2009 Afc North Forecast: Partly Cloudy, With A Chance Of (Purple) Reign

[flynismo]

Okay, since Peter King's predictions are all jacked up, I thought I'd be the "ying" to his (flawed) "yang".

Without further ado, I present to my purple brethren "The First Annual Fly AFC North Prediction Thread ( aka T.F.A.F.A.N.P.T.)"
[b]
1. Baltimore Ravens (13-3)[/b]

With the return of several key players from season ending injuries, and the infusion of new talent via free agency and the draft, this unit gets a fresh start on the road to Miami. The maturation of Flacco and Rice playing behind the league's best offensive line takes the Ravens to the next level.
[b]
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)[/b]

Fast Willie Parker is looking more and more like Pretty Quick Willie Parker with each passing season. Rashard Mendenhall provides talented, albeit inexperienced, depth should Parker go down, and will likely serve as the short yardage back. Last year's #1 defense will find it tough to repeat their gritty and under-appreciated performance of a year ago, putting more pressure on the offense than it can handle (Ben's fourth quarter heroics will need to work it's magic again for Pittsburgh).
[b]
3. Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)[/b]

The Bungles are considered by many to be 2009's surprise team. This Fly guy isn't on that train. Carson Palmer showed signs of decline before last year's disaster, and one of his favorite targets is now in Seattle (replaced by the explosive but very inconsistent Lavearneous Coles). A solid draft and the progression of several of their young defenders result in a couple upset victories this year, but little else.
[b]
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12)[/b]

Seriously, it's the Browns. They suck.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='flynismo' date='03 September 2009 - 09:51 PM' timestamp='1252036282' post='229018']

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12)[/b]

Seriously, it's the Browns. They suck.
[/quote]

Lol, you have all these points for the first 3 teams and then in your head your like "im not even gonna waste my time".

[ravensgurl]

lol i thought the same thing! fly should be a content writer here. i don't always agree with his opinions, but at least i get a laugh instead of reading mind numbing drivel. good job fly!

ps- you got my vote for best thread title of 2009

[varaven]

[quote name='ravensgurl' date='04 September 2009 - 12:22 AM' timestamp='1252038131' post='229024']
lol i thought the same thing! fly should be a content writer here. i don't always agree with his opinions, but at least i get a laugh instead of reading mind numbing drivel. good job fly!

ps- you got my vote for best thread title of 2009
[/quote]
plus one on what he said.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='flynismo' date='03 September 2009 - 11:51 PM' timestamp='1252036282' post='229018']
Okay, since Peter King's predictions are all jacked up, I thought I'd be the "ying" to his (flawed) "yang".

Without further ado, I present to my purple brethren "The First Annual Fly AFC North Prediction Thread ( aka T.F.A.F.A.N.P.T.)"
[b]
1. Baltimore Ravens (13-3)[/b]

With the return of several key players from season ending injuries, and the infusion of new talent via free agency and the draft, this unit gets a fresh start on the road to Miami. The maturation of Flacco and Rice playing behind the league's best offensive line takes the Ravens to the next level.
[b]
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)[/b]

Fast Willie Parker is looking more and more like Pretty Quick Willie Parker with each passing season. Rashard Mendenhall provides talented, albeit inexperienced, depth should Parker go down, and will likely serve as the short yardage back. [b]Last year's #1 defense will find it tough to repeat their gritty and under-appreciated performance of a year ago[/b], putting more pressure on the offense than it can handle (Ben's fourth quarter heroics will need to work it's magic again for Pittsburgh).
[b]
3. Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)[/b]

The Bungles are considered by many to be 2009's surprise team. This Fly guy isn't on that train. Carson Palmer showed signs of decline before last year's disaster, and one of his favorite targets is now in Seattle (replaced by the explosive but very inconsistent Lavearneous Coles). A solid draft and the progression of several of their young defenders result in a couple upset victories this year, but little else.
[b]
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12)[/b]

Seriously, it's the Browns. They suck.
[/quote]

Could you elaborate and perhaps provide some supportive material? Thanks.

