Offseason In The AFC North

[thewarden86]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' date='09 March 2010 - 05:02 PM' timestamp='1268172153' post='373505']
I agree with you. And even though I'm not a Steelers fan either, [b]I think both our teams are gonna make Cincy pay a heavy price for sweeping us last year.[/b]
[/quote]

That sure would be nice. lol

[FLACCOisFUTURE]

I don't think the Bengals will get Marshall. I think Denver is doing what we're doing with McClain, letting him sit in FA long enough so it won't cost as much to resign him.

The problems with the Bengals was our passing attack. We have that pretty much fixed, so now, we aren't one-dimensional. Ray Rice, McGahee, Mclain, then a great balanced (not the best, yet) passing attack. The Bengals shouldn't be a problem.

1. Ravens
2. Bengals
3. Browns
4. Steelers

The Steelers have shown some interest in looking for a new QB in draft. Which may mean they're thinking about letting Ben go when his contract is up. The Steelers have trouble in their secondary, and Dixon is looking to start somewhere no doubt, especially with his performance against us when Ben was out.

The Browns defense is looking good. With a Superbowl Champion Linebacker at the head of their linebacking corps, they'll have a good passing attack. I can see them picking up a good corner in the draft, then maybe picking up a good pass rusher w/ their next pick. With Cribbs back, they keep a good weapon, but another WR needs to step up, and they may draft one as well to balance defense with offense. I don't foresee the Browns making it to the playoffs, but I do see them 8-8.

This year is a good year for the Ravens, but the excitement isn't over yet. The Ravens are good in the draft at finding good players, and picking up a big-play safety or corner would be huge.

[Ravens52]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='09 March 2010 - 04:54 PM' timestamp='1268171656' post='373500']
Why does everyone think the Bengals are going to be challengers this year? Because they had their one year spike last year?
[/quote]

They'll go back to battling the Browns for the 3rd place next year where they belong.

[JO_75]

[quote name='FLACCOisFUTURE' date='09 March 2010 - 05:59 PM' timestamp='1268175569' post='373525']
[b]The Steelers have shown some interest in looking for a new QB in draft. Which may mean they're thinking about letting Ben go when his contract is up.[/b]
[/quote]

Where did you hear that?? They have Ben locked up in a pretty long term contract so his contract won't be up for another 6 years, in fact from Wikipedia it says [b]"On March 4, 2008, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Roethlisberger agreed to an eight-year, $102 million contract." [/b] That's pretty recent to me and that makes Ben a Steeler until sometime around 2014-2016(not sure which year) and pretty much for life. Now of course I can understand with what's going on now but certainly I don't think they are looking at getting rid of him anytime soon. Ben is under contract for 6 more years, if they draft a QB now, whoever they draft would have demanded a trade to get out by then. I don't see them looking for a new QB until Ben has 2 years left on his current contract.

[Jamal]

[quote name='FLACCOisFUTURE' date='09 March 2010 - 05:59 PM' timestamp='1268175569' post='373525']

The Steelers have shown some interest in looking for a new QB in draft. Which may mean they're thinking about letting Ben go when his contract is up. The Steelers have trouble in their secondary, and Dixon is looking to start somewhere no doubt, especially with his performance against us when Ben was out.

[/quote]
No offense, but that has to be one of the funniest things I've read on this board.

[beasy2487]

[quote name='FLACCOisFUTURE' date='09 March 2010 - 05:59 PM' timestamp='1268175569' post='373525']

1. Ravens
2. Bengals[b]
3. Browns
4. Steelers[/b]


Uh, I hate the Steelers as much as the next guy... but below the Browns? Really?


The Browns defense is looking good. [b] With a Superbowl Champion Linebacker at the head of their linebacking corps, they'll have a good passing attack.[/b]


What does Scott Fujita have to do with their passing attack? Mangenius is a sneaky guy but are you implying some kind of Fujita-cat(<<trademarked btw)? If so... go on.

[organizedchaos007]

[quote name='Jamal' date='09 March 2010 - 11:10 PM' timestamp='1268194218' post='373764']
No offense, but that has to be one of the funniest things I've read on this board.
[/quote]
same lol

[organizedchaos007]

