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Team Reviews AFC North
By Derek Harper
7/29/2010
BALTIMORE: B+ -- The build-from-within concept that has made the Ravens perennial contenders in the AFC North deviated slightly this offseason. Baltimore traded draft picks to Arizona to acquire wide receiver Anquan Boldin after having already struck a one-year deal with Donte' Stallworth. Boldin adds a legitimate No. 1 receiver for blossoming quarterback Joe Flacco in an offense that now has very good depth at the skill positions and won't have to be as reliant on Ray Rice and the running game.
The Ravens had a very good offensive line by the end of last season. Michael Oher, a starter at right tackle as a rookie, has moved to the left side and Jared Gaither will flip from left to right, provided his off-season nagging foot injury doesn't keep him off the field.
The Ravens believe they've upgraded the roster again through the draft, and the defense was restocked with linebacker Sergio Kindle and defensive linemen Terrence Cody and Arthur Jones. They also signed veteran safety Ken Hamlin as possible insurance if Ed Reed, who had off-season hip surgery, has a setback.
A final upgrade on special teams should benefit the team richly after juggling multiple players at place-kicker in 2009. Billy Cundiff remains on the roster, but he's not long for the team after former Bengals K Shayne Graham was signed in June.
CINCINNATI: B -- The Bengals added Terrell Owens and Antonio Bryant to work alongside receiver Chad Ochocinco. Another free agent, Matt Jones, and rookie Jordan Shipley should nicely round out a receiving corps that needed attention. But Carson Palmer's top downfield threat might just become first-round pick Jermaine Gresham, a tight end who runs like a receiver but has great size and hands. Cincinnati had discussed a new deal for running back Cedric Benson before training camp. He's gained 2,167 rushing yards in 24 games with the Bengals, including 10 100-yard games.
The Bengals were able to retain most of their key free agents. Defensive tackle Tank Johnson and safety Roy Williams re-signed, and running back Larry Johnson found a better offer in Washington. Of the notable losses, wide receiver Laveranues Coles was released and kicker Shayne Graham wasn't offered a deal after two critical misses in the playoff loss to the Jets. Journeymen Dave Rayner and Mike Nugent are competing for the kicking job.
The defense was a major factor in the team's renaissance in 2009. It was faster and more physical, and now coach Marvin Lewis believes the depth has been vastly improved across the defense. For example, Cincinnati is taking 19 defensive backs to training camp -- including newly signed corner Pacman Jones and safety Gibril Wilson -- but the cut line won't be obvious entering camp.
CLEVELAND: B -- The facelift began almost immediately after Mike Holmgren was hired to oversee the Browns' operation and changes came fast and furious through the draft.
Holmgren traded Brady Quinn to Denver and released Derek Anderson, leaving a quarterback competition that will pit Jake Delhomme against Seneca Wallace. Delhomme was released by Carolina in the offseason and Wallace, who played for Holmgren in Seattle, was acquired via trade. The assumption has been Delhomme will start, but coach Eric Mangini said in late June that nothing had been decided. The Browns don't have a great group of receivers and will lean on the running game.
Running back Jamal Lewis was released, giving rookie second-round pick Montario Hardesty of Tennessee a chance to replace one of his idols. Jerome Harrison, who might not have the build to be an every-down option, remains in the mix and Peyton Hillis, acquired in the Quinn deal, could find a niche, too. Tight end Benjamin Watson and offensive tackle Tony Pashos were the team's other significant free-agent signings on offense.
The defense received plenty of attention. New are linebackers Chris Gocong (trade; Eagles) and Scott Fujita (UFA; Saints), cornerbacks Sheldon Brown (trade; Eagles) and Joe Haden (seventh overall draft pick) and hard-hitting draft picks T.J. Ward and Larry Asante at safety. The Browns traded their sack leader, Kamerion Wimbley (6.5), to the Raiders for a third-round draft choice (used to select quarterback Colt McCoy).
PITTSBURGH: C -- Any other year, the Steelers signing backup Byron Leftwich would be back page news. This isn't any other year because, well, Leftwich isn't the backup.
He's expected to start at least the first four games with Ben Roethlisberger's off-season drama putting him on the sideline for up to six games. That changes the offense dramatically, as does subtracting the team's Super Bowl MVP and big-play receiver, Santonio Holmes, via trade to the Jets.
All signs point to a concerted effort by coach Mike Tomlin and director of football operations Kevin Colbert to retrofit the team in a throwback identity of smash-mouth football on both sides of the ball. Retro was a serious theme in Pittsburgh. Former Steelers Leftwich, Antwaan Randle El, Larry Foote and Bryant McFadden are back as is 72-year-old defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, all while keeping top free agents in defensive tackle Casey Hampton, safety Ryan Clark and kicker Jeff Reed.
With Willie Parker gone, the spotlight is squarely on Rashard Mendenhall. The former first-round pick has good straight-line speed, and Tomlin said he's "intrigued" by a number of more physical short-yardage options, including sixth-round draft pick Jonathan Dwyer. The offensive line has been shaky in recent seasons and the June injury to Willie Colon could lead to further instability. Rookie Maurkice Pouncey, the team's top pick in April, could start at guard or center. Mike Wallace, a surprise standout as a rookie, will start in Holmes' stead.
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