Two years ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers did not win this division-but managed to win the Super Bowl. Baltimore won the division last year-and laid an egg in the Playoffs. When all is said and done, this is one of the tougher divisions. The Steelers and the Ravens have the best defenses in the NFL. The Bengals have one of the best offenses in the NFL.
Who's New:
Mike Tomlin-Pittsburgh Steelers
Who's on the Hot Seat:
Romeo Crennel-Cleveland Browns
4. Cleveland Browns. I thought this was the breakout team of 2006, and I was dead wrong. The Browns struggled, but have some good things to look forward to -in 2008. Despite an impressive draft, Cleveland has some holes to fill, particulary on offesne. Jamal Lewis was a good trade-4 years ago. The tailback situation needs to be addressed, as does quarterback. Brady Quinn was a good pickup-but at the expense of a 1st rounder in 2008. On defense, things look bright. Kamerion Wimbley was a force on the outside LB position, and should continue to improve. The secondary looks much better and should reduce the big plays. Bottom line-Cleveland has too many questions as a team, and if Quinn is put in the starting line up, expect growin pains on offense, and a defense that still needs a strong line. Its not your year.
PREDICTED FINISH: 4-12
3. Pittsburgh Steelers. Mike Tomlin has the ulttmate job security. Unless he fails to win a game, he should be the coach here for at least 8 years minimum. The good news is he is not changing the defense, despite his use of the Cover 2 defense as a DC for the Vikings. The bad news is the offense, which looks to throw the ball more under new OC Bruce Arians. What works for the Steelers is a ball control, clock grinding offense, and that is what the Steelers need to do. Not that they don't have the talent. But, things should work well, if Roethlisberger can over come the awful 2006 season. Bottom line-The Steelers will be much better in 2007.
PREDICTED FINISH: 9-7
2. Baltimore Ravens. I dissed the Ravens last year, and was proved right. Steve McNair is still a QB I would love to have, but I only question Baltimore's offense. The defense is one of the best in the NFL the last 8 years, so you can't question them there. They shored up that unit quite well, so they are alright. Willis McGahee was a great pick up at RB, but the O-line is suspect. The only big play WR is Derrick Mason, and he is getting old. Yamon Figures should breathe some life into the deep ball, provided he stays healthy. Bottom line-Baltimore may struggle at times, but they are still better than the Steelers-but not by much.
PREDICTED FINISH: 9-7
1. Cincinnati Bengals. Carson Palmer is healthy, most of the off field issues have been settled, and the defense should improve. All of this spells 2007 is the year the Bengals get back to the top of the division. Carson Palmer looked to me like he rushed back into action last year, and it showed. The Bengals were inconsistent in 2006 to say the least. You look great against the Saints one week, the next, you lose to Cleveland. The defense should be good enough-no offensive powerhouses in this division. The offense is dangerous-stop Rudi Johnson from running or TJ Houshmanzadeh and Chad Johnson from catching passes. Bottom line-If there are no injuries, a Super Bowl is not to far from reality
PREDICTED FINISH: 11-5
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