NFL SWOT Analysis: AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Strengths – The Ravens have an offensive line that coaches dream of. They are versatile. They are mostly young, having yet to scratch the surface of their potential. With the addition of Matt Birk, they get a savvy veteran leader who will make all the line calls. In the next 2-3 years, Jared Gaither and Michael Oher could be the top tackle tandem in the NFL (they’ll get an early start with Adam Terry going down for the year). Ben Grubbs and Marshel Yanda have been in the trenches since they were rookies. The RBs could be very strong this year, if McGahee and Rice return in full health. Le’Ron McClain moves to more of a non-traditional FB role after leading the team in rushing last season. On defense, they still have monster talent in Haloti Ngata, Trevor Pryce, Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Ed Reed.

Weaknesses – The CBs are in a transition. While Fabian Washington was a breath of fresh air last year, teaming him up with Dominique Foxworth doesn’t make up the most desirable CB tandem. Samari Rolle, knee deep into his decline, will be the nickel back. At TE, Todd Heap took several steps back last season, as did new arrival L.J. Smith when he was in Philly. Will the two TEs together be enough to make up for last year’s void?

Opportunities – McClain’s move to the hybrid RB/FB role could make him one of the most valuable assets on offense as both as a blocker and runner. Tavares Gooden has an opportunity to prove that he is every bit as good as Bart Scott at freeing up Ray Lewis to wreak havoc on opposing defenders.

Threats – In my opinion, Joe Flacco has a stronger chance, than most would like to admit, at having a sophomore slump. Making a trade for Brandon Marshall would make a lot of sense (except for the fact that he’s a bit of a head case). Kelly Gregg and Trevor Pryce are up there in years. While Pryce has a decent backup, Gregg does not. Haloti Ngata may be able to slide inside. This should have been addressed in the draft.

Passing/Receiving the Torch – This could be the year that Terrell Suggs finally takes over for Ray Lewis as the Defensive Stud of the team. On the offensive side, Mark Clayton should be ready to take on the #1 WR role previously held by Derrick Mason.

Position Battle – WR3: Demetrius Williams vs. Yamon Figurs vs/ Kelley Washington all have their strengths and weaknesses. One must emerge as the playmaker in 3-WR sets. Williams has the early lead, and the team would love that to be Figurs, with his blazing speed. However, a rejuvenated Kelley Washington is the dark horse.

Rookie Contributor – Michael Oher was in line for a camp battle, but with Adam Terry going down to a season-long injury, Oher has an open shot. Oniel Cousins seems too much of a project to push Oher. A vet could be signed as well. RB Cedric Peerman could get some playing time IF there are injuries at RB much like last year. He’s not a bad prospect, he just slipped a little low in the draft.



Cincinnati Bengals

Strengths – The passing offense could be the one of the few bright spots for this team. Carson Palmer feels like he did before his injury. Ocho Cinco has a lot to prove. Last year was a dismal year for him, and with Houshmandzadeh gone, Chad will have every opportunity to resurrect his stature as one of the top WRs in the league. Laveranues Coles usually does great in his first year with a new club. Chris Henry might have actually matured this time around. The defense is young with veterans where leadership where it needs it most. The defense may be forced to carry this team if the passing game falters.

Weaknesses – The top two RBs on this team are under-achievers. Cedric Benson and Brian Leonard could give this team fits at the RB position all season. But, both have potential. The offensive line looks like it will be shaky this season. The one player returning the the same position as a starter is RG Bobbie Williams. The Andrew Whitworth LT project could be disastrous. Andre Smith needs to prove that he can eventually play on the left side.

Opportunities – Keith Rivers looked like a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate before his jaw got busted. He has every opportunity to be the leader of this defense. Chris Henry seems to have learned from his past mistakes. If he can avoid distractions off the field, he has the talent to be a top-flight WR on it.

Threats – This one is very simple. As long as this front office and coaching staff is in place, the norm is that the inmates will run the asylum.

Passing/Receiving the Torch – IF Henry matures and Chad doesn’t, Henry will become Palmer’s favorite target. Forget Coles.

Position Battle – SS: Roy Williams vs. Chinedum Ndukwe. Ndukwe is more rangy and has some effectiveness in pass coverage. Roy Williams can step up and help against the run better than most safeties in the league.

Rookie Contributor – RT Andre Smith will start this season, and should eventually (over the next couple of years) slide over to LT and settle there for the long-term. TE Chase Coffman may be in line for a bunch of snaps, now that Reggie Kelly went down for the year.



Cleveland Browns

Strengths – This team is very lucky to have the offensive line that it has. They would be a much worse team without them. From Joe Thomas to Eric Steinbach to Alex Mack, this line is deep and has a nice mix of young and old players. The defensive line, led by Andre The Giant clone, Shaun Rogers is flanked by a deep set of LBs, that must come together and try to lead this defense. If Mangini can tap into some of the potential in the front seven, they could be effective.