[quote name='JO_75' date='09 March 2010 - 09:44 PM' timestamp='1268189059' post='373729']
Where did you hear that?? They have Ben locked up in a pretty long term contract so his contract won't be up for another 6 years, in fact from Wikipedia it says [b]"On March 4, 2008, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Roethlisberger agreed to an eight-year, $102 million contract." [/b] That's pretty recent to me and that makes Ben a Steeler until sometime around 2014-2016(not sure which year) and pretty much for life. Now of course I can understand with what's going on now but certainly I don't think they are looking at getting rid of him anytime soon. Ben is under contract for 6 more years, if they draft a QB now, whoever they draft would have demanded a trade to get out by then. I don't see them looking for a new QB until Ben has 2 years left on his current contract.
[/quote]
True Jo_75, i read this twice to see if i read it right lol... Ben isnt going anywhere... unless to jail(best chance of him not being the qb in Pittsburgh) lol. "if" they draft a QB , it will strickly be to back up ben... since they run through backups like water. Ben has a lot of contract left before even considering someone taking his place.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='FLACCOisFUTURE' date='09 March 2010 - 06:59 PM' timestamp='1268175569' post='373525']
[b]what we're doing with McClain, letting him sit in FA long enough so it won't cost as much to resign him.[/b]
[/quote]
THANK YOU!! That answers my question.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='FLACCOisFUTURE' date='09 March 2010 - 06:59 PM' timestamp='1268175569' post='373525']
The Steelers have shown some interest in looking for a new QB in draft. Which may mean they're thinking about letting Ben go when his contract is up.[/quote]
OR they're thinking about drafting a replacement who plays the same style as Ben in case he suffers yet another concussion. Dixon doesn't quite fit that offenses identity, maybe they wanna draft someone who does.

But not re-signing him?!?!

[PuRock]

[quote name='FLACCOisFUTURE' date='09 March 2010 - 05:59 PM' timestamp='1268175569' post='373525']
The Steelers have shown some interest in looking for a new QB in draft. Which may mean they're thinking about letting Ben go when his contract is up. The Steelers have trouble in their secondary, and Dixon is looking to start somewhere no doubt, especially with his performance against us when Ben was out.
[/quote]

The Steelers are interested in another QB because they know it's only a matter of time before Ben gets locked up. Seriously what is an almost 30 year old doing hanging out in private rooms at college clubs? Rothlisberger: "I swear officer she said she was 18!"

Does anybody think that Drew Brees or Flacco still hang out at college clubs?

But despite all that. Their defense is aging faster than ours. Troy can't stay healthy. They will have a tough time covering guys this year. I think they place 3rd. But I wouldn't count out the Browns yet.

[catty112]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='09 March 2010 - 04:54 PM' timestamp='1268171656' post='373500']
Why does everyone think the Bengals are going to be challengers this year? Because they had their one year spike last year?
[/quote]

Well there defense was playing really well until it hit a nasty injury streak

The found a good running back to go along with their potent passing game

They swept both of our teams last year.

I am the furthest from a Bengals fan but what happens if this year their offense gets better (with A Bryant)and their defense doesn't get ruined with injury? Granted a lot of their games were won on the last drive of the game and maybe their luck ran out. Even so they seem to be a competitor and I can see them battling the Ravens at the top of the AFCN.

Ravens win this year of course

[thewarden86]

[quote name='PuRock' date='10 March 2010 - 03:23 PM' timestamp='1268252595' post='374090']
The Steelers are interested in another QB because they know it's only a matter of time before Ben gets locked up. Seriously what is an almost 30 year old doing hanging out in private rooms at college clubs? Rothlisberger: "I swear officer she said she was 18!"

Does anybody think that Drew Brees or Flacco still hang out at college clubs?

But despite all that. Their defense is aging faster than ours. Troy can't stay healthy. They will have a tough time covering guys this year. I think they place 3rd. But I wouldn't count out the Browns yet.
[/quote]

C'mon Pu, that's almost entirely speculation.

[JO_75]

I wasn't sure where to put this but since I figured this was about the AFC North I figure I put this here. How would you guys feel if The Browns were able to get Eric Berry at 7 in the draft next month? Granted I think it's something they should really look at when you consider we have Boldin, Bengals just signed Bryant and have Chad Johnson, the Steelers still have Ward, Holmes and Mike Wallace. Plus if Berry pans out the way every one is saying, "The Next Ed Reed" and is drafted by Cleveland that would give the AFC North 3 of the better safety's in the league in 3 years, Troy, Ed(If he is still around and Berry.

Also, how far do you think if possible Berry could fall in the Draft?

[Jamal]

The Bengals put themselves neck and neck with us, now that they signed Bryant. I was hoping they do the wrong thing, and sign T.O., but they actually made a smart decision.

[bmoreis#1]

I mentioned already in another thread that I would like for us to draft Berry. Theres no way of telling for sure how long he will last in the draft but he would be god for us to have. This is probably going to be Reed's last year if he comes back at all. We need a replacement..

[PuRock]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='10 March 2010 - 05:51 PM' timestamp='1268261500' post='374180']
C'mon Pu, that's almost entirely speculation.
[/quote]

What else is the offseason for?