[William Murderface]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='04 September 2009 - 10:20 AM' timestamp='1252077626' post='229118']
Could you elaborate and perhaps provide some supportive material? Thanks.
[/quote]

Yeah, i hate to agree with a Steelers fan in praising the steelers but i dont see their D making much of a decline either. If they stay injury free they should be close to the same level they were last year but there is very little chance their D will be as good as last year's as they were extremely good. I dont think the Steelers D anywhere (DL, LB, DBs) our as deep as the Ravens (though losing Rolle for the first 6 weeks hurts), that said i think Pitt cannot afforrd to suffer too many injuries on Defense or else there will be a drop off this year around.

In my biased view i would give a slight advantage to the Ravens D this year (very very slight mostly due to depth). i also think that our O should get a lot better this year and has the potential to surpass the Steelers O (mostly due to our O-line play and the steelers lack of o-line play). I can go into more depth posistion by posistion but i wont bore anyone.

[flynismo]

[quote name='William Murderface' date='04 September 2009 - 11:31 AM' timestamp='1252078319' post='229124']
Yeah, i hate to agree with a Steelers fan in praising the steelers but i dont see their D making much of a decline either. If they stay injury free they should be close to the same level they were last year but there is very little chance their D will be as good as last year's as they were extremely good. I dont think the Steelers D anywhere (DL, LB, DBs) our as deep as the Ravens (though losing Rolle for the first 6 weeks hurts), that said i think Pitt cannot afforrd to suffer too many injuries on Defense or else there will be a drop off this year around.

In my biased view i would give a slight advantage to the Ravens D this year (very very slight mostly due to depth). i also think that our O should get a lot better this year and has the potential to surpass the Steelers O (mostly due to our O-line play and the steelers lack of o-line play). I can go into more depth posistion by posistion but i wont bore anyone.
[/quote]


lol...you agree with the steeler fan, then spend the next two paragraphs agreeing with me

[TheRavenouseD2008]

he gave him a feeling of accomplisment poor poor warden j/k warden , I agree their d can afford 1 injury let alone multiple on either side of the ball If ben isnt protected well look at them to be even lower on the totem pole sharing boohoos with the browns lol j/k

[Moderator 3]

Since this is a "no smack" forum, a little more explanation of why you think the Browns "suck" would be in order. Otherwise, it's just smack.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Moderator 3' date='04 September 2009 - 12:21 PM' timestamp='1252081316' post='229138']
Since this is a "no smack" forum, a little more explanation of why you think the Browns "suck" would be in order. Otherwise, it's just smack.
[/quote]

Sorry, my mama told me if you can't say anything nice, lol.....but I will try to explain in a non-smack manner why the Brownies (great color for them) are the bottom feeders. I was in the middle of responding to warden's post when my computer took a Browns on me, so it may take a few moments before I can elaborate on #4.

[BRfan]

I agree with Fly. No matter which QB they pick they are still gonna be #4!

[flynismo]

Cleveland Browns continued.....

First, we can address the offense as a whole. The QB situation is unsettled, and regardless of who wins the job between Quinn and Anderson, there still remains serious questions about the production, or lack thereof, that Cleveland will get out of their starting QB. The HB position isn't looking much better with J-Loo in his twilight years, although there are a couple of good looking prospects waiting in the wings.
The offensive line took a big step backwards last year, and have a lot to prove. Cleveland has a little bit of talent at WR, but it will likely get wasted by incompetent QB play and the aforementioned OL.
Defensively, not much to report on. Same story, different year, although Cleveland has an ace in Joshua Cribbs on special teams. Which is a good thing, since the Browns figure to be returning an awful lot of kicks.

[flynismo]

[quote name='BRfan' date='04 September 2009 - 12:45 PM' timestamp='1252082735' post='229147']
I agree with Fly. No matter which QB they pick they are still gonna be #4!
[/quote]

I agree with you for agreeing with me! That QB situation is looking uuuuuuggly.

[flynismo]

[quote name='TheRavenouseD2008' date='04 September 2009 - 12:20 PM' timestamp='1252081219' post='229137']
he gave him a feeling of accomplisment poor poor warden j/k warden , I agree their d can afford 1 injury let alone multiple on either side of the ball If ben isnt protected well look at them to be even lower on the totem pole sharing boohoos with the browns lol j/k
[/quote]

haha, I see...had to soften him up before stickin' it to him!

