NFL Nation: AFC North
There are so many positives surrounding the Bengals' organization these days. They're coming off a surprising playoff season. They are returning two young offensive stars in A.J. Green and Andy Dalton. And they're having one of the best offseasons of any team in the league.
Then, like so many times over the past year, the franchise's name is getting put in the headline with another player in legal trouble. Bengals undrafted rookie Brandon Joiner was sentenced Wednesday to three years in prison on charges stemming from a 2007 incident that occurred when he was playing at Texas A&M, according to the Bryan-College Station Eagle.
Technically, Joiner didn't get in trouble while being a member of the Bengals. That still doesn't answer the bigger question: Why do the Bengals get involved with such players? Why are they bringing in a player with this type of history? I understand that football players are hardly choir boys, but Joiner was indicted in January 2008 for robbing a drug dealer at gunpoint.
The Bengals should be the last team taking a chance on Joiner. They've had four players get in trouble with the law over the past 10 months: running back Cedric Benson, cornerback Adam Jones, wide receiver Jerome Simpson and linebacker Rey Maualuga. Benson and Jones both had legal incidents before the Bengals signed them.
In other news, the Bengals signed first-round pick Kevin Zeitler, the team announced. Of course, this positive move is overshadowed by another player in a courtroom.
Then, like so many times over the past year, the franchise's name is getting put in the headline with another player in legal trouble. Bengals undrafted rookie Brandon Joiner was sentenced Wednesday to three years in prison on charges stemming from a 2007 incident that occurred when he was playing at Texas A&M, according to the Bryan-College Station Eagle.
Technically, Joiner didn't get in trouble while being a member of the Bengals. That still doesn't answer the bigger question: Why do the Bengals get involved with such players? Why are they bringing in a player with this type of history? I understand that football players are hardly choir boys, but Joiner was indicted in January 2008 for robbing a drug dealer at gunpoint.
The Bengals should be the last team taking a chance on Joiner. They've had four players get in trouble with the law over the past 10 months: running back Cedric Benson, cornerback Adam Jones, wide receiver Jerome Simpson and linebacker Rey Maualuga. Benson and Jones both had legal incidents before the Bengals signed them.
In other news, the Bengals signed first-round pick Kevin Zeitler, the team announced. Of course, this positive move is overshadowed by another player in a courtroom.
Keenan Lewis predicts Pro Bowl season
May, 25, 2012
May 25
10:30
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By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
Steelers cornerback Keenan Lewis voiced high expectations for himself after the third practice of the offseason.
"Pro Bowl," Lewis told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Watch out, this is going to be a big year right here."
This would be a bold prediction for someone entering his first season as a starter. This is even bolder considering Lewis isn't a lock to be a starter this season.
Lewis is competing against two draft picks from last year, Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown. Allen, a fourth-round pick, played on the Steelers' nickel defense like Lewis did last season. Brown, a third-round pick, is considered a favorite of the coaching staff.
Lewis' prediction begs a bigger question: What is going on with the players in the AFC North this offseason?
The Ravens' Joe Flacco thinks he's the best quarterback in the NFL. Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb wants to be the NFL's best cornerback.
Now Lewis is announcing his grand plan for the season despite having one NFL start to his credit. Even if Lewis wins a starting job with the Steelers, it's going to be tough for him to be the top cornerback on his team (Ike Taylor) and in the division (Webb and Joe Haden), much less make the Pro Bowl.
I understand the importance of playing with confidence, especially at the cornerback position. You just wish that some players would go out there and quietly prove it instead of announcing it to the football world.
"Pro Bowl," Lewis told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Watch out, this is going to be a big year right here."
Lewis is competing against two draft picks from last year, Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown. Allen, a fourth-round pick, played on the Steelers' nickel defense like Lewis did last season. Brown, a third-round pick, is considered a favorite of the coaching staff.
Lewis' prediction begs a bigger question: What is going on with the players in the AFC North this offseason?
The Ravens' Joe Flacco thinks he's the best quarterback in the NFL. Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb wants to be the NFL's best cornerback.
Now Lewis is announcing his grand plan for the season despite having one NFL start to his credit. Even if Lewis wins a starting job with the Steelers, it's going to be tough for him to be the top cornerback on his team (Ike Taylor) and in the division (Webb and Joe Haden), much less make the Pro Bowl.
I understand the importance of playing with confidence, especially at the cornerback position. You just wish that some players would go out there and quietly prove it instead of announcing it to the football world.
Pouncey says Colon can be great at guard
May, 25, 2012
May 25
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By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
The Steelers' Willie Colon isn't taking the move from tackle to guard personally. In his mind, the team sees him as a good tackle who can be a great guard.
Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey feels the same way and thinks Colon will thrive at his new spot at left guard.
"He’ll probably be one of the best guards in the league right now," Pouncey told The Fan in Pittsburgh, via SportsRadioInterviews.com. "He’s working really hard on his technique right now, he’s a big guy to move guys out of there, and I’m happy he’s right there next to me.”
It's the right move because it gets the Steelers' best five linemen on the field at once. Plus, there is an advantage of having a veteran like Colon next to rookie second-round pick Mike Adams. With Colon's experience at tackle, he can be a mentor for Adams, who is expected to start at left tackle.
One reason why Pouncey thinks Colon will excel at guard is his mentality.
“Willie’s got that dog in him," Pouncey said. "He’s a go-getter. He’s definitely going to go out out there and fight every play.”
Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey feels the same way and thinks Colon will thrive at his new spot at left guard.
"He’ll probably be one of the best guards in the league right now," Pouncey told The Fan in Pittsburgh, via SportsRadioInterviews.com. "He’s working really hard on his technique right now, he’s a big guy to move guys out of there, and I’m happy he’s right there next to me.”
It's the right move because it gets the Steelers' best five linemen on the field at once. Plus, there is an advantage of having a veteran like Colon next to rookie second-round pick Mike Adams. With Colon's experience at tackle, he can be a mentor for Adams, who is expected to start at left tackle.
One reason why Pouncey thinks Colon will excel at guard is his mentality.
“Willie’s got that dog in him," Pouncey said. "He’s a go-getter. He’s definitely going to go out out there and fight every play.”
Give Harrison credit for not backing down
May, 25, 2012
May 25
9:30
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
James Harrison doesn't always criticize NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in a tasteful manner, but you have to give the Steelers linebacker some credit for standing up to him again and again.
