AFCN: Who is Winning the FO Chess Match?

[FlocksGottaFeed]

The Ravens' front office has been consistently called one of the NFL's 'Elite' for over a decade, now. As a result of this, other AFCN opponents have been overshadowed and/or totally dismissed from league consideration. Bengals' fans and media outlets have been asking for the promotion of Marvin Lewis to GM and hiring another coach for years now although they've been consistently competitive in recent years. Steelers' fans and ex-Steelers have been openly critical of some of their FO moves even though they've remained competitive, as well. And the Browns...well there's just to much fan mistrust to mention.

 

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/22243529/ranking-the-best-front-offices-among-the-nfls-top-tier-of-teams

 

This off-season serves as such a great barometer for me simply because of the cap space, releases, trades, draft strategies and FO personnel restructuring that are taking place currently and/or will be happening before the season begins. Although front office brilliance doesn't exclusively lead to championships and Super Bowls, there's very little argument that these off-season moves do play a huge factor in it.

 

Who will win this AFCN chess match this off-season? Which fans are showing the most trust and/or enthusiasm for their FO moves? Can we still trust Ozzie and the gang to reign 'Supreme' in the AFCN?

Edited June 6, 2015 by jkm5bmore

[FlocksGottaFeed]

When looking at the current line-ups if the season began today - you can really gage the importance of having a great FO.

 

Ravens current line-up: http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Early-2015-Depth-Chart-Projection/e968c6a1-85d3-449f-abb7-ae3301183aa3

 

Considering recent FO moves of the Steelers, Bengals and Browns (Big Ben Contract, DeAngelo Signing, Browns QB situation, Bengals slow activity, etc.), who will field the better team based-on strategy and/or availability?

 

It seems to me that the Ravens can do more with less than all the AFCN combined.

[cobrajet]

I think you have to wait until after the upcoming draft before you can really make a good educated guess. There are also a few good free agents left and possible trades yet to be made, so I think this poll could be a little early.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

I think you have to wait until after the upcoming draft before you can really make a good educated guess. There are also a few good free agents left and possible trades yet to be made, so I think this poll could be a little early.

Yes I completely agreed that to determine a 'clear' winner now is too early. The poll is really just to gage as the process happens. Simply: At this point in the match.

[ravensnick]

The Steeler are in a pretty bad cap situation and the Browns aren't looking too hot as of now. Bengals have made a couple good signings in Micheal Johnson and Aj Hawk. I think we are currently ahead with a steal in Forsett and an underrated signing with Kendrick Lewis. 

[FlocksGottaFeed]

The Steeler are in a pretty bad cap situation and the Browns aren't looking too hot as of now. Bengals have made a couple good signings in Micheal Johnson and Aj Hawk. I think we are currently ahead with a steal in Forsett and an underrated signing with Kendrick Lewis. 

Agreed. In addition, I think the new Big Ben contract will have future cap implications for the Steelers while we are getting healthier for our future cap.

[Purple_ICE 81]

Ravens

Steelers

Bungles

Browns

[BmoreBird22]

I like what the Bengals did, a lot, with brining Boling back and signing back Michael Johnson after a year away from the team. Two big and underrated moves it seems.

 

I voted for the Bengals as of right now, but there's always a really good chance that the Ravens will pull ahead in a week or two and then especially when the draft roles around.

[BmoreBird22]

And just an update on the ever active Browns, they've shown and received interest from Bowe and apparently they are now turning their sights on Tramon Williams, a player I really want for the Ravens.

[PurpleCity5]

Lol we're all going to vote Ravens. 

 

In all seriousness, I can't pick a leader. 

 

I don't think anyone wants to Cleveland honestly. 

Edited March 15, 2015 by PurpleCity5

[BmoreBird22]

Lol we're all going to vote Ravens. 

 

In all seriousness, I can't pick a leader. 

 

I don't think anyone wants to Cleveland honestly. 

I'd like the moves their making a lot more if they had a competent quarterback, but until then, I can't really take them too seriously

[cursona pirate]

If we are excluding the draft, I mean its hard to tell. I think the Bengals have been quiet in the same way just like the Ravens. They have made some good signings though. Steelers are always competitive and the browns are the browns. 

