AFC North preview
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Prediction: First.
Coach: John Harbaugh, fourth season (36-19).
Coordinators: Off., Cam Cameron; Def., Chuck Pagano.
Outlook: Harbaugh has been to the playoffs the last three seasons, but those pesky Steelers keep getting in the way. The Ravens bring back most of last year's team intact and added speedy WR Lee Evans in a trade from Buffalo. QB Joe Flacco threw 25 TD passes and only 10 interceptions last season. There are questions along the offensive line, but RB Ray Rice should still manage a 1,000-yard season. He has help now from RB Ricky Williams. The defense remains strong, as ageless ILB Ray Lewis is back, along with Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata and Ed Reed.
Last word: This could finally be the year the Ravens break through.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 11-5, 9-7, 12-4.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Prediction: Second.
Coach: Mike Tomlin, fifth season (43-23).
Coordinators: Off., Bruce Arians; Def., Dick LeBeau.
Outlook: The Steelers made it to the Super Bowl last year, losing to the Packers.They remain a formidable team behind QB Ben Roethlisberger and defensive stars James Harrison, Lamarr Woodley and Troy Polamalu. But there are some weak spots, notably an offensive line that never seems to pass protect well enough (Big Ben has been sacked 274 times in seven years in the league). And there isn't a lot of depth at running back, where incumbent Rashard Mendenhall needs to stay healthy. There's a good stable of young receivers, though, so scoring points won't be an issue.
Last word: The Steelers are in the mix, but haven't gotten to back-to-back Super Bowls since the days of the Steel Curtain.
Three-year trend: 12-4, 9-7, 12-4.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Prediction: Third.
Coach: Pat Shurmur, first season.
Coordinators: Off., Shurmur; Def., Dick Jauron.
Outlook: Shurmur is Mike Holmgren's hand-picked successor to Eric Mangini, and the offensive-minded coach will look to upgrade the passing attack for second-year QB Colt McCoy, who needs to take care of the ball (he fumbled eight times last season, losing five). RB Peyton Hillis is back after a breakout season, and All-Pro T Joe Thomas anchors the offensive line. Joshua Cribbs is a terrific returner and receiver. The defensive front seven is average, but hopes to get a boost from first-round DT Phil Taylor.
Last word: The coaching transition will take a while, but I like the direction of this team. Holmgren will build a winner.
Three-year trend: 4-12, 5-11, 5-11.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Prediction: Fourth.
Coach: Marvin Lewis, ninth season (60-69-1).
Coordinators: Off., Jay Gruden; Def., Mike Zimmer.
Outlook: After Carson Palmer checked out, the Bengals will cast their lot with rookie QB Andy Dalton. As with all young passers, the learning curve will be steep and plenty of mistakes will be made, but Gruden's West Coast schemes may suit Dalton, who does not have great arm strength. Making Dalton's life easier will be first-round WR A.J. Green, who has game-breaking speed and terrific hands. Nate Clements replaces the recently departed Johnathan Joseph at corner, and LB Rey Maualuga anchors the middle of the defense.
Last word: Bengals fans are used to losing, but better to do so with a QB who shows long-term promise.
Three-year trend: 4-11-1, 10-6, 4-12.
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