If my computer will stop acting up, I'll give my opinion of why I think Pittsburgh's D is likely to drop off this year. I agree that at a lot of positions, Pits is thin, but that isn't my main concern...

[Marc2k6]

Purple Reign that just bring back the memory of the 13-3 seasn with McNair, that year diring the Super Bowl half time show Prince did sing that song. The Raven's should have been there!

[PuRock]

[quote name='flynismo' date='04 September 2009 - 12:56 PM' timestamp='1252083385' post='229150']
Cleveland Browns continued.....

First, we can address the offense as a whole. The QB situation is unsettled, and regardless of who wins the job between Quinn and Anderson, there still remains serious questions about the production, or lack thereof, that Cleveland will get out of their starting QB. The HB position isn't looking much better with J-Loo in his twilight years, although there are a couple of good looking prospects waiting in the wings.
The offensive line took a big step backwards last year, and have a lot to prove. Cleveland has a little bit of talent at WR, but it will likely get wasted by incompetent QB play and the aforementioned OL.
Defensively, not much to report on. Same story, different year, although Cleveland has an ace in Joshua Cribbs on special teams. Which is a good thing, since the Browns figure to be returning an awful lot of kicks.
[/quote]

As easy as it is to down the Browns. There are some important things to note.

1) Braylon Edwards is in a contract year. Meaning, I expect to see him get his **** together before he becomes a free agent. Who's going to pay top dollar for a WR that can't catch a ball. I look for him to be better this year.
2) J Lewis is in decline. And if he continues to average 2.5 ypc into game two, his time is done. James Davis is looking really solid in preseason. I am looking for him to emerge in the backfield as the season goes on. And he has the tools to be dangerous.
3) Who know's what type of production we will see by the QBs is right. The Browns do have an average line led by Joe Thomas. But you never know when a switch might be flipped. Derek Anderson sparked it up two years ago. The same can happen this year with steriod face (Quinn).
4) Cribbs will be great on special teams. But they are also looking to use him heavily in the offense this year to. I expect them to utilize screen passes to get him into the open field.
5) Their D needs help.

Overall the Browns have an identity crisis. And with that being said their upcoming season is really an enigma. But I do not believe they won't be as bad as last year. I do not like Mangina, but I do think he's an improvement over Crennel.

I think the AFC North will be a division to reckon with this year. Not just by the Steelers and Ravens, but possibly the Bengals and Browns as well. Palmer can play like a #1. Ocho Cinco is ready to play some football this year. Henry & Coles are going to provide lots of options.

This vision of mine is merely subjective.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='flynismo' date='04 September 2009 - 01:03 PM' timestamp='1252083823' post='229155']
haha, I see...had to soften him up before stickin' it to him!

If my computer will stop acting up, I'll give my opinion of why I think Pittsburgh's D is likely to drop off this year. I agree that at a lot of positions, Pits is thin, but that isn't my main concern...
[/quote]


Take your time. I'm waiting patiently. [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif[/img]

[darklight1216]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='04 September 2009 - 11:20 AM' timestamp='1252077626' post='229118']
Could you elaborate and perhaps provide some supportive material? Thanks.
[/quote]
Perhaps the reasoning is that when you're at the top, there's no where to go but down.

[quote name='PuRock' date='04 September 2009 - 01:11 PM' timestamp='1252084284' post='229160']
I think the AFC North will be a division to reckon with this year. Not just by the Steelers and Ravens, but possibly the Bengals and Browns as well. Palmer can play like a #1. Ocho Cinco is ready to play some football this year. Henry & Coles are going to provide lots of options.
[/quote]
Just out curiosity, when is the last time Palmer played like an elite quarterback?

[YYZ66]

Just out curiosity, when is the last time Palmer played like an elite quarterback?
[/quote]

Palmer hasn't been the same since his knee injury in the playoffs (all those years ago). Cincy did have the 12th rated defense last year, if they can find some offense, they should be able to win a few games.

