The 2016 AFC North

[Sherly_Tebow]

The last remaining AFC North team, the Steelers, were eliminated from the playoffs by the Broncos this past Sunday. Now each team in the division must move all of their focus on making the best possible team they can for week 1, September 11th I believe.

Personally, I think the Ravens have a good chance at winning the North. We should have Joe back at the beginning of training camp, and everyone should be good to go. With many moves to still be made, the Ravens are only a few players away from being a dangerous team. The offense has the most promise. Joe is a great QB, elite or not that's just a title. The WR corps looks good now, but not good enough. They need a no. 1 WR along side Steve Smith. Behind that are WRs with much promise, including Aiken, Mathews, and Butler, Camp, etc. Forsett and Buck are a good 1, 2 combo at RB. The TE group is dangerous with or without Pitta. The only other concern is the O-line and what will happen with Osemele. The Defense needs Pass Rushers to aid Suggs and Dumervil. A corner and a decent safety (depending on Webb), are also needed. A lot of needs can be filled in the draft or Free Agency, but overall, I'm expecting a playoff contending team that has the sky as its limit.

The Steelers are a very dangerous threat as much as I hate to say it. Ben, Bell/Williams, and Brown/Wheaton/Bryant/Heyward-Bey when fully healthy is deadly. Their problems are in the secondary. Their D-line is solid. The Steelers are one or two DBs away from becoming a much, much better defense.

The Bengals have our number as of late, but I think they're overrated. Dalton is improving, and AJ Green is elite, but they had some setbacks this year. Their RBs had a down year despite getting a lot of TDs. As for their Defense, there are a lot of question marks. Will Burfict and Jones be released? They have a lot of Free Agents this offseason and it'll be interesting to see who gets resigned. I expect a playoff contending Bengals team next year, but maybe not as good as this year.

The Browns have shown some promise, but I'm not expecting anything anytime soon.

I'm not sure about certain aspects to the Steelers and Bengals this year, but I believe we're looking at a tight 3 way race for the division this year. This is all off the top of my head, so forgive me if I missed something or got something wrong. For now, Go anyone but the Patriots! Can't wait for next year!

[RavensFanOfLA]

i honestly see the same outcome for the rest of our division as this year, bengals will still be talented enough to go at the least 10-6 (i cant imagine them getting rid of vontes, packman, or marvin lewis) steelers probably go 11-5, and as for the browns i think 6-10, only thing is can the ravens bounce back? I still believe we have great young talent and with our starters back we could go back into relevance like last year. And hopefully periman shows some promise next year.

Edited January 18, 2016 by RavensFanOfLA

[Daft Classic]

Being Realistic:

 

Pitt is a good team. Always has been, and probably always will be as far as we're concerned. They didn't have Pouncey, Bell, Brown, Williams, and had a gimpy Ben and STILL almost upset Denver not counting the Toussaint fumble. There D is still something fierce but the secondary has taken some hits. Their D-line and LB core is outrageously good with Heyward, Timmons, and Shazier, and I assume their #1 priority this offseason is getting CB help. Fully expecting them next year if healthy to be a powerhouse.

 

Cinncy got rocked hard by that playoff game. Not only did they let their once chance at success slip away, but they really need to take a look at some personnel. I doubt they cut Burfict, but with M. Jones and Sanu FA's as well as A. Jones, Nelson, and Leon Hall on the market, they could have a major turnover in the secondary and WR core. New coordinators won't help, but with around $30 mil in cap space, they can reload easily. Also, I hate saying it, but Andy is a good REGULAR-SEASON QB. They don't show signs of slowing, so I fully expect the Bengals to continue their golden run, even if it means tapping out 1st round every year

 

Browns just hit gold with Hue Jackson. His no-nonsense system is exactly what that dumpster fire of a team needed. Once Manziel is gone and they either get Goff or Lynch, they are gonna be building something interesting. Re-signing Benjamin and getting Gordon back (Hopefully) creates a threatening offense with Barnidge. Assuming they keep Mack and Thomas, that line is still solid for them. Their defense needs to see more growth, but they won't become contenders in one year. I expect another cellar year, but the Brownies are heading in the right direction

