2009 NFL Season Preview: AFC North
The AFC North was perhaps the league’s most polarized division in 2008, producing both teams that made it to the AFC Championship as well as the eventual Super Bowl champion. On the other end, both the Bengals and Browns earned the top 10 picks in the 2009 Draft. How will this blue-collar division fare in 2009?
Baltimore Ravens (predicted: 11-5, 2008: 11-5)
All eyes will be on second-year quarterback Joe Flacco as he tries to repeat his rookie year success in not preventing the Ravens from making it all the way to the AFC Championship game. The departure of longtime defensive coordinator Rex Ryan to the Jets leaves the defense, traditionally Baltimore’s strongpoint, in transition as many of their stars are aging. To make it to the Super Bowl, Flacco and the Ravens are going to have to figure out a way to close out games against division rival Pittsburgh.
Key Question: Are the Ravens’ young cornerbacks ready to play against the likes of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rogers?
Player to Watch: DE/OLB Terrell Suggs. After being awarded the most lucrative contract at his position in league history, Suggs needs to at least repeat or improve upon a stellar 2008 campaign.
Cincinnati Bengals (predicted: 6-10, 2008: 4-11-1)
For once it wasn’t the Bengals’ defense that threw away their season. Carson Palmer’s injury problems plagued an ineffective Bengals offense that averaged just 12.5 points per game in the later half of 2008. The departure of dependable receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh should be somewhat offset by Palmer’s return if he can manage to stay on the field.
Key Question: Why does Marvin Lewis still have a job?
Player to Watch: RB Cedric Benson. After Chicago cut their losses, Benson spent some time out of the league before the Bengals signed him before week 4, becoming a somewhat-luminous spot in an otherwise awful season. Can Benson resurrect his career in Cincinnati?
Cleveland Browns (predicted: 3-13, 2008: 4-12)
It doesn’t really matter who starts at quarterback for the Browns, unless they can somehow get Tom Brady away from New England. While the offense has the right tools to be effective, the defense would put even an Arena team to shame. The Browns’ long-term prospects should be looking up, but the Mangenius isn’t going to be able to replicate the “success” he had in New York as quickly in Cleveland.
Key Question: Will Braylon “Butterfingers” Edwards be able to contribute to his team this season, or is he going to be another drive-killer?
Player to Watch: LB D’Qwell Jackson. After a breakout 2008 (95 solo tackles, 59 assists, 2 sacks, 3 INT), Jackson will look to thrive behind nose tackle Shaun Rogers in Eric Mangini’s 3-4.
Pittsburgh Steelers (predicted: 12-4, 2008: 12-4)
The 2008-2009 Super Bowl Champions, the Steelers enter 2009-2010 without any glaring weaknesses. While a dismal 3.7 rushing YPA and a pedestrian 7.1 passing YPA, the Steelers will continue to rely on their stellar defense anchored by undoubtedly the best linebacker corps in the league (James Harrison, James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley). With an easier schedule including the minor leagues (also known as the NFC West), the Steelers are primed for a deep playoff run.
Key Question: Will improved offensive line play be able to give the Steelers defense a little more breathing room on offense?
Player to Watch: WR Santonio Holmes. After making what NFL Films chief Steve Sabol called the “best catch in Super Bowl history” against the Cardinals, Holmes’ post-season play took the spotlight off from a rather unexciting regular season campaign. With Hines Ward not getting any younger, Holmes needs to start contending as the legitimate downfield threat he was drafted to be.
Up next: the AFC South.
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