[PuRock]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='04 September 2009 - 01:22 PM' timestamp='1252084934' post='229162']
Just out curiosity, when is the last time Palmer played like an elite quarterback?
[/quote]

It's been a while. 2005 he was one of two QBs above a rating of 100 (the year he got injured by the Steelers in the playoffs). He was 5th in passing yards in both 2006 & 2007 (but his INTs suffered). 2008 he battled injuries.

I have never been one to write somebody off too early. Palmer if he can stay healthy (Big Question) can put up big numbers this year.

[J-man]

13-3? I little too greedy. I'd say 11-5 or 12-4

[mhead66]

[quote name='PuRock' date='04 September 2009 - 01:11 PM' timestamp='1252084284' post='229160']
As easy as it is to down the Browns. There are some important things to note.

1) Braylon Edwards is in a contract year. Meaning, I expect to see him get his **** together before he becomes a free agent. Who's going to pay top dollar for a WR that can't catch a ball. I look for him to be better this year.
2) [b]J Lewis is in decline. And if he continues to average 2.5 ypc into game two, his time is done.[/b] James Davis is looking really solid in preseason. I am looking for him to emerge in the backfield as the season goes on. And he has the tools to be dangerous.
3) Who know's what type of production we will see by the QBs is right. The Browns do have an average line led by Joe Thomas. But you never know when a switch might be flipped. Derek Anderson sparked it up two years ago. The same can happen this year with steriod face (Quinn).
4) Cribbs will be great on special teams. But they are also looking to use him heavily in the offense this year to. I expect them to utilize screen passes to get him into the open field.
5) Their D needs help.

Overall the Browns have an identity crisis. And with that being said their upcoming season is really an enigma. But I do not believe they won't be as bad as last year. I do not like Mangina, but I do think he's an improvement over Crennel.

I think the AFC North will be a division to reckon with this year. Not just by the Steelers and Ravens, but possibly the Bengals and Browns as well. Palmer can play like a #1. Ocho Cinco is ready to play some football this year. Henry & Coles are going to provide lots of options.

This vision of mine is merely subjective.
[/quote]
According to Adam Schefter, Jamal is on the bubble, and could be cut this weekend.

http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter

[William Murderface]

[quote name='flynismo' date='04 September 2009 - 11:03 AM' timestamp='1252080190' post='229134']
lol...you agree with the steeler fan, then spend the next two paragraphs agreeing with me
[/quote]

Yeah i did agree with you on a lot of your points. But i still dont feel that the steelers D is going to drop off that much. I said there isnt a very good chance they will be as good as last year's D because that defense was just plain dominant (i dont think anyone can argue with that) and no team has a truly dominant season like that year in and year out. The steeler's D (even if they do have the injuries i was talking about in my earlier post) will not fall out of the top three in the league.

Like theWarden86 says i am interested to how far you think they will decline and also why.

[flynismo]

great, here comes the "we should pick up Jamal" threads.

[JEEPercreepermd]

Here's my prediction:
1.Steelers(12-4)
Although I think the Ravens CAN win the division, right now I have to give the slight edge to Pittsburgh until some games are played. The core of their championship team is intact and if they can stay healthy, they should have enough to win the division based on their schedule.

2. Ravens (11-5)
I think the Ravens are a playoff team for sure, and winning the division depends on if they can pull out some wins against elite teams. Remember they had to win a game that nobody gave them a chance in last season to make the playoffs (Dallas) I think they might have to do the same this year, if they can win 2 out of the 3 against NE,Indy,and SD, and split with Pittsburgh they will have a shot at the division.

3. Bengals (7-9)
I think they will win a few against weaker opponents this year, but they can't hang with the likes of Baltimore and Pittsburgh

4. Browns (5-11)
I think they might beat Cincy at home, but that's about it for the division games. Can't wait to see Brady Quinn against Baltimore and Pittsburgh defenses..should be good entertainment.

[Ravensfan23]

Ok Warden this is for you.

My biggest thing with the Steelers and Ravens is this.

The Steelers while defending Champs has seemed to stand still on your accomplishments of last year. It doesn't seem like you guys have improved your team much. Now I guess you guys could use the same argument as many of us Ravens fans, and that would be improvement by experience. With guys like Sweed and Mendinghall having a year under their belt, but I don't think from the outside looking in, that you guys have done enough.

