The American Football Conference North Division has
technically only been around since 2002 when the NFL realigned into eight
divisions of four teams. However, its
teams, the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and
Pittsburgh Steelers have a deep-rooted history in the NFL.
The AFC North contains the defending Super Bowl champion Ravens and a “below the radar” Bengals team that has made it into the playoffs the past two seasons. The other half of the division includes a Steelers team that has the most post NFL merger wins than any other franchise playing with a nasty chip on its shoulder pads and a Browns squad with a revamped front office and coaching staff aggressively looking to make changes and improve. Geographically, the most tightly packed division in the NFL; the AFC North will also be one of the most competitive. Here is my 2013 AFC North season preview.
Green Bay Loss
At Cleveland Win
New England Loss
At Buffalo Win
At Detroit Win
New York Jets Win
At Miami Win
At Baltimore Loss
Cleveland Win
At San Diego Win
Indianapolis Win
At Pittsburgh Loss
Minnesota Win
Baltimore Win
Key Losses: Manny Lawson, Nate Clements & Pat Sims
Last season at 10-6, the Bengals made the playoffs in
back-to-back seasons. However, this
year, there will not be an early exit.
The Bengals are the Bungals no more.
Last year’s defense was third in the league in sacks and look for that to continue with the help of All Pro defensive tackle Geno Atkins. Atkins is a monster in the middle and not only does he eat ball carriers like Scooby snacks, he should equal or exceed his last year’s sack total of 12.5. Adam Jones anchors a solid secondary and the addition of former Steelers tough guy, James Harrison, will bring a necessary roughness to the Bengals defense. Watch out for Hard Knocks Season 8 star, defensive end Margus Hunt. He will make the roster and he will contribute to the success of the season.
Who dey gonna beat dem Bengals? Not many, the big cats will go 12-4 this season and will be crowned division champions. 11-year head coach, Marvin Lewis, will have the fans in the Jungle in a frenzy as he directs his team into its third straight season of playoff action. For the Bengals, I hope this Dance lasts longer than the last two.
Chicago Loss
At Minnesota Win
At New York Jets Win
Baltimore Win
At Oakland Win
At New England Loss
Buffalo Win
Detroit Loss
At Cleveland Win
At Baltimore Loss
Miami Win
Cincinnati Win
At Green Bay Loss
Cleveland Win
Former Steelers’ No .1 WR, Mike Wallace, left a vapor trail and molted some steel on his way out of Steeler Country. However, Antonio Brown who “was showed the money” and free agent receiver Emmanuel Sanders who was “money blocked” away from the Patriots have put themselves into position for big seasons this year. Veteran WR Jerricho Cotchery will keep things in order while Steelers tight end, Heath Miller, recovering from knee surgery is set to return Week 6. The Steelers will miss WR Plaxico Burress who went down in training camp with a season-ending and possibly career-ending rotator cuff injury.
To bolster their running game, the Steelers drafted RB Le’Veon Bell out of Michigan State with the 48th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft. Bell is a workhorse. However, Bell is recently bothered by a mid-foot sprain (potential Lisfranc injury) and this will keep him out some regular season games. The recent addition of RB Felix Jones should lessen the loss of Bell.
The Steelers have a new offensive line coach and will be using a new zone blocking scheme. The revamped offiensive line will have some old players playing new positions and new players playing new positions. This could make for some early trouble in both the passing and running game.
Last season the Steelers’ offense ranked at the bottom in yards per play and yards per carry. With the resurgence of Brown, Sanders, the addition of Bell and the tutelage of Cotchery, Roethlisberger should have no trouble bringing the Steelers offense back from the bottom of the dumpster.
With the 17th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the Steelers selected linebacker Jarvis “Dawg Bones” Jones out of Georgia to help an already stingy defense. With the departure of “bad boy” James Harrison to the Bengals, Dawg Bones has an opportunity to make a name for him early and often this season. There are no superstars on the Steelers defense but as a collective unit, arguably no defense played better. The Steel Curtain finished tops in the defensive categories that matter most finishing first in total defense, first in yards allowed per play, first in passing defense and second in rushing defense. Look for Lawrence Timmons and Keenan Lewis to continue to improve their defensive prowess helping to keep the Steelers’ defense at the top of the pack.