HarrisonOther players would have gone silent after receiving more than $100,000 in fines from the NFL and becoming the first player suspended under the league's stricter guidelines for player safety. Not Harrison. He goes after Goodell harder than he does Joe Flacco.
Harrison doesn't take shots at Goodell simply out of bitterness. His beef is with Goodell's power, which goes unchecked in certain situations.
That's why Harrison is applauding Jonathan Vilma's defamation lawsuit against Goodell. "It is really a win-win, whether he wins the case or if he loses it," Harrison said Wednesday. "If he loses it, it shows that Goodell does have too much power and if he wins it, it opens up the floodgates."
You can dislike Harrison for his controversial hits. You can think Harrison is disrespectful and crossed the line with Goodell last year when he said, "If that man was on fire and I had to piss to put him out, I wouldn't do it. I hate him and will never respect him."
Still, you have to be impressed how Harrison doesn't care that he puts a bigger target on his back every time he speaks out like this. He's been fined. He's been suspended. But Harrison won't be muted when it comes to Goodell.
Harrison doesn't take shots at Goodell simply out of bitterness. His beef is with Goodell's power, which goes unchecked in certain situations.
That's why Harrison is applauding Jonathan Vilma's defamation lawsuit against Goodell. "It is really a win-win, whether he wins the case or if he loses it," Harrison said Wednesday. "If he loses it, it shows that Goodell does have too much power and if he wins it, it opens up the floodgates."
You can dislike Harrison for his controversial hits. You can think Harrison is disrespectful and crossed the line with Goodell last year when he said, "If that man was on fire and I had to piss to put him out, I wouldn't do it. I hate him and will never respect him."
Still, you have to be impressed how Harrison doesn't care that he puts a bigger target on his back every time he speaks out like this. He's been fined. He's been suspended. But Harrison won't be muted when it comes to Goodell.
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Steelers in 2012.
Dream scenario (13-3): Losing a handful of veterans this offseason won't impact the Steelers' play on the field. The Steelers show last year's division champion (the Ravens) and the division's upstart team (the Bengals) that they still own the division as long as Ben Roethlisberger is healthy and the defense is at full strength. A return trip to the Super Bowl would follow their pattern (Pittsburgh went in the 2008 and 2010 seasons).
Roethlisberger thrives in Todd Haley's offense much like Kurt Warner did. The biggest change is a quicker release, which will allow Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders to show off their elusiveness and make yards after the catch. The offensive line becomes the best in the AFC North with center Maurkice Pouncey staying healthy, right tackle Marcus Gilbert continuing to develop, and rookies David DeCastro and Mike Adams living up to expectations.
The Steelers' pass rush is even stronger this season because James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley will be on the field together for more than a handful of games this year. The run defense is bolstered by the return of nose tackle Casey Hampton, who is able to start the season despite having knee surgery in January. The combination of Larry Foote and Stevenson Sylvester make up for the loss of inside linebacker James Farrior.
Nightmare scenario (7-9): Pittsburgh underestimates the loss of leadership after parting ways with Farrior, Hines Ward, Aaron Smith and Chris Hoke. The Steelers also struggle more than expected with the injuries to Hampton and running back Rashard Mendenhall (knee surgery in January). It's tough to win in one of the top divisions in football when you're not at full strength.
The key to any Steelers season is the health of Roethlisberger. While the Steelers' offensive line has the potential to rank among the best, this year could be a transitional one as well. Roethlisberger could take a good number of hits behind a line that starts two rookies and moves tackle Willie Colon to guard. Losing Roethlisberger will result in a losing season. Pittsburgh would then have to depend more on a running game without Mendenhall. Isaac Redman has shown flashes, but he is a question mark as a featured back.
Defensively, the run defense becomes vulnerable in the middle with the injury to Hampton and the loss of Farrior. Hampton starts the season on the physically unable to perform list and Steve McLendon and rookie Alameda Ta'amu can't fill the void. The pass defense takes a step back if one of the young cornerbacks (Keenan Lewis, Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown) can't replace William Gay.
Dream scenario (13-3): Losing a handful of veterans this offseason won't impact the Steelers' play on the field. The Steelers show last year's division champion (the Ravens) and the division's upstart team (the Bengals) that they still own the division as long as Ben Roethlisberger is healthy and the defense is at full strength. A return trip to the Super Bowl would follow their pattern (Pittsburgh went in the 2008 and 2010 seasons).
Roethlisberger thrives in Todd Haley's offense much like Kurt Warner did. The biggest change is a quicker release, which will allow Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders to show off their elusiveness and make yards after the catch. The offensive line becomes the best in the AFC North with center Maurkice Pouncey staying healthy, right tackle Marcus Gilbert continuing to develop, and rookies David DeCastro and Mike Adams living up to expectations.
The Steelers' pass rush is even stronger this season because James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley will be on the field together for more than a handful of games this year. The run defense is bolstered by the return of nose tackle Casey Hampton, who is able to start the season despite having knee surgery in January. The combination of Larry Foote and Stevenson Sylvester make up for the loss of inside linebacker James Farrior.
Nightmare scenario (7-9): Pittsburgh underestimates the loss of leadership after parting ways with Farrior, Hines Ward, Aaron Smith and Chris Hoke. The Steelers also struggle more than expected with the injuries to Hampton and running back Rashard Mendenhall (knee surgery in January). It's tough to win in one of the top divisions in football when you're not at full strength.
The key to any Steelers season is the health of Roethlisberger. While the Steelers' offensive line has the potential to rank among the best, this year could be a transitional one as well. Roethlisberger could take a good number of hits behind a line that starts two rookies and moves tackle Willie Colon to guard. Losing Roethlisberger will result in a losing season. Pittsburgh would then have to depend more on a running game without Mendenhall. Isaac Redman has shown flashes, but he is a question mark as a featured back.
Defensively, the run defense becomes vulnerable in the middle with the injury to Hampton and the loss of Farrior. Hampton starts the season on the physically unable to perform list and Steve McLendon and rookie Alameda Ta'amu can't fill the void. The pass defense takes a step back if one of the young cornerbacks (Keenan Lewis, Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown) can't replace William Gay.
» AFC Scenarios: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Ravens in 2012.
Dream scenario (13-3): The Ravens come back more motivated after falling a couple of plays short of getting to the Super Bowl. Baltimore takes care of its biggest distractions before the season by signing quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Ray Rice to long-term deals. The Ravens go on to produce the best record in the AFC and have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Flacco backs up his claim of being an elite quarterback and finally takes control of the offense. He has a reputation makeover similar to the one Eli Manning had. Flacco gets help in the passing game with wide receiver Torrey Smith and tight end Ed Dickson, who stretch the field even more in their second seasons as starters. Rookie second-round pick Kelechi Osemele is able to make the transition from college tackle to left guard, which is the biggest question mark on the Ravens' offensive line.
Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs gives the defense a big boost when the NFL's reigning defensive player of the year is able to return in early November from an Achilles injury. Rookie second-round pick Courtney Upshaw steps up to replace Jarret Johnson as the team's edge setter on run defense. And Baltimore shuts down some of the best wide receivers in the NFL with the league's most impressive pair of cornerbacks in Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith.
Nightmare scenario (7-9): Baltimore can't shake the crushing loss in the AFC Championship Game and fails to make the playoffs for the first time in the John Harbaugh era. The injury to Suggs is too tough to overcome, and Rice isn't the same player after skipping offseason workouts and training camp. Not being at the top of their game hurts the Ravens, who have the fourth-toughest schedule in the NFL.
The offensive line shows some cracks with declining left tackle Bryant McKinnie and overhyped right tackle Michael Oher. Center Matt Birk begins to show his age (he turns 36 in July), and Baltimore fails to adequately replace Pro Bowl left guard Ben Grubbs. The lack of consistency up front puts more pressure on Flacco, who is forced to rush and throws more interceptions than he has in the past. Anquan Boldin watches his receptions decrease for a third straight season, and Torrey Smith drops more deep passes than he catches.
Defensively, Suggs is able to return late in the season but he doesn't have the explosiveness to be effective. The Ravens drop out of the top 10 in defense for the first time since 2002 because Paul Kruger can't replace Suggs, Ray Lewis' play slows down with his age (he's 37) and Ed Reed stays in a funk because he's unhappy with his contract.
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Ravens in 2012.
Dream scenario (13-3): The Ravens come back more motivated after falling a couple of plays short of getting to the Super Bowl. Baltimore takes care of its biggest distractions before the season by signing quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Ray Rice to long-term deals. The Ravens go on to produce the best record in the AFC and have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Flacco backs up his claim of being an elite quarterback and finally takes control of the offense. He has a reputation makeover similar to the one Eli Manning had. Flacco gets help in the passing game with wide receiver Torrey Smith and tight end Ed Dickson, who stretch the field even more in their second seasons as starters. Rookie second-round pick Kelechi Osemele is able to make the transition from college tackle to left guard, which is the biggest question mark on the Ravens' offensive line.
Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs gives the defense a big boost when the NFL's reigning defensive player of the year is able to return in early November from an Achilles injury. Rookie second-round pick Courtney Upshaw steps up to replace Jarret Johnson as the team's edge setter on run defense. And Baltimore shuts down some of the best wide receivers in the NFL with the league's most impressive pair of cornerbacks in Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith.
Nightmare scenario (7-9): Baltimore can't shake the crushing loss in the AFC Championship Game and fails to make the playoffs for the first time in the John Harbaugh era. The injury to Suggs is too tough to overcome, and Rice isn't the same player after skipping offseason workouts and training camp. Not being at the top of their game hurts the Ravens, who have the fourth-toughest schedule in the NFL.
The offensive line shows some cracks with declining left tackle Bryant McKinnie and overhyped right tackle Michael Oher. Center Matt Birk begins to show his age (he turns 36 in July), and Baltimore fails to adequately replace Pro Bowl left guard Ben Grubbs. The lack of consistency up front puts more pressure on Flacco, who is forced to rush and throws more interceptions than he has in the past. Anquan Boldin watches his receptions decrease for a third straight season, and Torrey Smith drops more deep passes than he catches.
Defensively, Suggs is able to return late in the season but he doesn't have the explosiveness to be effective. The Ravens drop out of the top 10 in defense for the first time since 2002 because Paul Kruger can't replace Suggs, Ray Lewis' play slows down with his age (he's 37) and Ed Reed stays in a funk because he's unhappy with his contract.
» AFC Scenarios: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Browns in 2012.
Dream scenario (8-8): The Browns reap the rewards of a third straight successful draft and produce their first non-losing season since 2007. Team president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert are vindicated for making the right moves, and head coach Pat Shurmur shows what he can do when he has a full offseason with a team. While this isn't a playoff team yet, this season proves that the team is headed in the right direction.
First-round running back Trent Richardson becomes the centerpiece of the Browns' offense, providing a tough and mean attitude. He lives up to expectations of being the No. 3 overall pick and is the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year. First-round pick Brandon Weeden makes an immediate impact with his big arm, convincing everyone that he is a franchise quarterback. He is also the mature leader that the offense needs.
On defense, tackle Phil Taylor returns earlier than expected from his pectoral muscle injury and misses only a handful of games. Middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson proves he's worth his new five-year, $42.5 million deal and leads the NFL in tackles. Linebacker Scott Fujita wins the appeal of his three-game suspension from the Saints' bounty scandal and starts the season opener. The addition of defensive end Frostee Rucker significantly improves a run defense that ranked 30th in the NFL last season.
Nightmare scenario (3-13): The Browns hit rock bottom, struggling against the NFL's third-toughest schedule. The hot seat is scorching for Shumur, and there are constant questions whether Holmgren and Heckert will be around when the Browns select first in the 2013 draft.
The biggest problem is a lack of playmakers on offense. Richardson is a physical runner but he can't break tackle after tackle. Defenses load the box with eight and nine players because they don't fear any of the wide receivers. Greg Little continues to drop passes and Mohamed Massaquoi continues to underachieve. Rookie Travis Benjamin brings speed but doesn't have the size to get off the line. That is all compounded by Weeden making too many mistakes when pressured, which was the knock on him coming out of college.
The defense's biggest weakness -- run defense -- gets exploited even more when Taylor takes longer than expected to recover. Rookie defensive linemen John Hughes and Billy Winn play like rookies in trying to replace him. Defensive end Jabaal Sheard isn't as disruptive as he was as a rookie, and Rucker is a disappointment as the team's top free-agent signing.
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Browns in 2012.
Dream scenario (8-8): The Browns reap the rewards of a third straight successful draft and produce their first non-losing season since 2007. Team president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert are vindicated for making the right moves, and head coach Pat Shurmur shows what he can do when he has a full offseason with a team. While this isn't a playoff team yet, this season proves that the team is headed in the right direction.