Ok Warden so here is why I think, despite your easy schedule this year, the Ravens will over take you guys.

I look at history. Now give or take a few games the Ravens/Steelers games have been very close score wise, correct? Even last year, you guys beat us by a combined total of 7 points in 2 regular season games.

There has been a few constants in these match ups. Both teams play great defense, both teams look to avoid turnovers, both had pretty good special teams. However the one thing that you guys always had an edge over was that your offense was good enough to win games, and our offense just hoped not to lose games.

So we always knew the Steelers offense was pretty good right? However we always seem to make u guys struggle offensively. Now in these previous games that have been really close, the Ravens didn't have a offense. Now we have a pretty good offense albeit untested.

I continue to look at history and I go back to 2006'. In that year, the Ravens had a decent offense, capable of moving the ball and scoring. Now in that year, the Ravens took it to you guys offensively and the games weren't close. I think in 2 games, the combined score was like 56-7? I'm not sure.

Now my point to all of this is, we know what the Steelers are and how you do what you do. In reality Ben and Hines are great, but the rest of your offense is average. But you guys make it work. Your defense is still great. But now on the Ravens side of things we have seemed to take a few steps forward and you guys have said still.

So if the games last year were close, and the biggest difference between to 2 teams was that we had a poor offense. How do you feel that your Steelers will respond to the Ravens having a improve offense and the same great defense?

Here is a brief breakdown of some key areas.

Flacco will be much improved in his second year. He has shown no signs of a slump. Ben, while great, is still the same guy. He will make his plays, and if given a chance will probably beat u on the last drive. However he'll make just as many mistake as good plays, u just have to be able to capitalize.

A healthy McGahee and more experienced Rice/McClain, will make the 4th ranked rushing attack even better. Parker, while healthy, has never been a factor vs the Ravens. So I don't see how that would change. Haven't seen enough from Mendenhall to say if he'll be an upgrade for you guys or not.

Our young and talented oline has a year more experience and looks much better. An improved Gaither, who was only credited for giving u 2 sacks last year, looks better. Grubbs looks to be playing up to his 1st round bill. Birk is a smart veteran guy, who will do wonders calling out protections to make sure the oline is in the right place for the blitz. Yanda who missed the last 2 games with you guys, seems to be 100% and ready. He is a big nasty blocker and will gives Dlinemen problems. Oher is a LT playing RT. He is dominate in the run game and will hold up well to Woodley's strength from his bull rush. Oher will only get better and by the time we play you guys, it'll almost be like a full season under his belt.

Now your oline on the other hand, struggled to protect Ben last year. I don't really see how you guys got better up front, but you have watched them play in preseason more then I. Those guys playing the same as last year won't be good enough to make it happen this year.

With our improved Oline, you guys will have to deal with Heap out in passing routes again. That means you have to either put a safety/LB or both on him. Then we will utilize Rice out of the backfield a lot, so that's another LB, that'll have to stay in coverage. My point to all of this is, last year we ran a lot of Max protect and 2 man pass routes. This year you guys will have a tougher time defending our offense.

Now because of all of this, I would give the personnel edge to the Ravens. However you guys are the defending champs and in order to be the best, you gotta beat the best. So with that said the Steelers have the slight edge for now.

It's a great thing that this game isn't played on paper, because you couldn't nearly appreciate it as much. The NFL and both cities truly get a treat when the Ravens and the Steelers lock up.

Warden I pretty much broke it down from a Ravens standpoint. Interested to here it from the Steelers side.

[TheRavenouseD2008]

[quote name='PuRock' date='04 September 2009 - 01:11 PM' timestamp='1252084284' post='229160']
As easy as it is to down the Browns. There are some important things to note.