Weaknesses – Who are they kidding with Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald as their starting CBs? Those are nickel backs on most teams. Who do they think they are? The Patriots? The RB corps is weak. Jamal Lewis is 29, old by RB standards, especially when you consider his running style. James Harrison didn’t scare any defenses when filling in. Nobody else is worth mentioning. Losing Kellen Winslow will be a pretty big blow to this team. While it’s nice not to hear his lip, the team will miss his playmaking abilities.

Opportunities – Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson still have a somewhat healthy competition. However, last year cannot happen again, with both of them underachieving. For Kamerion Wimbley, it is “Put up or Shut up” time. He’s on the verge of being a bust, however is being counted on as a defensive playmaker. Alex Hall will get opportunities on passing downs. He could be the pass rusher that Wimbley was supposed to be.

Threats – The Braylon Edwards situation could become a distraction. Edwards is the most talented skill-position player on offense. However, at this pace, he could continue his regression that started last season. Couple Edwards’s situation with the fact that Joshua Cribbs is in his own contract dispute with the team, and there is a recipe for disaster.

Passing/Receiving the Torch – If Cribbs is in camp and Edwards is not, expect Cribbs to take the offensive playmaker torch and run with it. He’s a home-run threat. Now if he can just get his contract situation figured out.

Position Battle – There are many. However, all eyes will be on the QB battle. The race is neck and neck at this point.

Rookie Contributor – Alex Mack if he can beat out Hank Fraley. If Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi end up getting a lot of work during the season, it’s possible the team isn’t doing so well.



Pittsburgh Steelers

Strengths – Where don’t the Super Bowl Champs have strengths? The offensive skill position starters (Roethlisburger, Ward, Holmes, Parker and Miller) have started together for many years and work very well together. With playmakers like James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley playing outside of James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons, the Steelers could have the best set of 3-4 LBs in the league. The DBs are an underrated crew led by a beast, Troy Polamalu. Ryan Clark is no stranger to enhancing a beast safety (Sean Taylor). He is a great complimentary player.

Weaknesses – The offensive line gave up a lot of sacks during the season. The team didn’t do a good job of addressing that in the draft and free agency. The only good thing is that the line came together and did well in the playoffs.

Opportunities – Limas Sweed gets a nice shot at taking the #3 WR spot. Sweed might have been regarded as the top WR in the 2008 draft had it not been for the wrist injury. Rashard Mendenhall is coming off a major injury last season, but will have every opportunity to beat out Mewelde Moore for the back up RB spot.

Threats – This is the default for any Defending Super Bowl Champ. Teams will bring their best against the Steelers this season. It’s rare that a defending champ does better during their title defense.

Passing/Receiving the Torch – Santonio Holmes (gradually) from Hines Ward, as the #1 WR on the team. Holmes’s spectacular playmaking ability is much greater than Ward’s.

Position Battle – WR3: Limas Sweed vs. Shaun McDonald. The 3rd WR for the Steelers is always known for making big plays in clutch situations. Nate Washington was a perfect example. Sweed may be the favorite, but Shaun McDonald may be ready to do better now that he’s had a breath of fresh air outside of Detroit.

Rookie Contributor – Ziggy Hood should battle Brett Keisel for the starting DE spot opposite Aaron Smith. There are reports that Hood may already be penciled in as the starter.

So it's come to this...AFC-style

Yesterday, the NFC got its due. Today, it's AFC time.

Let's get a few things straight (again)...

The identity of the Ravens begins and ends with Ray Lewis. If you're looking for the emotional leader to watch during Wild Card weekend...look no further.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

AFC

..."The Guys You DREAM about Being"...
#1. (13-3) Tennessee Titans
Comment: Ever since the run for undefeated ended (not that anyone took it too seriously), the Titans did just enough - including a highly impressive home victory over the Steelers - to secure homefield throughout the AFC. Their reward? Potentially the suffocating defense of Baltimore OR the winner of the Colts/Bolts. Awesome, right?
Guy to Watch: Albert Haynesworth is the heart and soul of this defense. We get it. Nevertheless, if this team can't score enough points on offense, the Titans may be one-and-done. I'm looking at an aging Kerry Collins and wondering if his last playoff go-round will be his most memorable or not.

#2. (12-4) Pittsburgh Steelers
Comment: Big Ben should be fine and the Steelers will make the very most of their week off. Problem is, this team can be beat in Pittsburgh. How do I know this? David Garrard and a very different Jaguars team took some of the luster away from Heinz field last year. Nobody is walking into Pittsburgh intimidated anymore.
Guy to Watch: Santonio Holmes was a collosal fantasy dissapointment. Duh. Nevertheless, he has downfield ability and can open up lanes for both the rush game and for slot wideout/cheap-shot artist Hines Ward.

..The Guys Everyone Out of the Playoffs Wants to Be Next Year"...
#3. (11-5) Miami Dolphins
Comment: Just because the team beat teams it was "supposed to beat" doesn't mean it will lie down - at home - against the Ravens. Take care of the ball, slip Ted Ginn downfield a play or two, and bust open an unexpected special teams play or two and the game may be theirs. Playing with house money makes you very dangerous.
Guy to Watch: Ronnie Brown is the lone Dolphin Pro Bowler for a reason. His ability in the Wildcat Formation allows the Dolphins 4-5 chances a game to open up a big play. He'll need to be ready for a brutal pounding from the Raven defense. If he survives though, Miami might too.