First-round running back Trent Richardson becomes the centerpiece of the Browns' offense, providing a tough and mean attitude. He lives up to expectations of being the No. 3 overall pick and is the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year. First-round pick Brandon Weeden makes an immediate impact with his big arm, convincing everyone that he is a franchise quarterback. He is also the mature leader that the offense needs.
On defense, tackle Phil Taylor returns earlier than expected from his pectoral muscle injury and misses only a handful of games. Middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson proves he's worth his new five-year, $42.5 million deal and leads the NFL in tackles. Linebacker Scott Fujita wins the appeal of his three-game suspension from the Saints' bounty scandal and starts the season opener. The addition of defensive end Frostee Rucker significantly improves a run defense that ranked 30th in the NFL last season.
Nightmare scenario (3-13): The Browns hit rock bottom, struggling against the NFL's third-toughest schedule. The hot seat is scorching for Shumur, and there are constant questions whether Holmgren and Heckert will be around when the Browns select first in the 2013 draft.
The biggest problem is a lack of playmakers on offense. Richardson is a physical runner but he can't break tackle after tackle. Defenses load the box with eight and nine players because they don't fear any of the wide receivers. Greg Little continues to drop passes and Mohamed Massaquoi continues to underachieve. Rookie Travis Benjamin brings speed but doesn't have the size to get off the line. That is all compounded by Weeden making too many mistakes when pressured, which was the knock on him coming out of college.
The defense's biggest weakness -- run defense -- gets exploited even more when Taylor takes longer than expected to recover. Rookie defensive linemen John Hughes and Billy Winn play like rookies in trying to replace him. Defensive end Jabaal Sheard isn't as disruptive as he was as a rookie, and Rucker is a disappointment as the team's top free-agent signing.
» AFC Scenarios: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Bengals in 2012.
Dream scenario (11-5): The Bengals end their three-decade-long streak of inconsistency and put together back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1981-82. Cincinnati wins its second division title in four years and hosts a playoff game at a sold-out Paul Brown Stadium.
The offense takes another step forward in coordinator Jay Gruden's second season. A.J. Green becomes a top-five receiver in the NFL and turns in a Calvin Johnson-like season (Johnson produced 1,331 yards and 12 touchdowns in his second season). Wide receiver Brandon Tate and rookie third-round pick Mohamed Sanu make surprising impacts and fill the void left by Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell. The running game goes from plodding to productive with BenJarvus Green-Ellis and two new run-blocking guards in veteran Travelle Wharton and first-round pick Kevin Zeitler.
The defense remains a top-10 one in the NFL and avoids a second-half swoon like last season. Rey Maualuga becomes a force in the middle now that he is healthy and adjusted to playing inside linebacker again. Cornerback Leon Hall is able to start the season after making a full recovery from last season's Achilles injury. The rest of the cornerbacks (Adam Jones, Jason Allen and Terence Newman) show they still have first-round talent. Safety Reggie Nelson lives up to his new four-year, $18 million contract.
Nightmare scenario (6-10): New players, same result. Even with an influx of young talent, the Bengals once again show they can't follow up a successful season, which crushes the momentum built from last year's surprising playoff season and productive offseason. This would follow the Bengals' pattern. Cincinnati had a four-win season after the last time it had gone to the playoffs in 2009.
Quarterback Andy Dalton suffers from a sophomore slump and regresses after defenses have had a full offseason to dissect him. Green also can't put up the same numbers from a year ago, although it's not his fault. Defenses clamp down on him because the Bengals don't have anyone to step up to become the No. 2 wide receiver. Green-Ellis, who averaged 3.7 yards per carry, doesn't upgrade the running back position over Cedric Benson.
Defensively, the Bengals start the season without Maualuga, who receives a suspension for violating the personal conduct policy. Hall doesn't heal as fast as expected and begins the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, meaning he misses the first six weeks of the season. His replacements prove to be either too old (Jones, Allen and Newman) or too young (first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick). New starting safety Taylor Mays becomes a liability in pass coverage.
Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Bengals in 2012.
Dream scenario (11-5): The Bengals end their three-decade-long streak of inconsistency and put together back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1981-82. Cincinnati wins its second division title in four years and hosts a playoff game at a sold-out Paul Brown Stadium.
The offense takes another step forward in coordinator Jay Gruden's second season. A.J. Green becomes a top-five receiver in the NFL and turns in a Calvin Johnson-like season (Johnson produced 1,331 yards and 12 touchdowns in his second season). Wide receiver Brandon Tate and rookie third-round pick Mohamed Sanu make surprising impacts and fill the void left by Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell. The running game goes from plodding to productive with BenJarvus Green-Ellis and two new run-blocking guards in veteran Travelle Wharton and first-round pick Kevin Zeitler.
The defense remains a top-10 one in the NFL and avoids a second-half swoon like last season. Rey Maualuga becomes a force in the middle now that he is healthy and adjusted to playing inside linebacker again. Cornerback Leon Hall is able to start the season after making a full recovery from last season's Achilles injury. The rest of the cornerbacks (Adam Jones, Jason Allen and Terence Newman) show they still have first-round talent. Safety Reggie Nelson lives up to his new four-year, $18 million contract.
Nightmare scenario (6-10): New players, same result. Even with an influx of young talent, the Bengals once again show they can't follow up a successful season, which crushes the momentum built from last year's surprising playoff season and productive offseason. This would follow the Bengals' pattern. Cincinnati had a four-win season after the last time it had gone to the playoffs in 2009.
Quarterback Andy Dalton suffers from a sophomore slump and regresses after defenses have had a full offseason to dissect him. Green also can't put up the same numbers from a year ago, although it's not his fault. Defenses clamp down on him because the Bengals don't have anyone to step up to become the No. 2 wide receiver. Green-Ellis, who averaged 3.7 yards per carry, doesn't upgrade the running back position over Cedric Benson.
Defensively, the Bengals start the season without Maualuga, who receives a suspension for violating the personal conduct policy. Hall doesn't heal as fast as expected and begins the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, meaning he misses the first six weeks of the season. His replacements prove to be either too old (Jones, Allen and Newman) or too young (first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick). New starting safety Taylor Mays becomes a liability in pass coverage.
Pressure is now on Flacco, Ravens offense
May, 24, 2012
May 24
9:30
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
AP Photo/Matt SlocumWith an aging and injured defense, more responsibility will fall on Joe Flacco's shoulders.Defense has been the big brother on the Baltimore Ravens for more than the past decade. It's been the one responsible for hard-fought wins, playoff victories and even a Super Bowl title.
