Predictions for the 2009 AFC North Division
Steelers Fans want Seventh Ring, Mangini Names Quinn as Starter
Sep 10, 2009 Derek J Griebenow
The AFC North could finish any number of ways, but the division winner won't change as the Steelers are the team to beat. Here's how the division will stack up in 2009.
Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5 +/- 1 win
Baltimore Ravens 9-7 +/- 1 win
Cincinnatti Bengals 7-9 +/- 1 win
Cleveland Browns 6-10 +/- 2 wins
Big Ben Roethlisberger has done nothing but win since being drafted in the first round in 2004 out of Miami, Ohio. In the regular season Ben is 42-20 and only getting better.
2009 Steelers Bottom Line
The Steelers won an NFL record sixth ring last season and have returned 20 of 22 starters. If the rushing attack of Rashard Mendenhall (played just 4 games) and Willie Parker (missed 5 games) can stay healthy, Pittsburgh will be extremely tough to beat.
Roethlisberger has two Super Bowl MVP's to throw the ball to in Hines Ward ( SB XL) and last years MVP Santonio Holmes. Ward is his security blanket while Holmes is the game breaker.
The offensive line started slow last year as four players were first year starters, all return and seem to have gelled. Ben and his running backs should improve because of this.
The defense is as scary as any in the league as it is full of hard-hitting players. Safety Troy Polamalu can do it all and wreaks havoc on anything coming his way. Linebackers LaMarr Woodley (11.5 sacks in '08) and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, James Harrison (16 sacks) scare quarterbacks and running backs out of their socks.
The defense should continue making it difficult for opponents to score (223 points allowed ranked no.1) and maintain their no. 1 overall defensive rank in 2009.
The Ravens defense may have taken a hit by losing linebacker Bart Scott to the Jets, but as long as Ray Lewis remains the heart, they'll be competitive nonetheless.
2009 Ravens Bottom Line
Franchise quarterback Joe Flacco made history by being the first rookie to lead his team to two playoff wins; only to be knocked out by....Pittsburgh. He will have to have big seasons from tight end Todd Heap and retired/unretired receiver Derrick Mason. Drew Bennett hopes to produce as well for a thin receiving corps.
The Ravens ranked 4th in rushing offense in 2008 thanks to the tandem of rookie Ray Rice (454 yards), Le'Ron McClain (902), and Willis McGahee (671). Look for the Ravens to continue running the ball down opponents in '09 as controlling time of possesion is their game.
The defense ranked no.2 behind...Pittsburgh but may take a step back in '09; or not. Ray Lewis is 34-years-old but still has a ton of fire in him. Scott will be missed but they still have Terrell Suggs (8 sacks, 2 INT for TD in '08) to make plays.
The secondary is lead by safety Ed Reed (NFL best 9 INT in '08) who is always close to the ball. Corners Fabian Washington and Dominique Foxworth can keep up with any receiver in the league (including Moss).
The offense having success will be the Ravens rise or fall since the defense will likely hold their own.
The Bengals hope Chad Ochocino can keep his head in the game and Carson Palmer can stay healthy for sixteen games.
2009 Bengals Bottom Line
Quarterback Carson Palmer missed twelve games with a bum elbow in 2008 but is healthy again; but for how long?
Palmer has weapons in Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles, and Chris Henry to distribute the ball to. Once again though, staying healthy is key. Also, running back Cedric Benson must continue being the bruising back he finally came to be last year (747 yards).
The defense is inconsistent at best but did finish 2008 ranked no.12. Rookie linebaker Ray Maualuga is hoped to bring the fire an intensity to a defense with no identity.
Former Cowboy, safety Roy Williams, pairs with Chris Crocker to create a very physical safety duo. The defensive line has to produce more pressure on the quarterback, otherwise their young corners will end up getting burnt every week.
Head coach Eric Mangini probaly isn't the answer in Cleveland. Afterall, they fired Romeo Crennel (former Patriots defensive coordinator) for the Pats former offensive mind. Doesn't make much sense.
2009 Browns Bottom Line
Brady Quinn should be the starter on this team for years to come. Quinn is a native of Cleveland and actually wants to be there. Quinn has a chance to be a star in the NFL; if he had some receivers.
Kellen Winslow (Bucs) is no longer there to provide a security blanket to he quarterback. Receiver Braylon Edwards went from Pro-Bowl to bust in the span of a season. Edwards had sixteen touchdowns in '07, just three in '08.
Running back Jamal Lewis is 30-years-old and rushed for just over 1,000 yards last year. If he goes down, the Browns don't have a chance sine they have no depth behind Lewis.
The defense failed ownership misereably finishing 26th in 2008. Nose tackle Shaun Rogers was their best player and end Corey Williams battled a shoulder injury all year. With williams healthy and Kenyon Coleman brought aboard; the line should add pressure to the quarterback in '09.
The weakness is the secondary. Both cornerbacks enter their third season and got burnt deep to often in 2008. Maybe a better pass rush will help them progress. If not, it will be another loooong season for the Dawg Pound.
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