[i][b]1) Braylon Edwards is in a contract year. Meaning, I expect to see him get his **** together before he becomes a free agent. Who's going to pay top dollar for a WR that can't catch a ball. I look for him to be better this year.[/b][/i]
2) J Lewis is in decline. And if he continues to average 2.5 ypc into game two, his time is done. James Davis is looking really solid in preseason. I am looking for him to emerge in the backfield as the season goes on. And he has the tools to be dangerous.
3) Who know's what type of production we will see by the QBs is right. The Browns do have an average line led by Joe Thomas. But you never know when a switch might be flipped. Derek Anderson sparked it up two years ago. The same can happen this year with steriod face (Quinn).
4) Cribbs will be great on special teams. But they are also looking to use him heavily in the offense this year to. I expect them to utilize screen passes to get him into the open field.
[i][b]5) Their D needs help.[/b][/i]

Overall the Browns have an identity crisis. And with that being said their upcoming season is really an enigma. But I do not believe they won't be as bad as last year. I do not like Mangina, but I do think he's an improvement over Crennel.

I think the AFC North will be a division to reckon with this year. Not just by the Steelers and Ravens, but possibly the Bengals and Browns as well. Palmer can play like a #1. Ocho Cinco is ready to play some football this year. Henry & Coles are going to provide lots of options.

This vision of mine is merely subjective.
[/quote]


[quote name='J-man' date='04 September 2009 - 01:38 PM' timestamp='1252085899' post='229174']
13-3? I little too greedy. I'd say 11-5 or 12-4
[/quote]

ok so here I will go on these points
1. Braylon must have been an inspiration for the maker of The Replacements when they made the character Clifford Franklin, he is fast as a cheetah with the hand eye quardnation of a 2 yearold . my old baseball coach said , boy you cant catch a cold dressed in a wet paperbag ina snow storm and that sums up his catching ability
2. yes they have a D but its a young D , no real veteran leadership.


now something interesting you guys left out. 3 teams in the nfl have outside distractions. 1 has a dui thing going. the other has had an arrest problem . and we know the other has charecter issues . funny we discussed in june about CI being a problem for teams and why we closely screen our players unlike some teams. I have a feeling these things can Take away from the thunder these teams have , also can distract the league they hit thier news and leave us out to sneak out the door with the division.

last time we were 4-0 entering the reg season .....we were in florida

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='04 September 2009 - 02:55 PM' timestamp='1252090532' post='229225']
Ok Warden this is for you.

My biggest thing with the Steelers and Ravens is this.

The Steelers while defending Champs has seemed to stand still on your accomplishments of last year. It doesn't seem like you guys have improved your team much. Now I guess you guys could use the same argument as many of us Ravens fans, and that would be improvement by experience. With guys like Sweed and Mendinghall having a year under their belt, but I don't think from the outside looking in, that you guys have done enough.

Ok Warden so here is why I think, despite your easy schedule this year, the Ravens will over take you guys.

I look at history. Now give or take a few games the Ravens/Steelers games have been very close score wise, correct? Even last year, you guys beat us by a combined total of 7 points in 2 regular season games.

There has been a few constants in these match ups. Both teams play great defense, both teams look to avoid turnovers, both had pretty good special teams. However the one thing that you guys always had an edge over was that your offense was good enough to win games, and our offense just hoped not to lose games.

So we always knew the Steelers offense was pretty good right? However we always seem to make u guys struggle offensively. Now in these previous games that have been really close, the Ravens didn't have a offense. Now we have a pretty good offense albeit untested.

I continue to look at history and I go back to 2006'. In that year, the Ravens had a decent offense, capable of moving the ball and scoring. Now in that year, the Ravens took it to you guys offensively and the games weren't close. I think in 2 games, the combined score was like 56-7? I'm not sure.

Now my point to all of this is, we know what the Steelers are and how you do what you do. In reality Ben and Hines are great, but the rest of your offense is average. But you guys make it work. Your defense is still great. But now on the Ravens side of things we have seemed to take a few steps forward and you guys have said still.

So if the games last year were close, and the biggest difference between to 2 teams was that we had a poor offense. How do you feel that your Steelers will respond to the Ravens having a improve offense and the same great defense?

Here is a brief breakdown of some key areas.

Flacco will be much improved in his second year. He has shown no signs of a slump. Ben, while great, is still the same guy. He will make his plays, and if given a chance will probably beat u on the last drive. However he'll make just as many mistake as good plays, u just have to be able to capitalize.