 

Finally, Baltimore. Injuries are our plague, and if we can actually get through a year without the entire team going down, we may having something nice. Joe will be back and hopefully we can field a line that doesn't get him and the RB's killed. Left tackle is a serious concern, and I personally think they keep Monroe as a final "Show me what you got" year. His cap savings are minimal compared to the type of LT we are looking for, and we need WR's and DB's hella bad. Picking up a 2nd round WR and finding Safety/CB depth early will be key. Pick up a veteran Rusher to replace Canty as the Leader of the young D-line and we're set. AS LONG AS EVERYTHING GOES ACCORDING TO PLAN, I think we contend for the division with a good chance at a WC

[John W]

I expect to see the Ravens return to the playoff mix in the AFC North in 2016, with the division coming down to the Ravens and the Steelers, the Bengals are still not over how they became unglued in the

last 30 seconds of their playoff game with the Steelers, it is one thing to lose to a better team in a

playoff game but to fall apart on your own is hard top put behind you

[GrimCoconut]

I expect to see the Ravens return to the playoff mix in the AFC North in 2016, with the division coming down to the Ravens and the Steelers, the Bengals are still not over how they became unglued in the

last 30 seconds of their playoff game with the Steelers, it is one thing to lose to a better team in a

playoff game but to fall apart on your own is hard top put behind you

And the coaching upheaval could prove catastrophic & unravel chemistry & connections throughout the team, and that's before free agency.

Edited January 19, 2016 by GrimCoconut

[allblackraven]

Ravens and Steelers will again battle it out for the top spot. I think Bengals fall hard after losing Jackson (and the rest of the confidence they had). Cleveland should be better but who knows with them?

[ludy51]

I think Cincinnati has lost alot of their confidence. When A.J Green loses his cool, you know something went wrong.

[usmccharles]

I think Cinci takes a step back, losing their OC is huge.  Not to mention the FAs they have.  Yes, they do have a lot of money to spend but team chemistry will be down. 

 

I think Steelers win the division and we fight Cinci for a playoff spot

[The Mom Gene]

That stat of 14 games decided by 8 points or less should tell all of us just how "on the cusp" we actually were.

[Militant X 1]

The last remaining AFC North team, the Steelers, were eliminated from the playoffs by the Broncos this past Sunday. Now each team in the division must move all of their focus on making the best possible team they can for week 1, September 11th I believe.

Personally, I think the Ravens have a good chance at winning the North.

 

Of course you do.....

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

This season is going to be exciting. It's like we've got 2 new shiny 1st rounders to see for the 1st time since we havent  yet witnessed what Perriman can do.

 

And with the returns of Flacco, Forsett, Steve Smith and Suggs - it's even more shiny toys we havent seen in a while. This team is going to seem brand new and we will contend for the division.

 

Our defense was already trending upward to being the best overall in the 2nd half of the season. Add in Suggs to help the pass rush and possibly a Bosa, CB, or Dlineman in the draft and that progress should continue.

 

If the offense can take another step with Perriman in there as a deep threat, another WR in the draft and a FA I'm thinking we'll have the best offense in franchise history.

 

3 RB's who can take games over and are diverse in their skill sets and body type - so we can play mix it up to match the weaknesses of our opponent. 3 and possibly 4 TE's if Pitta returns, that all have potential to be starters and can catch. The possibilities are just endless as far as offensive personnel packages.

 

I'm salivating at what 2016 can be for this Ravens team. Trimming the roster down is going to be very, very tough. Aiken - who fared well as our #1 could potentially be our #4 receiver going into the season. Just praying we can stay moderately healthy and 2016 is going to be really, really fun. 

[Moderator 3]

That stat of 14 games decided by 8 points or less should tell all of us just how "on the cusp" we actually were.

And I'm hoping our returning players have learned just how important EVERY play is.

[Sherly_Tebow]

Of course you do.....

