday night the Browns played their first preseason game against the hapless Kansas City Chiefs. The real highlight of the night was when with 12 minutes to go the crowd started chanting for Brady. The fans in the stands were trying for Brady Quinn sightings on the sideline as much as watching the action on the field. Expectations were to see the mighty Quinn for one series late in the game. But those expectations were dashed when the Browns scored on the kickoff return in the last few minutes - giving the team the victory but denying the fans the chance to see the hope from Notre Dame actually on the field. The game itself presented more of the same old Browns - a few plays to get the fans excited and to move the team up and down the field. But the end result was the same, an offense that cannot punch the ball into the endzone. The bright spot was no injuries during the game and an offensive line that may begin to get the job done. Joe Thomas, the first round draft choice, played most of the 1st half at left tackle and aquitted himself well. No quarterback distinguished himself enough to give Romeo Crennel reason to begin to focus on his signal caller for the season. The Lions will be the next step and the Browns will have to deal with a veteran signal caller who will test the defense that is already dealing with injuries on the line and at linebacker.

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August 13, 2007
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