[Jamal]

Forget Berry. Even Thomas would be a stretch at this point.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='PuRock' date='11 March 2010 - 09:41 AM' timestamp='1268318487' post='374771']
What else is the offseason for?
[/quote]

Touche'

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='JO_75' date='10 March 2010 - 06:14 PM' timestamp='1268262842' post='374192']
I wasn't sure where to put this but since I figured this was about the AFC North I figure I put this here. How would you guys feel if The Browns were able to get Eric Berry at 7 in the draft next month? Granted I think it's something they should really look at when you consider we have Boldin, Bengals just signed Bryant and have Chad Johnson, the Steelers still have Ward, Holmes and Mike Wallace. Plus if Berry pans out the way every one is saying, "The Next Ed Reed" and is drafted by Cleveland that would give the AFC North 3 of the better safety's in the league in 3 years, Troy, Ed(If he is still around and Berry.

Also, how far do you think if possible Berry could fall in the Draft?
[/quote]

As my favorite player in college football the past few years, I'd love to see Berry in purple. He'd fit in perfectly playing corner early on and then transitioning to FS when Ed retires. However, he's a lock to go in the top 7. Almost all of the teams picking from 1 to 7 have secondary issues and one will definitely draft him.

I'm hoping he goes to the Browns just so I can get to see him play twice a year.

[Jamal]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='11 March 2010 - 04:31 PM' timestamp='1268343115' post='375064']

I'm hoping he goes to the Browns just so I can get to see him play twice a year.
[/quote]
No thanks. Seeing Polamalu twice a year is bad enough.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Jamal' date='11 March 2010 - 04:35 PM' timestamp='1268343340' post='375067']
No thanks. Seeing Polamalu twice a year is bad enough.
[/quote]

Berry is just one man. It's doubtful he alone will make the Browns the defensive powerhouse the Steelers are.

[McBoller]

[quote name='JO_75' date='10 March 2010 - 06:14 PM' timestamp='1268262842' post='374192']
I wasn't sure where to put this but since I figured this was about the AFC North I figure I put this here. How would you guys feel if The Browns were able to get Eric Berry at 7 in the draft next month? Granted I think it's something they should really look at when you consider we have Boldin, Bengals just signed Bryant and have Chad Johnson, the Steelers still have Ward, Holmes and Mike Wallace. Plus if Berry pans out the way every one is saying, "The Next Ed Reed" and is drafted by Cleveland that would give the AFC North 3 of the better safety's in the league in 3 years, Troy, Ed(If he is still around and Berry.

Also, how far do you think if possible Berry could fall in the Draft?
[/quote]
I dont think Berry's going in the top10. Safety is the lowest paid position in the league and no team is gonna wanna pay a rookie safety 20mil guaranteed by picking him in the top10. I see him going to seattle or tennessee in the mid-teens

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='McBoller' date='11 March 2010 - 04:55 PM' timestamp='1268344517' post='375083']
I dont think Berry's going in the top10. Safety is the lowest paid position in the league and no team is gonna wanna pay a rookie safety 20mil guaranteed by picking him in the top10. I see him going to seattle or tennessee in the mid-teens
[/quote]

That could happen but a safety ha been drafted in the top 10 as recently as 2006.

[Fred Sanford]

[quote name='PuRock' date='10 March 2010 - 03:23 PM' timestamp='1268252595' post='374090']
Seriously what is an almost 30 year old doing hanging out in private rooms at college clubs? Rothlisberger: [/quote]

What, college girls suddenly become repugnant when you hit 25?

Forget that! I'll be the sixty eight year old guy at the bar with the gold chain and the low cut shirt with red chest hair poking out, winking at the girlies while wearing too-tight pants and causing physical illness everywhere.

--

The Antonio Bryant signing is the only thing I see of note so far in the rest of the AFC North. Guy's injury prone and inconsistent, but when he's on his game he's a very dangerous big play receiver. I saw they also signed "Chris Smith," whoever that is.

I don't think the Seneca Wallace signing has us, PIT, and CIN shaking in our boots quite yet...

I would've found any means possible to lock up Casey Hampton, not sure franchising him was the right move.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Fred Sanford' date='12 March 2010 - 09:56 PM' timestamp='1268449010' post='375904']
The Antonio Bryant signing is the only thing I see of note so far in the rest of the AFC North. Guy's injury prone and inconsistent, but when he's on his game he's a very dangerous big play receiver. I saw they also signed "Chris Smith," whoever that is.

I don't think the Seneca Wallace signing has us, PIT, and CIN shaking in our boots quite yet...

I would've found any means possible to lock up Casey Hampton, not sure franchising him was the right move.
[/quote]

I agree about Bryant. A lot of people are anticipating he'll go back to underachieving now he has been payed. Regardless, he's another Bengal the Ravens have to worry about.

As for the Browns, I like their unifrorms. That is all...