A healthy McGahee and more experienced Rice/McClain, will make the 4th ranked rushing attack even better. Parker, while healthy, has never been a factor vs the Ravens. So I don't see how that would change. Haven't seen enough from Mendenhall to say if he'll be an upgrade for you guys or not.

Our young and talented oline has a year more experience and looks much better. An improved Gaither, who was only credited for giving u 2 sacks last year, looks better. Grubbs looks to be playing up to his 1st round bill. Birk is a smart veteran guy, who will do wonders calling out protections to make sure the oline is in the right place for the blitz. Yanda who missed the last 2 games with you guys, seems to be 100% and ready. He is a big nasty blocker and will gives Dlinemen problems. Oher is a LT playing RT. He is dominate in the run game and will hold up well to Woodley's strength from his bull rush. Oher will only get better and by the time we play you guys, it'll almost be like a full season under his belt.

Now your oline on the other hand, struggled to protect Ben last year. I don't really see how you guys got better up front, but you have watched them play in preseason more then I. Those guys playing the same as last year won't be good enough to make it happen this year.

With our improved Oline, you guys will have to deal with Heap out in passing routes again. That means you have to either put a safety/LB or both on him. Then we will utilize Rice out of the backfield a lot, so that's another LB, that'll have to stay in coverage. My point to all of this is, last year we ran a lot of Max protect and 2 man pass routes. This year you guys will have a tougher time defending our offense.

Now because of all of this, I would give the personnel edge to the Ravens. However you guys are the defending champs and in order to be the best, you gotta beat the best. So with that said the Steelers have the slight edge for now.

It's a great thing that this game isn't played on paper, because you couldn't nearly appreciate it as much. The NFL and both cities truly get a treat when the Ravens and the Steelers lock up.

Warden I pretty much broke it down from a Ravens standpoint. Interested to here it from the Steelers side.
[/quote]


I disagree that just because we didn't add any F/A's to our Defense to "upgrade it" that it won't be as good or better. Free agency is not a guaranteed answer to an upgrade issue (Especially on an offensive line as I'm sure you are claiming for the Ravens. There needs to be cohesion there). I do believe that Timmons will prove an upgrade over Larry Foote. Perhaps not in the A Gap run defense but anything off tackle or in the passing game, most definitely. Dick LeBeau asked each player to improve HIS game just a little bit and all of them bought into it. Collectively that should reap rewards, no? Chalk that up as an "intangible" improvement.

I agree that Hines and Ben are great. Furthermore I think you're greatly underestimating Heath Miller and Santonio Holmes. Are they average in your book?? I wouldn't agree with that at all. What will we get from our o-line this year? NO ONE knows the answer to that right now.

I don't think you guys will run on us and I don't think we will run on you (business as usual). But, if you want to compare our passing games I would give us the edge (at least to come from behind if necessary).

What I don't get is how you guys lose your DC, Bart Scott and Jim Leonard and then say WE haven't done enough to improve our #1 ranked D. You also tell me that we're hanging on to what we accomplished with the 11 guys last year (of which 10 are back) but then go back and reference the 2006 Ravens?

Anyway, I believe we've upgaded our ST's play with the addition of Logan on KR/PR's. That was one of three areas we needed to address. The other two were short-yardage back and O-Line. One might argue that o-line could solve both but..... Hopefully they'll play better and Mendy can punch it through for us.

Finally, I don't think much will change between us. The division will be won by either Pit or Bal and none of us can predict who it will be. I think we'll come out just as sharp or sharper and I think Flacco will be better, but we'll also know better how to game plan against him too.

You seem to questioning the impact of our offense. Well, I'm "curious" to see how effective your defense is (for the first time in a decade) after the losses and new DC.

[FerrariFan87]

I'm tired of predictions and prognostications... let's just play football already!

[Bltravens]

[quote name='flynismo' date='04 September 2009 - 12:52 PM' timestamp='1252090379' post='229222']
great, here comes the "we should pick up Jamal" threads.
[/quote]
Dude we should pick up Jamal for short yardage situations, bring back J Lew for 1 last super bowl run. Just teasin ya fly lol.