AFC North Offseason Thoughts

As another NFL offeason winds down and we begin to look towards training camps, I figured I would briefly discuss the moves and changes made to the Ravens as well as the other three AFC North teams.

Baltimore Ravens

Pickups:
Anquan Boldin, Dante Stallworth, Cory Redding (DT)

Notable Draftees:
Sergio Kindle (LB), Terrence Cody (DT), Ed Dickson (TE), Dennis Pitta (TE)

Losses:
Justin Bannan (DT), Dwan Edwards (DT), Kelley Washington (WR)

Analysis:

As of now I'd have to think that the Ravens are the odds-on favorites to take the division in 2010. Their major weakness, wide receiver, was more than taken care of this offseason with the trade acquisition of Anquan Boldin, the signing of the wayward but talented Donte Stallworth, and the pickups of two exciting young tight ends in the NFL Draft. In addition, Derrick Mason is back for another year, which should not be overlooked considering he is by far Flacco's favorite target. Of course, Mr. Boldin could have something to say about that this year.
On the other side of the ball, the Ravens got younger, which was one of their offseason goals. Terrence Cody could and should be a run-stopping beast this year, but questions about his stamina remain. Also, OLB Sergio Kindle has the potential to cure some of their pass-rushing problems. On the downside, the Ravens cornerback depth is questionable, particularly because of the knee rehabs of Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb. Washington is definitely farther along than Webb in his recovery, but Webb had more on-field success between the two last season. It will be interesting to see how this story develops throughout training camp.

Cincinnati Bengals

Pickups:
Matt Jones (WR), Mike Nugent (K), Adam "Pacman" Jones (CB), Gibril Wilson (CB)

Notable Draftees:
Jermaine Gresham (TE), Carlos Dunlap (DE), Jordan Shipley (WR)

Losses:
Laveranues Coles (WR), Jeremi Johnson (FB)

Analysis:

The Bengals didn't exactly improve their image with the recent signing of Pacman Jones, and it makes you wonder what exactly they were thinking. Jones has yet to show that he can focus on football for an extended period of time without any problems outside the lines. Luckily, the Bengals already have some good talent at the position. Cincinnati will be feeling pressure this coming year to repeat the regular season success they enjoyed last year. Of course, now their fans will really be clamoring for a serious playoff run. If the offense can find any sort of deep threat and the defense continues to develop, the Bengals could certainly give the fans what they truly want. With the Steelers taking a step back, it could be a battle with Baltimore for the division.

Cleveland Browns

Pickups:
Jake Delhomme (QB), Antonio Bryant (WR), Scott Fujita (LB), Tony Pashos (OT), Seneca Wallace (QB), Alex Smith (TE)

Notable Draftees:
Joe Haden (CB), TJ Ward (FS), Montario Hardesty (RB), Colt McCoy (QB)

Losses:
Hank Fraley (OT), Jamal Lewis (RB), Brady Quinn (QB), Derek Anderson (QB)

Analysis:

Cleveland is clearly a team in transition whose goals for the 2010 season will not include fighting for a playoff spot. Alas, their is hope in the form of Mike Holmgren, who will prove his front office acumen. Fans in Cleveland are banking on a successful turn. This year's training camp will see all new faces at quarterback, with veteran Jake Delhomme pegged as the early favorite to start when the season begins. The Browns added to their new QB depth with the signing of Seneca Wallace and the drafting of Colt McCoy. There's no doubt that despite the lowered expectations in Cleveland, the fans will be very excited to see all the new faces.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pickups:
Antwaan Randle-El (WR), Arnaz Battle (WR), Will Allen (CB), Larry Foote (LB), Byron Leftwich (QB)

Notable Draftees:
Maurkice Pouncey (C), Jason Worilds (DE)

Losses:
Santonio Holmes (WR), Willie Parker (RB), Deshea Townsend (CB)

Analysis:

Another year, another Ben Roethlisberger offseason controversy. This time around, the consequences have been even worse, at least from a team standpoint, with Roethlisberger's six-game suspension. One of those first six games will be an always-critical matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. When Ben does come back, he will no longer have the luxury of seeing his big-play receiver, Santonio Holmes, who was traded away to the New York Jets. This will most likely have considerable effect on the effectiveness of the Steeler offense. WRs Arnaz Battle and former Steeler Antwaan Randle-El were brought in to fill this new gaping hole. Despite all the seemingly negative transactions that have marked Pittsburgh's offseason, it would be wise for opposing teams not to underestimate them, as they still have most of the star playmakers that helped them reach the Super Bowl in the not-that-distant past.