Now, linebacker Ray Lewis is 37. Safety Ed Reed "isn't committed" to football this year. And linebacker Terrell Suggs, the best defensive player in the game last season, is out for an extended period with an Achilles injury.
The Ravens can't lean on their defense any longer. It's unfair to ask these defenders to hold teams to 16.6 points per game like last season. If the Ravens want to reach the playoffs for a fifth straight season, the offense has to take charge.
Being an average offense isn't going to cut it. The pressure is on for the Ravens to produce more points and yards than they've done the past 14 years, and quarterback Joe Flacco says he wouldn't want it any other way.
"I hope it does put more pressure on us," Flacco said. "I feel like we need that pressure. I feel like I want that pressure on us. I feel like we need to become a better offense and we need to become somebody that goes out there and puts points on the board week in and week out and is really responsible for winning a lot of games. If it does put pressure on us, I’m all for it."
You have to wonder if Flacco relishes the pressure. He certainly seems to invite it. Flacco is heading into the final year of his contract and is coming off an offseason in which he declared himself the best quarterback in the league.
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Frank Victores/US PresswireEven with Ray Rice, the NFL's leader in total yards, the Ravens offense ranked just 15th last season.
Frank Victores/US PresswireEven with Ray Rice, the NFL's leader in total yards, the Ravens offense ranked just 15th last season.No one can accuse Flacco for lacking confidence. He's played with a chip on his shoulder since coming to the NFL from the University of Delaware, which Flacco himself called the "minor leagues of college football." Then, in early April, Flacco was asked if he was a top-five quarterback. His response: "I don’t think I’m the top five, I think I’m the best."
Flacco has since said the comments have been blown out of proportion. But he has never backed down from them. Maybe this is Flacco's way of putting more pressure on himself.
"I believe I'm the best at what I do," Flacco said this week. "I’m not comparing myself to anybody, but I do believe in myself. Just like anybody else that has any pride or feels like they want to be the best would say. What do you want me to say? I’m mediocre. I’d rather take criticism for believing that I’m the best than saying, ‘I’m probably somewhere in the middle of the pack.’ That’s kind of crazy to me."
The reality is Baltimore has been a middle-of-the-pack offense despite its talent. The Ravens have the league leader in total yards in running back Ray Rice. They have one of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history in Anquan Boldin (the fastest player ever to 400, 500 and 600 catches in a career) and an emerging deep threat in Torrey Smith (five of his seven touchdowns covered at least 25 yards). Their fullback is a Pro Bowl player (Vonta Leach), their two offensive tackles are former first-round picks (Bryant McKinnie and Michael Oher) and their right guard (Marshal Yanda) is perhaps the best at his position.
"We just continue to keep getting better every year, and we flashed some really good things last year," Yanda said. "We just need to be more consistent. I think we’ve flashed tools to be the No. 1 offense."
The problem is their potential hasn't led to production. Baltimore has never had an offense ranked higher than 13th since Vinny Testaverde left in 1998. In four seasons with Flacco and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, the offense has ranked 18th, 13th, 22nd and 15th.
"Those are some names that should make this offense more than just a par-for-average offense," said Marcellus Wiley, a former NFL defensive lineman and current ESPN analyst. "This is an offense that is 15th-ranked and should be better than that."
Some might say the Ravens have underachieved because they haven't been put in a position where they've needed to be aggressive. With one of the best defenses every year, Baltimore knows a win is virtually assured when it scores more than two touchdowns. In fact, the Ravens have won 82 percent of their games (46-10 record) since 2008 when they score more than 14 points.
That mindset has to change with Suggs out of the lineup and an imposing schedule that features seven quarterbacks who have totaled 22 Pro Bowls and six Super Bowl titles: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, Carson Palmer and Andy Dalton.
The Ravens have to think touchdowns instead of field goals. They have to attack downfield instead of worrying about a turnover. The Ravens' playoff hopes rest on the offense getting out of the passenger seat and living up to the expectations of being a top-10 one in the league.
"You definitely want to be that," Flacco said. "I think we have the ability to be that. It's just a matter of making our mind up and having the confidence to do that."
A respected committee of ESPN experts -- including Trent Dilfer, Mel Kiper, Gary Horton and Matt Williamson -- got together to look into the crystal ball and produce the NFL Future Power Rankings 
.
The projection is for the 2015 season and takes into account five factors: roster (32.5 percent), quarterback (17.5 percent), draft (15 percent), front office (15 percent) and coaching (20 percent).
You'll need an Insider subscription to see the entire post, but here's the AFC North portion of it:
5. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Williamson: The "Steeler Way" has been working extremely well for a long time, as Pittsburgh's front office evaluates college talent and its own players as well as any team in the league. They are exceptional.
Hensley: The key was the Steelers using their top two picks on offensive linemen. As long as Ben Roethlisberger is protected and stays healthy, the Steelers will be among the top teams in the NFL.
10. BALTIMORE RAVENS
Kiper: No team consistently delivers as much value. Ozzie Newsome is a Hall of Famer … in the front office, too. The Ravens face some big personnel losses on defense coming soon, but few are better equipped to move on.
Hensley: The biggest question mark facing the Ravens by 2015 is how do they replace the leadership of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Baltimore needs its offense to become the dominant unit in order for the Ravens to be a top-10 team at this point.
11. CINCINNATI BENGALS
Dilfer: Andy Dalton quietly had an exceptionally good rookie season. Only Cam Newton diminished it. He has maintained a mature approach that we saw when he was at TCU; he gets deep into his reads, has an accurate arm and should continue to get better. If they can run it a little better, this offense will take a big leap.
Hensley: The Bengals have certainly set themselves up with two really strong drafts. The key is developing this talent and making sure these young players reach their potential. Cincinnati could be the most complete team in the division by 2015, with the emphasis on could.
32. CLEVELAND BROWNS
Williamson: Color me skeptical of the Browns' front office -- and this organization isn't exactly patient. Cleveland's front office is now directly tied to Brandon Weeden's future success. I can't say that is the perfect position to be in.
Hensley: With the exception of Trent Richardson, this team lacks playmakers. That's a rough spot to be in when you play defenses like the Steelers, Ravens and Bengals. And don't forget that Weeden will turn 32 during the 2015 season.
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The projection is for the 2015 season and takes into account five factors: roster (32.5 percent), quarterback (17.5 percent), draft (15 percent), front office (15 percent) and coaching (20 percent).