With the reemergence of the offense coupled with the continued dominance from the defense, the Steelers look to improve this season to 11-5, earning them a wild card spot in the playoffs. With a ticket admitting them to the Dance, who knows who the Steelers will Tango in the company of.
Baltimore Ravens
(10-6)
Houston Loss
At Buffalo Win
Miami Win
Green Bay Loss
At Pittsburgh Loss
At Cleveland Win
Cincinnati Win
At Chicago Loss
New York Jets Win
Pittsburgh Win
Minnesota Win
At Detroit Win
New England Loss
At Cincinnati Loss
Key Additions: Elvis Dumervil, Matt Elam, Arthur
Brown, Brandon Stokley & Dallas Clark
Key Losses: Ray Lewis, Anquan Boldin, Ed Reed, Bernard Pollard, Paul Kruger & Dennis Pitta (Injury)
If Elvis Dumervil’s fax machine really wanted him to replace the hardworking, pass rusher, Paul Kruger.
If all of these astrological tarot card-reading possibilities fall into place, the Ravens will earn their 10 victories and a wild card spot in the 2013 playoffs. Besides, who knows, “if” they get into the Dance, anything can happen.
Miami Win
At Baltimore Loss
At Minnesota Win
Cincinnati Loss
Buffalo Win
Detroit Win
At Green Bay Loss
At Kansas City Win
Baltimore Loss
At Cincinnati Loss
Pittsburgh Loss
Jacksonville Win
At New England Loss
Chicago Loss
At New York Jets Win
At Pittsburgh Loss
Key Losses: Ben Watson, Sheldon Brown & Joshua Cribbs
The Cleveland Browns last season were a paltry 5-11.
Do not get me wrong, the Browns have talented players such as Trent Richardson, Jordan Cameron, Josh Gordon, D’Qwell Jackson, and Joe Haden. The one variable is the sub-par play of QB, Brandon Weeden. Only four QBs threw interceptions on a higher percentage of their passes than Weeden, and only Mark Sanchez (blah) had a lower total QBR, which accounts for all of a quarterback’s impact on the game. Putting Weeden in the same sentence as Sanchez should be enough motivation for Weeden. Fortunately, for Weeden, coach Chudzinski and coach Turner have implemented a vertical passing attack that is more suited for Weeden’s talents than the West Coast system the Browns had last season. Weeden needs to show marked improvement or the occupants of Browns Territory will be calling for a burning at the stake.
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The AFC North contains the defending Super Bowl champion Ravens and a “below the radar” Bengals team that has made it into the playoffs the past two seasons. The other half of the division includes a Steelers team that has the most post NFL merger wins than any other franchise playing with a nasty chip on its shoulder pads and a Browns squad with a revamped front office and coaching staff aggressively looking to make changes and improve. Geographically, the most tightly packed division in the NFL; the AFC North will also be one of the most competitive. Here is my 2013 AFC North season preview.
Cincinnati Bengals
(12-4) [Division Champion]
2013 schedule and projected result:
At Chicago Win
Pittsburgh WinGreen Bay Loss
At Cleveland Win
New England Loss
At Buffalo Win
At Detroit Win
New York Jets Win
At Miami Win
At Baltimore Loss
Cleveland Win
At San Diego Win
Indianapolis Win
At Pittsburgh Loss
Minnesota Win
Baltimore Win
Key Additions: Tyler Eifert, Giovani Bernard &
James Harrison
Key Losses: Manny Lawson, Nate Clements & Pat Sims
The Bengals offense will be one of the best in the NFL this
season with superstar wide receiver A.J. Green and tight end tandem of Jermaine
Gresham and fresh faced rookie Tyler Eifert out of Notre Dame. Steadily improving third-year quarterback
Andy Dalton now has two years of playoff experience under his chinstrap and
looks to lead this supercharged offense.
The “Law Firm” Benny Ellis still glued to the pigskin will eventually
split time with speedy rookie, Giovani Bernard, who gives the Bengals’ running
game a “Barry Sanders” like feel. Look
for a breakout year for much maligned WR Brandon Tate. Tate will emerge as a very serviceable No. 2
pass catcher alongside megastar Green.