[Maryland]

As an opponent, I like that the Steelers gave Roethlisberger 60 mil guaranteed over 5 years. When he inevitably declines due to the myriad of hits he takes and injuries that occur as a result, he will be difficult to cut. 

[Bruce_Almty]

....  Can we still trust Ozzie in the gang to reign 'Supreme' in the AFCN?

AND

"the new Big Ben contract will have future cap implications for the Steelers while we are getting healthier for our future cap."

I have to disagree with those 2 statements.

If one was to look back over the division winners the past 6 yrs (or more), the 2 division titles didn't exactly have the FO & team reigning supreme over Pittsburgh or Cincinnati. So the question is, can we keep pace with our division rivals in the off-season and on the field? 

AND

Big Ben's new contract will be far more affordable to Pittsburgh next year that Joe's is to Baltimore. We will definitely be cap-strapped again next year with the players we have hitting FA & the money we'll need to spend to keep them; Flacco not included.

[FlackAttack]

lol of course everyone on here is going to vote ravens..

[FlocksGottaFeed]

I have to disagree with those 2 statements.

If one was to look back over the division winners the past 6 yrs (or more), the 2 division titles didn't exactly have the FO & team reigning supreme over Pittsburgh or Cincinnati. So the question is, can we keep pace with our division rivals in the off-season and on the field? 

AND

Big Ben's new contract will be far more affordable to Pittsburgh next year that Joe's is to Baltimore. We will definitely be cap-strapped again next year with the players we have hitting FA & the money we'll need to spend to keep them; Flacco not included.

You make great points. I agree that this post is only to reflect on the "pace with division rivals in the off-season" and that it's possible that we will be cap-strapped again next season, but that does not necessarily mean that the Ravens haven't "Reign Supreme" so far in this division historically. The term has been used by NFL insiders for years now regarding not just the AFCN, but the entire league. I didn't make that up.

 

I also mentioned that FO expertise doesn't necessarily guarantee championships, etc. However, assessing FOs sometimes has more to do with what they are able to do with what they have to work with. This off-season is a great illustration of resource management so far. With the unplanned cap hits that the Ravens took into this off-season it will take exceptional moves and strategies to keep pace with the Browns, Steelers and Bengals. That said, I agree with the majority of insiders that say that the Ravens have the FO to do that consistently.

 

Here we can follow the process in real-time, but we'll only know who wins this chess match by the end of the off-season. The question was 'whose winning (currently). It can change day to day. imho - All the teams in the AFCN have made and will continue to make good and questionable moves this off-season and have taken the temporary lead in this chess match at some point. That is why we are one of the most competitive divisions in the league.

 

And yes, I stil believe that the Big Ben Deal (although it had to happen) may come back to haunt the Steelers just because of his injury riddled career and past legal problems considering this newly over-reactive NFL culture. No other franchise QB in the league is dealing with those 2 situations at the same time currently (maybe ever). They could be only one incident and/or injury away from a franchise QB contract plagued with dead money. It may not happen, but that is a risk that should be considered.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

As an opponent, I like that the Steelers gave Roethlisberger 60 mil guaranteed over 5 years. When he inevitably declines due to the myriad of hits he takes and injuries that occur as a result, he will be difficult to cut. 

Agreed. Not wishing an injury on any player, but the history is there and also the risk factor..

[FlocksGottaFeed]

If we are excluding the draft, I mean its hard to tell. I think the Bengals have been quiet in the same way just like the Ravens. They have made some good signings though. Steelers are always competitive and the browns are the browns. 

It's about every FO aspect - "cap space, releases, trades, draft strategies and FO personnel restructuring..." Sometimes just following FA, trades, etc. also gives a very good indication of what a FO's draft strategy is.For example: It we get another possession receiver FA who's not a speed merchant - how would other teams in our division respond while looking at their current roster needs and what cap they have available? That makes it more interesting to me.