You'll need an Insider subscription to see the entire post, but here's the AFC North portion of it:
5. PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Williamson: The "Steeler Way" has been working extremely well for a long time, as Pittsburgh's front office evaluates college talent and its own players as well as any team in the league. They are exceptional.
Hensley: The key was the Steelers using their top two picks on offensive linemen. As long as Ben Roethlisberger is protected and stays healthy, the Steelers will be among the top teams in the NFL.
10. BALTIMORE RAVENS
Kiper: No team consistently delivers as much value. Ozzie Newsome is a Hall of Famer … in the front office, too. The Ravens face some big personnel losses on defense coming soon, but few are better equipped to move on.
Hensley: The biggest question mark facing the Ravens by 2015 is how do they replace the leadership of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Baltimore needs its offense to become the dominant unit in order for the Ravens to be a top-10 team at this point.
11. CINCINNATI BENGALS
Dilfer: Andy Dalton quietly had an exceptionally good rookie season. Only Cam Newton diminished it. He has maintained a mature approach that we saw when he was at TCU; he gets deep into his reads, has an accurate arm and should continue to get better. If they can run it a little better, this offense will take a big leap.
Hensley: The Bengals have certainly set themselves up with two really strong drafts. The key is developing this talent and making sure these young players reach their potential. Cincinnati could be the most complete team in the division by 2015, with the emphasis on could.
32. CLEVELAND BROWNS
Williamson: Color me skeptical of the Browns' front office -- and this organization isn't exactly patient. Cleveland's front office is now directly tied to Brandon Weeden's future success. I can't say that is the perfect position to be in.
Hensley: With the exception of Trent Richardson, this team lacks playmakers. That's a rough spot to be in when you play defenses like the Steelers, Ravens and Bengals. And don't forget that Weeden will turn 32 during the 2015 season.
Cundiff insists he hasn't lost his confidence
May, 23, 2012
May 23
4:11
PM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Billy Cundiff is trying to do what Scott Norwood and Gary Anderson failed to do -- remain confident after a monumental missed kick.
Cundiff said his confidence is "as high as it's ever been" four months removed from hooking a last-minute, 32-yard field goal that would've tied the AFC Championship Game in New England. NFL history says that will be tough to do.
After Norwood missed a 47-yarder that would've won the Super Bowl in January 1991, he struggled with a career-worst 62.1 success rate the next season and was out of football in 1992. After Anderson missed a game-clinching, 38-yard field goal in the fourth quarter of the 1998 NFC Championship Game, he hit a career-low 63.3 percent of his field goals the next season.
So, why is Cundiff so confident? He points out two facts: that was his only miss in the playoffs for the Ravens (he had hit his previous 11 field goals) and he had been perfect in the fourth quarter all season (6-for-6 in the regular season).
"The situation was pretty unique," Cundiff said of the miss that sailed wide right with 11 seconds remaining. "I will learn what I can from it and keep my confidence high."
Cundiff hasn't had to hide or wear any disguises when he goes out in public in Baltimore. In fact, he was stopped by a cashier at Fresh Market Tuesday night who, instead of blaming him, suggested the coach should've called a timeout before the miss.
"[The response has] actually been really positive, to be perfectly honest with you," Cundiff said. "What's in the past is in the past. If you don't win the Super Bowl in this league, what you do really doesn't matter for the most part. You can take your stats and compare it against other people. If you're not helping your team win the big one, everybody is back to the drawing board the next year."
Cundiff's fall has been a dramatic one. He signed a five-year, $14.7 million contract after being a Pro Bowl kicker in 2010. He had connected on a career-best 26 field goals and set a team record with 44 touchbacks that season. Then, last season, he struggled with 10 missed field goals, all of which came on the road.
What topped off a season to forget was the miss in the AFC Championship Game, a kick that would've sent the game into overtime.
Cundiff said he didn't seek out Norwood or Anderson for advice.
"I wasn't looking for consoling. I wasn't looking for counseling," he said. "For me, it was one of those things where you meet it head on and move on."
Cundiff acknowledged he did receive help from a sports psychologist that he's seen since 2007, when he was out of the league.
"He's not there as a shrink. He's not there to analyze my emotions," Cundiff said. "He was one of the guys who was a big influence on me when I was out of football. We were constantly going on what I could improve on. When I got back into football, I was more mentally strong and that carried into the last couple of seasons. What happened in New England is what happened in New England. You move on and it doesn't change any of my preparation."
Cundiff added, "If anything, it shows I've got the confidence to keep going. I'm standing here. The team doesn't have [any other kicker] here. The team believes in me. The coach has been really positive with me throughout the whole offseason. Now, it's just a matter of continuing to get better."
Cundiff said his confidence is "as high as it's ever been" four months removed from hooking a last-minute, 32-yard field goal that would've tied the AFC Championship Game in New England. NFL history says that will be tough to do.
After Norwood missed a 47-yarder that would've won the Super Bowl in January 1991, he struggled with a career-worst 62.1 success rate the next season and was out of football in 1992. After Anderson missed a game-clinching, 38-yard field goal in the fourth quarter of the 1998 NFC Championship Game, he hit a career-low 63.3 percent of his field goals the next season.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Winslow TownsonBaltimore's Billy Cundiff had made 11 straight field goals before missing a late 32-yard attempt that would have sent last season's AFC title game to OT.
AP Photo/Winslow TownsonBaltimore's Billy Cundiff had made 11 straight field goals before missing a late 32-yard attempt that would have sent last season's AFC title game to OT."The situation was pretty unique," Cundiff said of the miss that sailed wide right with 11 seconds remaining. "I will learn what I can from it and keep my confidence high."
Cundiff hasn't had to hide or wear any disguises when he goes out in public in Baltimore. In fact, he was stopped by a cashier at Fresh Market Tuesday night who, instead of blaming him, suggested the coach should've called a timeout before the miss.
"[The response has] actually been really positive, to be perfectly honest with you," Cundiff said. "What's in the past is in the past. If you don't win the Super Bowl in this league, what you do really doesn't matter for the most part. You can take your stats and compare it against other people. If you're not helping your team win the big one, everybody is back to the drawing board the next year."
Cundiff's fall has been a dramatic one. He signed a five-year, $14.7 million contract after being a Pro Bowl kicker in 2010. He had connected on a career-best 26 field goals and set a team record with 44 touchbacks that season. Then, last season, he struggled with 10 missed field goals, all of which came on the road.
What topped off a season to forget was the miss in the AFC Championship Game, a kick that would've sent the game into overtime.
Cundiff said he didn't seek out Norwood or Anderson for advice.