Last year’s defense was third in the league in sacks and look for that to continue with the help of All Pro defensive tackle Geno Atkins. Atkins is a monster in the middle and not only does he eat ball carriers like Scooby snacks, he should equal or exceed his last year’s sack total of 12.5. Adam Jones anchors a solid secondary and the addition of former Steelers tough guy, James Harrison, will bring a necessary roughness to the Bengals defense. Watch out for Hard Knocks Season 8 star, defensive end Margus Hunt. He will make the roster and he will contribute to the success of the season.
Who dey gonna beat dem Bengals? Not many, the big cats will go 12-4 this season and will be crowned division champions. 11-year head coach, Marvin Lewis, will have the fans in the Jungle in a frenzy as he directs his team into its third straight season of playoff action. For the Bengals, I hope this Dance lasts longer than the last two.
Pittsburgh Steelers
(10-6)
2013 schedule and projected result:
Tennessee Win
At Cincinnati LossChicago Loss
At Minnesota Win
At New York Jets Win
Baltimore Win
At Oakland Win
At New England Loss
Buffalo Win
Detroit Loss
At Cleveland Win
At Baltimore Loss
Miami Win
Cincinnati Win
At Green Bay Loss
Cleveland Win
Key Additions: Jarvis Jones & Le’Veon Bell
Last Season the Steelers were a disappointing 8-8 and that
is only because of a mid-season Ben Roethlisberger injury. Otherwise, this team could have had an 11-win
season. The Steelers at 8-8 missed the
playoffs in 2012 for only the third time in the last 10 years. This has the terrible towels raving mad and
you will notice it on the field because this year, the Steelers have something
to prove.
Former Steelers’ No .1 WR, Mike Wallace, left a vapor trail and molted some steel on his way out of Steeler Country. However, Antonio Brown who “was showed the money” and free agent receiver Emmanuel Sanders who was “money blocked” away from the Patriots have put themselves into position for big seasons this year. Veteran WR Jerricho Cotchery will keep things in order while Steelers tight end, Heath Miller, recovering from knee surgery is set to return Week 6. The Steelers will miss WR Plaxico Burress who went down in training camp with a season-ending and possibly career-ending rotator cuff injury.
To bolster their running game, the Steelers drafted RB Le’Veon Bell out of Michigan State with the 48th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft. Bell is a workhorse. However, Bell is recently bothered by a mid-foot sprain (potential Lisfranc injury) and this will keep him out some regular season games. The recent addition of RB Felix Jones should lessen the loss of Bell.
The Steelers have a new offensive line coach and will be using a new zone blocking scheme. The revamped offiensive line will have some old players playing new positions and new players playing new positions. This could make for some early trouble in both the passing and running game.
Last season the Steelers’ offense ranked at the bottom in yards per play and yards per carry. With the resurgence of Brown, Sanders, the addition of Bell and the tutelage of Cotchery, Roethlisberger should have no trouble bringing the Steelers offense back from the bottom of the dumpster.
With the 17th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the Steelers selected linebacker Jarvis “Dawg Bones” Jones out of Georgia to help an already stingy defense. With the departure of “bad boy” James Harrison to the Bengals, Dawg Bones has an opportunity to make a name for him early and often this season. There are no superstars on the Steelers defense but as a collective unit, arguably no defense played better. The Steel Curtain finished tops in the defensive categories that matter most finishing first in total defense, first in yards allowed per play, first in passing defense and second in rushing defense. Look for Lawrence Timmons and Keenan Lewis to continue to improve their defensive prowess helping to keep the Steelers’ defense at the top of the pack.
With the reemergence of the offense coupled with the continued dominance from the defense, the Steelers look to improve this season to 11-5, earning them a wild card spot in the playoffs. With a ticket admitting them to the Dance, who knows who the Steelers will Tango in the company of.
2013 schedule and projected result:
At Denver Win
Cleveland WinHouston Loss
At Buffalo Win
Miami Win
Green Bay Loss
At Pittsburgh Loss
At Cleveland Win
Cincinnati Win
At Chicago Loss
New York Jets Win
Pittsburgh Win
Minnesota Win
At Detroit Win
New England Loss
At Cincinnati Loss
Key Losses: Ray Lewis, Anquan Boldin, Ed Reed, Bernard Pollard, Paul Kruger & Dennis Pitta (Injury)
The Baltimore Ravens finished last season at 10-6 and they
went on to win the Super Bowl. It was an
incredible run with inspirational speeches, an improbable 4th and 29
first down conversion and out-of-this-world play by certain departed
individuals. For the Ravens to get back
to the playoff promise land they will need to earn, yard-by-yard, every one of
their 10 wins this season. Nothing will
come easy for the defending Super Bowl Champion Ravens and that is just how
they like it.