...Yes, YOU can make the playoffs after starting 4-8...
#4. (8-8) San Diego Chargers
Comment: 4-8 and suddenly everything seems to go right. While LT's groin is an obvious issue, Phillip Rivers isn't the NFL's top-rated QB for no reason. As dangerous as the Colts are, you gotta know the Chargers have no fear about them coming into their house.
Guy to Watch: Antonio Cromartie has to be the elite shutdown cornerback many pegged him as after last year's sensational effort. While that's easier said then done against the likes of Manning/Wayne/Harrison, it's time for AC to go Prime Time.

..The Teams NOBODY Wants to See Right Now"...
#5. (12-4) Indianapolis Colts
Comment: The media loves this team and Peyton Manning likely has a third NFL MVP secured (although he did share one with McNair). Blah blah blah. Wake me up when something new is said.
Guy to Watch: Addai and Rhodes are behind the likes of Manning and Bob Sanders in acclaim; nevertheless, I want to see if these two backs can work the same chemistry they did two seasons ago en route to a championship.

#6. (11-5) Baltimore Ravens
Comment: The coordinators (Cameron & Ryan) have been the perfect duo behind their rookie head coach. Meanwhile, Ed Reed (9 INTs) is playing as well as any defender in football, the RB duo of McClain & McGahee (in that order) look terrific, and it's another rookie QB leading his team to 11 wins. How sweet.
Guy to Watch: Haloti Ngata was given a real tough time in Baltimore after being drafted, until he showed up on the field. Nowadays, he's perhaps the most athletic man - at his size - the NFL has seen in quite some time. He clogs the middle and allows those playmakers behind him to dominate. Not bad for a collegiate underachiever who "took plays off".

..."The 11-5 Team NOT in the NFL Playoffs"...
#7. (11-5) New England Patriots
Comment: I'm a bitter Jet fan, so I'm clinging to a pathetic notion that as long as the Pats are out...all is good. It's all I have...
Guy to Watch: Matt Cassell, of course.

..."The Same Old Jets"...
#8. (9-7) New York Jets
Comment: There's nothing left to say except, "same old Jets".
Guy to Watch: Vernon Gholston has an offseason to get ready for next year. 12 total tackles again may run him out of New York for good.

..."The Others"...
#9. (8-8) Houston Texans
Comment: Another season where they end well in Houston. Question is: when do they start well and put two-and-two together?
Guy to Watch: Steve Slaton has dynamic talent. Better get him a legit compliment in the first 3 rounds of the draft next season. Ahman Green can't be that guy.

#10. (8-8) Denver Broncos
Comment: One win in the final four weeks and we're all treated to yet another Colts/Broncos game. Thank god this team lost out.
Guy to Watch: The RB-position needs stability and some luck with injuries. Peyton Hillis ain't the answer, either.

#11. (7-9) Buffalo Bills
Comment: Dick Jauron should save his job; however, real answers are needed when you go from 5-1 to 7-9. Especially when you're winless (0-6) in the AFC East amidst those final 10 games.
Guy to Watch: Trent Edwards. Up-and-coming superstar my a**.

..."The Other Others"...
#12. (5-11) Oakland Raiders
Comment: Whether or not they hire a new coach is irrelevant. The team can't draft well and there's nothing stable in the locker room. 5-11 might be the best this team sees for the next few seasons.
Guy to Watch: JaMarcus Russell has shown glimpses. But are only glimpses what you expect from the #1 overall pick?

..."How the 'Mighty' Have Fallen..."
#13. (5-11) Jacksonville Jaguars
Comment: As dissapointing a team as the Green Bay Packers, the Jags are lucky their media market stinks and they aren't getting any play as total underachievers.
Guy to Watch: David Garrard sucked this year. That's being nice, too. Another ECU QB flameout? Probably.

...And then there's "THEM"...
#14. (4-11-1) Cincinnati Bengals
Comment: I love that people were stupid enough to believe in this organization.
Guy to Watch: Chad Ocho Cinco is a pariah. Ride his big mouth out of town if you want any chance of locker room continuity and self-respect.

#15. (4-12) Cleveland Browns
Comment: I called this record EXACTLY. Anyone who believed that this organization - behind Savage & Crenel - were playoff bound was an idiot. 4 QBs or not.
Guy to Watch: Brady Quinn is gonna need a lot of Myoplex to pull this organization out of the toilet. 10-6 was a fluke. A total fluke.

#16. (2-14) Kansas City Chiefs
Comment: It's gonna be a series of double-digit loss seasons for years to come...
Guy to Watch: Giving all that money to someone with the character of Larry Johnson will bury Carl Peterson's legacy in Kansas City. Probably serves him right, too.

PHSports Playoff previews and predictions start TOMORROW!!!