"I wasn't looking for consoling. I wasn't looking for counseling," he said. "For me, it was one of those things where you meet it head on and move on."
Cundiff acknowledged he did receive help from a sports psychologist that he's seen since 2007, when he was out of the league.
"He's not there as a shrink. He's not there to analyze my emotions," Cundiff said. "He was one of the guys who was a big influence on me when I was out of football. We were constantly going on what I could improve on. When I got back into football, I was more mentally strong and that carried into the last couple of seasons. What happened in New England is what happened in New England. You move on and it doesn't change any of my preparation."
Cundiff added, "If anything, it shows I've got the confidence to keep going. I'm standing here. The team doesn't have [any other kicker] here. The team believes in me. The coach has been really positive with me throughout the whole offseason. Now, it's just a matter of continuing to get better."
Harbaugh believes Reed will play this year
May, 23, 2012
May 23
2:47
PM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh believes Ed Reed will play despite recent comments that suggest the Pro Bowl safety is wavering.
Reed"Ed is a guy that I really trust and I really care about and believe in," Harbaugh said after Wednesday's workout. "There's been no indication that he's not going to play as far as I'm concerned. I don't worry about Ed. He's a mature guy. He's a superstar. He's a first ballot Hall of Famer. He's a leader. We're counting on Ed being here."
Reed was among a handful of veterans who didn't attend Wednesday's voluntary practice.
He created a stir last week when he told SiriusXM NFL Radio that he was "not 100 percent committed right now to playing this year." Reed later clarified his comments, saying he plans on playing in 2012 and possibly beyond.
In trying to interpret Reed's comments, Harbaugh said he believes Reed was talking about not being committed to the offseason workouts.
"He's got a lot of things going on and he's working on personal things," Harbaugh said. "I guarantee he's training. I guarantee he's preparing for the season. That's just Ed."
Reed was among a handful of veterans who didn't attend Wednesday's voluntary practice.
He created a stir last week when he told SiriusXM NFL Radio that he was "not 100 percent committed right now to playing this year." Reed later clarified his comments, saying he plans on playing in 2012 and possibly beyond.
In trying to interpret Reed's comments, Harbaugh said he believes Reed was talking about not being committed to the offseason workouts.
"He's got a lot of things going on and he's working on personal things," Harbaugh said. "I guarantee he's training. I guarantee he's preparing for the season. That's just Ed."
Polamalu thinks of the end 'all the time'
May, 23, 2012
May 23
9:30
AM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
Unlike the other all-time great safety in the division, the Steelers' Troy Polamalu is committed to playing this season. But Polamalu did acknowledge to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he thinks of the end of his career "all the time."
Polamalu"People have asked me how many years do you think you can play? My reaction is always, when you live day to day, it's hard to talk years," he said. "It's always been my mantra in life, whether it was my first year as a rookie or year 10, I just live day to day."
It's fair to say that Polamalu, who turned 31, has fewer years ahead in his playing career than behind him. But that won't impact this season. The fact that Polamalu was there for voluntary workouts will.
Polamalu usually skips these practices because he prefers working out with his trainer in Los Angeles. He said he chose to come this year "for obvious reasons."
"We had a lot of our major leadership leave, people that we count on," he said. "I think it's nice for the younger guys to see a familiar face, and, honestly, to get myself better."
This older Polamalu might think of retirement more, but he is also more mature and responsible. He understands the effect of losing the likes of James Farrior, Aaron Smith and Chris Hoke on defense. He understands that the Steelers need him in Pittsburgh and not on the West Coast.
General manager Kevin Colbert said at the NFL owners meetings that he couldn't identify who would become the new leaders on this team. "We're looking for that right now," he said.
Well, the Steelers looked at one when they saw Polamalu entering team headquarters for a workout in May.
It's fair to say that Polamalu, who turned 31, has fewer years ahead in his playing career than behind him. But that won't impact this season. The fact that Polamalu was there for voluntary workouts will.
Polamalu usually skips these practices because he prefers working out with his trainer in Los Angeles. He said he chose to come this year "for obvious reasons."
"We had a lot of our major leadership leave, people that we count on," he said. "I think it's nice for the younger guys to see a familiar face, and, honestly, to get myself better."
This older Polamalu might think of retirement more, but he is also more mature and responsible. He understands the effect of losing the likes of James Farrior, Aaron Smith and Chris Hoke on defense. He understands that the Steelers need him in Pittsburgh and not on the West Coast.
General manager Kevin Colbert said at the NFL owners meetings that he couldn't identify who would become the new leaders on this team. "We're looking for that right now," he said.
Well, the Steelers looked at one when they saw Polamalu entering team headquarters for a workout in May.
Fujita won't say whether he'll sue NFL
May, 22, 2012
May 22
5:12
PM ET
By
Jamison Hensley | ESPN.com
Browns linebacker Scott Fujita vowed to clear his name from the Saints' bounty scandal, but he won't say to what extent he'll go to do so.
I believe Fujita when he says he is more concerned about this black mark on his name. A three-game suspension doesn't affect a 10-year veteran as much as what an incident like this can do to his reputation.
Fujita is a member of the NFL Players Association executive committee. He was a proponent of stronger rules in dealing with concussions after Colt McCoy's incident last year. This suspension makes him look like a hypocrite.
The strongest course of action is to follow former teammate Jonathan Vilma, who has sued NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for defamation. Fujita wouldn't say whether he plans to do this.
“Jonathan Vilma is incredibly bright,” Fujita told reporters after the Browns' first full-team workout Tuesday. “He’s a man of very high character, and he’s got a lot of pride. He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had. I’m proud to call him a friend. I wish him the best in whatever he wants to do.”
The NFL charged Fujita with pledging “a significant amount of money” which was used for cart-offs and knockouts on plays “during which an opposing player was injured.” He was suspended for three games, which will cost him cost him about $645,000 and much more.
“Listen, my reputation is a lot more valuable to me than three game checks,” Fujita said. “My track record speaks for itself.”
I believe Fujita when he says he is more concerned about this black mark on his name. A three-game suspension doesn't affect a 10-year veteran as much as what an incident like this can do to his reputation.
Fujita is a member of the NFL Players Association executive committee. He was a proponent of stronger rules in dealing with concussions after Colt McCoy's incident last year. This suspension makes him look like a hypocrite.
The strongest course of action is to follow former teammate Jonathan Vilma, who has sued NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for defamation. Fujita wouldn't say whether he plans to do this.