As the NFL gods aligned the stars for the Ravens’ Super Bowl
run, they will need to perform similar magic to get them to 10 wins. The Ravens’ season is a season of “ifs.” If QB Joe Flacco can produce in the regular
season like he did in the 2012 playoffs, 11 touchdowns to zero interception and
58 percent completion percentage.
If RB Ray Rice can continue to be Ray Rice and rush for 1,143
yards, 9 touchdowns, and 4.4 yards per carry.
If WR Torrey Smith can continue to developed into a deep threat
and average or exceed his 17 plus yards a reception.
If new additions TE Dallas Clark and WR Brandon Stokley can provide
the veteran leadership and over the middle pass catching ability and fill the
void left by injured TE Dennis Pitta.
If the Ravens' first two picks in the draft, Matt Elam and
Arthur Brown, will be able to dive into the deep end and shine for the departed
Ed Reed and Ray Lewis.
If Elvis Dumervil’s fax machine really wanted him to replace the hardworking, pass rusher, Paul Kruger.
If all of these astrological tarot card-reading possibilities fall into place, the Ravens will earn their 10 victories and a wild card spot in the 2013 playoffs. Besides, who knows, “if” they get into the Dance, anything can happen.
Cleveland Browns
(7-9)
2013 schedule and projected result
Miami Win
At Baltimore Loss
At Minnesota Win
Cincinnati Loss
Buffalo Win
Detroit Win
At Green Bay Loss
At Kansas City Win
Baltimore Loss
At Cincinnati Loss
Pittsburgh Loss
Jacksonville Win
At New England Loss
Chicago Loss
At New York Jets Win
At Pittsburgh Loss
Key Additions: The Front Office and Coaching Staff,
Paul Kruger, Quentin Groves, Davone Bess & Barkevious Mingo
Key Losses: Ben Watson, Sheldon Brown & Joshua Cribbs
New owner Jimmy Haslam purchased the Cleveland Browns in the
middle of last season and changes would follow.
There is now a new general manager, Mike Lombardi, head coach, Rob
Chudzinski, offensive coordinator, Norv Turner and defensive coordinator, Ray
Horton. That is a complete overall of
the Browns’ system. In Boston, we call
this a “bridge year.” This is transition
time for the Browns and traditionally, teams in transition do not win
championships.
Do not get me wrong, the Browns have talented players such as Trent Richardson, Jordan Cameron, Josh Gordon, D’Qwell Jackson, and Joe Haden. The one variable is the sub-par play of QB, Brandon Weeden. Only four QBs threw interceptions on a higher percentage of their passes than Weeden, and only Mark Sanchez (blah) had a lower total QBR, which accounts for all of a quarterback’s impact on the game. Putting Weeden in the same sentence as Sanchez should be enough motivation for Weeden. Fortunately, for Weeden, coach Chudzinski and coach Turner have implemented a vertical passing attack that is more suited for Weeden’s talents than the West Coast system the Browns had last season. Weeden needs to show marked improvement or the occupants of Browns Territory will be calling for a burning at the stake.
The defense was average last season but switching to a 3-4
this year will cause huge growing pains.
Free agent signee Paul Kruger and first round pick Barkevious Mingo will
beef up the pass rush. However, Mingo
recently went down with a bruised lung and the seriousness of that injury is
unknown. Chris Owens will help solidify
the secondary while waiting for third round pick, Leon McFadden, to get his NFL
legs and be ready to play.
The Browns will not make it to the playoffs this year and will
receive no invitation to the Dance. This
is a team in transition and the new management will be on the outskirts of the
dance floor looking at the rest of the division doing the Waltz while they discuss
a top-10 pick in next year’s NFL draft.
I have the Browns at (7-9) this season and that is a respectable record
considering all of the new changes.
However, they could easily see themselves back at (5-11) if they do not
win the games even the new management expects them to win.
So there you have it, my 2013 AFC North season preview. Like it or hate it, let me know.
Talk football talk cigars talk anything, I know a little about a lot.
Follow @TheNFLInjuryRpt
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