Am I wrong? Lol

[DomMcRaven]

Am I wrong? Lol

You know Mili is going to say something around the lines of "they need to show me" or "they must prove to me that they can"(which I agree with).

Edited January 20, 2016 by DomMcRaven

[Militant X 1]

Am I wrong? Lol

 

No!  Cause we're all Ravens fans and hope for that of course. Lol

You know Mili is going to say something around the lines of "they need to show me" or "they must prove to me that they can"(which I agree with).

 

Dom, you know me very well my friend!  But, you said it this time not me...and I agree with you! Lol!

[K-Dog]

That stat of 14 games decided by 8 points or less should tell all of us just how "on the cusp" we actually were.

SERIOUSLY !!!

Reality is we were just a few plays in each game from being 14-2 ( +/- ). 

[DomMcRaven]

No!  Cause we're all Ravens fans and hope for that of course. Lol

 

Dom, you know me very well my friend!  But, you said it this time not me...and I agree with you! Lol!

Lol! Of course Mili.....of course.

[Drew P]

Add to the need list: an ILB that can cover.

 

Eiffert and Barnidge were unstoppable hell, throw in Gio and LBELL in the mix = major weakness

[usmccharles]

Add to the need list: an ILB that can cover.

Eiffert and Barnidge were unstoppable hell, throw in Gio and LBELL in the mix = major weakness

that's why I have us taking myles jack in my mock

[Drew P]

that's why I have us taking myles jack in my mock

 

It wouldn't hurt my feelings if they managed to move back a few slots and get him around 12-15

[Gordo52]

That stat of 14 games decided by 8 points or less should tell all of us just how "on the cusp" we actually were.

This

Despite the injuries and coaching adjustments on the offense.

[baltimorefan328]

I agree with a lot of this that if the Ravens stay healthy and can get a couple pieces in the draft and maybe some vintage signings, they can definitely get back and compete.  One interesting nuance I see, however, is the schedule.  Obviously the division has the same division games, and play the AFC East and NFC East this year.  Although the Ravens play a third place schedule, this may not be what it seems.

 

Bengals: First place schedule - Texans and Broncos

 

Yes, the Texans and Broncos won their divisions, however this may be the easiest of the three even though it is a first place schedule.  The Texans will either have to sign another mediocre veteran or draft a rookie QB, both tough spots.  Second, noone knows if Manning will be back, and if he is back how effective will he be.  Yes the Broncos should still have a good defense, but these are two first place teams who may not be as strong next year.  Couple that with the Bengals talent and this could be a much easier than anticipated first place schedule for the Bengals.

 

Steelers: Second place schedule - Chiefs and Colts

 

The Chiefs should still be decent next year, however with limited WR besides Maclin (maybe even worse than the Ravens at times) and questions always surrounding how far Alex Smith can actually take a team, the Chiefs may not be great next year.  Now the Colts will be getting back Luck but the Colts have some older playmakers (Johnson, Gore), a below average defense (2015 - 25.5 ppg), and we will have to see how Luck comes back from injuries.  With the Steelers offensive weapons and very solid front 7, the Steelers could be a very good team next year as well.

 

Ravens: Third place schedule - Raiders and Jaguars

 

Now the Ravens.  This is a third place schedule but the Ravens lost to the Raiders this year and "lost" to the Jaguars this year.  Yes the Ravens should have won, but they still would have only won 20-19.  The Raiders and Jaguars are improving teams who played hard this year.  Both young QBs played decently well this past year.  With the Ravens recent struggles and injury history each of the past few years, these games could be more difficult than given credit for.

 

So in the end, I am not telling you the Ravens have the hardest "schedule dependent" games next year, but there are certainly questions around each team.  And those 2 games could mean all the difference in this division between winning it and not even making the playoffs

[GrimCoconut]

Ravens: Third place schedule - Raiders and Jaguars

 

Now the Ravens.  This is a third place schedule but the Ravens lost to the Raiders this year and "lost" to the Jaguars this year.  Yes the Ravens should have won, but they still would have only won 20-19.  The Raiders and Jaguars are improving teams who played hard this year.  Both young QBs played decently well this past year.  With the Ravens recent struggles and injury history each of the past few years, these games could be more difficult than given credit for.