[JoeyFlex5]

at the moment nobody. steelers have done nothing but extend roethlisberger to an absurd contract that he will not be able to live up to due to constant injuries and age. bengals have done literally nothing as far as i know. browns are just being jerks and trying to hold hostage players that dont wanna be on scrub teams. and the ravens made out like thieves on the ngata trade and a majority of the NFL world doesnt even realize it.

 

we'll have a better idea once the draft is over. 

 

althought if i absolutely had to give the edge, id give it to the ravens for free'ing up 8.5mil in desperately needed cap space, being able to restructure sizzle, and the extra 4th and 5th rounder we got from detroit could prove to be HUGE, all while staying patient and sticking to the comp pick formula, once we sign jennings(i can feel it coming) i think the ravens will already be saying checkmate.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

at the moment nobody. steelers have done nothing but extend roethlisberger to an absurd contract that he will not be able to live up to due to constant injuries and age. bengals have done literally nothing as far as i know. browns are just being jerks and trying to hold hostage players that dont wanna be on scrub teams. and the ravens made out like thieves on the ngata trade and a majority of the NFL world doesnt even realize it.

 

we'll have a better idea once the draft is over. 

 

althought if i absolutely had to give the edge, id give it to the ravens for free'ing up 8.5mil in desperately needed cap space, being able to restructure sizzle, and the extra 4th and 5th rounder we got from detroit could prove to be HUGE, all while staying patient and sticking to the comp pick formula, once we sign jennings(i can feel it coming) i think the ravens will already be saying checkmate.

That was huge! Steelers addressing Bell's imminent 2 game suspension with Hall was a good move, but that was huge.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

The Browns sure-up their defense today. Not much activity coming from the rest of the division.

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000479287/article/browns-add-randy-starks-tramon-williams

 

Bowes visits Cleveland as well. It's getting interesting.

[Gtown Purple]

still too early to call

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Ravens reduce their cap with Webb restructure negotiations. Great move.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-restructure-cornerback-lardarius-webbs-contract-sources-say-20150317-story.html

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Steelers making moves and meetings to beef-up CB situation.

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/12868/pittsburgh-steelers-to-meet-with-another-free-agent-cornerback

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Bengals seem to beturning the corner on getting and resigning FAs and they hired 2professional chefs to assist.

 

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/columnists/paul-daugherty/2015/03/16/michael-johnson-cincinnati-bengals-tampa-bay-buccaneers/24859453/

 

"There's stability here,'' said John Thornton. "These guys feel like a family. If you see one of 'em out, you see four or five. It takes a while to build that culture.''

 

Interesting read. The article reads as if they are trying to establish a Ravens-like FO strategy.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Current NFL Network's during FA Ranks AFCN Teams:

• 7th - Steelers
• 12th - Bengals
• 13th - Ravens
• 29th - Browns

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000479557/article/nfl-power-rankings-seahawks-sit-above-super-bowl-champs

 

Note: This may most likely change as the offseason continues with late FA pickups and the draft. With priority and depth positions still needing to be addresses by each team, it's going to get more intense going forward. Example: Canty resigning.

 

Another point of interest is that there are currently 3 NFCW in the top 20 currently with Seahawks ranking #1 and 2 AFCW in the top 10. The chess match continues.

[usmccharles]

A very interesting thing to think about, the Bengal will be getting a comp pick in this year's draft for losing Michael Johnson while he will actually be playing for them this year.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

A very interesting thing to think about, the Bengal will be getting a comp pick in this year's draft for losing Michael Johnson while he will actually be playing for them this year.

Seems like a great chess move (although alittle questionable). There should be some kind of rule about that when it's not for a 'One Day Contract' like we've done for Mason's retirement.

 

How did they get that by?

[usmccharles]

Because last year he

Seems like a great chess move (although alittle questionable). There should be some kind of rule about that when it's not for a 'One Day Contract' like we've done for Mason's retirement.

 

How did they get that by?

Last year he was a free agent and left the Bengals and signed with Tampa. Then Tampa cut him this year making him a free agent once again.

[Jalxsu]

Well it's almost impossible to say since only Cleveland have really made any significant moves.

 

Now if we were in the AFC East, this would be a much more interesting question to debate!