“Jonathan Vilma is incredibly bright,” Fujita told reporters after the Browns' first full-team workout Tuesday. “He’s a man of very high character, and he’s got a lot of pride. He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had. I’m proud to call him a friend. I wish him the best in whatever he wants to do.”
The NFL charged Fujita with pledging “a significant amount of money” which was used for cart-offs and knockouts on plays “during which an opposing player was injured.” He was suspended for three games, which will cost him cost him about $645,000 and much more.
“Listen, my reputation is a lot more valuable to me than three game checks,” Fujita said. “My track record speaks for itself.”
Offseason training activities for veterans and rookies kick off today for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. Here's a look at the newcomers to watch for each team:
BENGALS: Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The prize of the Bengals' free agency was Green-Ellis, the New England Patriots free agent who signed a three-year, $9 million contract. The focus for the Bengals' offense is to get Green Ellis in rhythm with the team's new-look line. He's an improvement over Cedric Benson, who upgrades the Bengals in the red zone and provides a dependability factor.
Green-Ellis never fumbled in his four seasons in New England. Benson, meanwhile, fumbled five times in two December games last season. Green-Ellis' ability to hammer the ball across the goal line won't show up in non-contact drills this offseason, but it will be appreciated during the season. He led the Patriots with 24 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons. As a team, Cincinnati totaled 18 rushing touchdowns over that same span.
BROWNS: Defensive end Frostee Rucker. All eyes will remain on the Browns' two first-round picks, running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden. Both will be instrumental in how the Browns revive the NFL's 29th-ranked offense. What shouldn't go overlooked is the addition of Rucker, the former Bengals lineman who will be pivotal in turning around another weak area -- the league's 30th-ranked run defense.
Rucker, 28, was the Browns' big target in a low-key free agency period for the team. A full-time starter for the first time in his career last season, he signed a five-year, $21 million contract that includes $8 million guaranteed. The hope is he can have the same impact with the Browns as he did for the Bengals, who ranked 10th in the league in run defense last season. The statistic that jumps out with Rucker is his 11 tackles for loss, which led the Bengals.
RAVENS: Offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele. The biggest question mark on the Ravens' offense is left guard. Osemele needs to beat out Jah Reid in order to become the first Ravens rookie offensive lineman to start a season opener since Michael Oher in 2009. Baltimore tried to address that spot in free agency, but it was unable to re-sign Ben Grubbs and failed to lure Evan Mathis from the Philadelphia Eagles.
The lack of success in free agency forced the Ravens to use a second-round draft pick on Osemele. There's no doubt that Osemele will be able to hold up physically, considering he's 6-foot-5, 333 pounds. The challenge for him is adjusting to a new position. An offensive tackle at Iowa State, Osemele has to show he can fit in next to veterans Matt Birk and Bryant McKinnie. There will be a drop-off at this spot since a Pro Bowl player like Grubbs is gone, but the development of Osemele will determine if it is a major or minor one.
STEELERS: Offensive tackle Mike Adams. The Steelers showed their commitment to Adams starting right away when team officials phoned Willie Colon after the draft to let him know he was moving to guard. Now, it's up to Adams to show he's capable of doing so. He's a first-round talent who fell to the second round because of off-field issues. The uncertainty with Adams on the field is whether he's strong enough to play in the NFL as a rookie.
There's no such doubts with first-round pick David DeCastro, who is expected to be an eventual Pro Bowl player at right guard. As the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review pointed out, the Steelers have started a rookie up front to open the season three times since the 1970 merger. Pittsburgh could have two in the starting lineup in Week 1 at Denver. Of course, it's up to Adams to show he's ready.
BENGALS: Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The prize of the Bengals' free agency was Green-Ellis, the New England Patriots free agent who signed a three-year, $9 million contract. The focus for the Bengals' offense is to get Green Ellis in rhythm with the team's new-look line. He's an improvement over Cedric Benson, who upgrades the Bengals in the red zone and provides a dependability factor.
Green-Ellis never fumbled in his four seasons in New England. Benson, meanwhile, fumbled five times in two December games last season. Green-Ellis' ability to hammer the ball across the goal line won't show up in non-contact drills this offseason, but it will be appreciated during the season. He led the Patriots with 24 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons. As a team, Cincinnati totaled 18 rushing touchdowns over that same span.
BROWNS: Defensive end Frostee Rucker. All eyes will remain on the Browns' two first-round picks, running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden. Both will be instrumental in how the Browns revive the NFL's 29th-ranked offense. What shouldn't go overlooked is the addition of Rucker, the former Bengals lineman who will be pivotal in turning around another weak area -- the league's 30th-ranked run defense.
Rucker, 28, was the Browns' big target in a low-key free agency period for the team. A full-time starter for the first time in his career last season, he signed a five-year, $21 million contract that includes $8 million guaranteed. The hope is he can have the same impact with the Browns as he did for the Bengals, who ranked 10th in the league in run defense last season. The statistic that jumps out with Rucker is his 11 tackles for loss, which led the Bengals.
RAVENS: Offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele. The biggest question mark on the Ravens' offense is left guard. Osemele needs to beat out Jah Reid in order to become the first Ravens rookie offensive lineman to start a season opener since Michael Oher in 2009. Baltimore tried to address that spot in free agency, but it was unable to re-sign Ben Grubbs and failed to lure Evan Mathis from the Philadelphia Eagles.
The lack of success in free agency forced the Ravens to use a second-round draft pick on Osemele. There's no doubt that Osemele will be able to hold up physically, considering he's 6-foot-5, 333 pounds. The challenge for him is adjusting to a new position. An offensive tackle at Iowa State, Osemele has to show he can fit in next to veterans Matt Birk and Bryant McKinnie. There will be a drop-off at this spot since a Pro Bowl player like Grubbs is gone, but the development of Osemele will determine if it is a major or minor one.
STEELERS: Offensive tackle Mike Adams. The Steelers showed their commitment to Adams starting right away when team officials phoned Willie Colon after the draft to let him know he was moving to guard. Now, it's up to Adams to show he's capable of doing so. He's a first-round talent who fell to the second round because of off-field issues. The uncertainty with Adams on the field is whether he's strong enough to play in the NFL as a rookie.
There's no such doubts with first-round pick David DeCastro, who is expected to be an eventual Pro Bowl player at right guard. As the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review pointed out, the Steelers have started a rookie up front to open the season three times since the 1970 merger. Pittsburgh could have two in the starting lineup in Week 1 at Denver. Of course, it's up to Adams to show he's ready.