 

So in the end, I am not telling you the Ravens have the hardest "schedule dependent" games next year, but there are certainly questions around each team.  And those 2 games could mean all the difference in this division between winning it and not even making the playoffs

Looking at the games we play, I think we will need a good secondary. There's a lot of very good WRs we face this year. Beckham Jr, Brown & Bryant (twice), AJ Green (twice), Jackson/Garcon (whoever sticks in DC), Cooper & Crabtree, Bryant, Agholor & Matthews, Gronkowski (I know he's a TE but come on now) & Edelman, Watkins & Woods, Smith & Decker & Marshall, Landry & Parker

 

That's a strong list of some very good WRs & some with potential to be very good. We will absolutely need a good secondary this year. None of those guys are scrubs and that's not including free agency, which could see more guys added to those teams. 

[asteroid]

No worries with Cincinatti. OC Hue Jackson went to Cleveland. Why he would go into the Great Abyss of Cleveland is beyond me. He won't be  a factor.

 Pittsburgh is another matter. Every receiver they have runs the 40 in 4.2 seconds. Big Ben, in my opinion, is always phenomenal. Tomlin is a defensive coach and will eventually get the defense back on track. Like some said they are only a couple secondary players from being a shutdown D.

 All other teams shouldn't be a tough go if we can maintain a reasonable health status. Even beat up the Ravens out played many of the teams they lost to.

Edited January 23, 2016 by asteroid

[Cillmatic]

No worries with Cincinatti. OC Hue Jackson went to Cleveland. Why he would go into the Great Abyss of Cleveland is beyond me. He won't be a factor.

Pittsburgh is another matter. Every receiver they have runs the 40 in 4.2 seconds. Big Ben, in my opinion, is always phenomenal. Tomlin is a defensive coach and will eventually get the defense back on track. Like some said they are only a couple secondary players from being a shutdown D.

All other teams shouldn't be a tough go if we can maintain a reasonable health status. Even beat up the Ravens out played many of the teams they lost to.

I wouldn't treat Cleveland like that; Hue Jackson looks like a good coach and I think Jared Goff is gonna be a good QB so I can see them getting pretty decent.

The Steelers will always be beatable as long as we have a good secondary or just a healthy Jimmy.

The Bengals have ample Cap space, could still be a threat.

[usmccharles]

I wouldn't treat Cleveland like that; Hue Jackson looks like a good coach and I think Jared Goff is gonna be a good QB so I can see them getting pretty decent.

The Steelers will always be beatable as long as we have a good secondary or just a healthy Jimmy.

The Bengals have ample Cap space, could still be a threat.

don't forget the Browns could get Gordon back...

[PurpleCity5]

I hope Cleveland screws up on their 2nd pick, I really hope they don't pick Goff.

Edited January 24, 2016 by PurpleCity5

[Cillmatic]

I hope Cleveland screws up on their 2nd pick, I really hope they don't pick Goff.

Its gonna suck having only the 3rd best QB in the division. I really think Goff is gonna be in the league for a long time.

[Guest]

Ravens and Steelers will again battle it out for the top spot. I think Bengals fall hard after losing Jackson (and the rest of the confidence they had). Cleveland should be better but who knows with them?

 

I thought the Bengals underachieved under Hue Jackson.  Not a fan of his at all.  To believe their offense will slip now that Jackson is gone may disappoint a lot of Ravens fans.  My view is that they will likely be a better offensive team. Browns made a huge mistake, but they are the Browns. Some things never change. They need to fire their owner.

[Guest]

Its gonna suck having only the 3rd best QB in the division. I really think Goff is gonna be in the league for a long time.

 

Goff throws and moves in the pocket well. Seems to have a great feeling for dropping a ball in at long range.  He's definitely a "Stickman" though.  That is not a body to hold up to big NFL lineman.