2001 Season Preview
2002 Season Preview
2003 Season Preview:
AFC East / AFC North / AFC South / AFC West
NFC East / NFC North / NFC South / NFC West
Playoffs / Awards
2004 Season Preview:
AFC East / AFC North / AFC South / AFC West
NFC East / NFC North / NFC South / NFC West
Playoffs / Awards / Simulation
2005 Season Preview:
AFC East / AFC North / AFC South / AFC West
NFC East / NFC North / NFC South / NFC West
Playoffs / Awards / Simulation
2006 Season Preview:
AFC East / AFC North / AFC South / AFC West
NFC East / NFC North / NFC South / NFC West
Playoffs / Awards / Simulation
2007 Season Preview:
Buffalo / Miami / New England / New York Jets
Baltimore / Cincinnati / Cleveland / Pittsburgh
Houston / Indianapolis / Jacksonville / Tennessee
Denver / Kansas City / Oakland / San Diego
Dallas / New York Giants / Philadelphia / Washington
Chicago / Detroit / Green Bay / Minnesota
Atlanta / Carolina / New Orleans / Tampa Bay
Arizona / San Francisco / Seattle / St. Louis
Playoffs / Awards / Simulation
Baltimore Ravens (Last Year: 10-6).
Major Additions:
WR Kevin Johnson, WR Devard Darling, DT Dwan Edwards, CB Dale Carter.
Major Subtractions:
WR Marcus Robinson, WR Frank Sanders.
September 1st Update:
The big news is Deion Sanders' return to the NFL. Deion was clocked at a sub 4.4 40, despite his elderly state. He'll be one of the top nickle backs in professional football and may even end up as a starter, should Corey Fuller falter. One observation made this preseason was Chester Taylor's performance in all three games. In each contest, he gained well over five yards per rush. If Jamal Lewis misses time, Taylor will effectively carry the load.
Offense This Year: Baltimore's offense revolves around Jamal Lewis, which can have its positives and negatives. The upside is the 2,000 rushing yards Lewis was able to accumulate behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. All five starters will be back, including anchor Jonathan Ogden, a perennial Pro Bowler, and arguably the best tackle in professional football. The downside? Jamal Lewis has legal issues regarding drug conspiracy charges. Without a reliable backup (Chester Taylor and Musa Smith), the Ravens' offense may dissipate if Lewis is unable to play. On opening day, Kyle Boller will make his ninth career start. Todd Heap, one of the elite tight ends in the game, will prove to be a powerful weapon for young Boller. Kevin Johnson was acquired from Jacksonville to replace Marcus Robinson, who played opposite of primary receiver Travis Taylor. Two young receivers who may step forward are Randy Hymes and rookie Devard Darling. If Jamal Lewis is available, Boller will use play-action to connect with Heap and his four receivers. If not, the Ravens may find double digits hard to come by.
Defense This Year: It's no surprise that Baltimore's defense was ranked 3rd in the NFL last season. Against the run, they allowed a prolific 3.5 yards per carry and should be even better in 2004, due to the selection of Dwan Edwards in April's draft. Edwards will replace nose tackle Greg Kelly by September. The strength of the Ravens' defense is their linebacking corps. The quartette of Adalius Thomas, Ed Hartwell, Peter Boulware and Ray Lewis is unmatched. The latter is the best defensive player in pro football, as well as the emotional leader of Baltimore's squad. Lewis and strong safety Ed Reed use their brains in conjunction to their bone crushing hits and leadership abilities; both spend countless hours every night studying film together. Reed, along with shutdown corner Chris McAlister and young, but improving free safety Will Demps form a first class secondary that was tenth against the pass last season. Twelve sacks from rookie pass rusher Terrell Suggs kept that ranking relatively high, but shoddy cornerback play after McAlister prevented it from being maximized. Gary Baxter did not perform well in 2003, which is why troublesome Dale Carter was signed via the free agent market. If there is a hole on Baltimore's defense, it is their lack of depth at defensive back.
Schedule and Intangibles: Baltimore has a balanced schedule. They get to pummel their feeble AFC North rivals twice, as well as Buffalo, Dallas and the New York Giants. However, there will be a few difficult contests against the likes of Kansas City, Washington, Philadelphia, New England, Miami, Indianapolis and the New York Jets.
Additional Reading: Can Kyle Boller lead Baltimore to the promised land?
Analysis: If Jamal Lewis is available for all sixteen games, the Ravens will easily win the AFC North and they might even win the Super Bowl.
Projection: 12-4 (1st in the AFC North).
Cincinnati Bengals (Last Year: 8-8).
Major Additions:
RB Chris Perry, G Larry Moore, DT Daryl Gardener, DT Matthias Askew, LB Nate Webster, CB Deltha O'Neal, CB Keiwan Ratliff, S Madieu Williams, S Kim Herring.
Major Subtractions:
RB/KR Brandon Bennett, RB Corey Dillon, G Matt O'Dwyer, G Mike Goff, G Scott Rehberg, DT Oliver Gibson, DT Glen Steele, LB Riall Johnson, CB Jeff Burris, CB Artrell Hawkins, FS Mark Roman.
September 1st Update:
Carson Palmer's preseason consisted of one exceptional game, sandwiched in between two pedestrian appearences. His best outing was against the top football team in the NFL, albeit the Patriots were clearly looking ahead to their matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Carson Palmer may be better than I am predicting him to be, but the fact remains that he still has not thrown a single pass in the regular season.
Offense This Year: A quarterback facilitates a 13th ranked offense, commands a team to their first non-losing season in over a decade, almost takes a losing franchise into the playoffs... and gets benched? Marvin Lewis has decided to bench Jon Kitna in favor of former first overall pick, Carson Palmer. Cincinnati drafted Palmer in 2003, due to his arm strength and frame. However, he has difficulty reading defenses and even struggles to grasp his own offense unless it is spoon-fed to him, which is what happened at his alma mater, USC. Factoring in that Palmer is a rookie, Bengals fanatics will be pleading for Kitna to replace the former Trojan after an expected slow start. Either Kitna or Palmer have the tools around them to succeed. Chad Johnson has gone from a nobody to one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL. Second year wide out Kelley Washington should double his production (299 yards) from a year ago. The key to the Bengals' offense, however, is Rudi Johnson. Now that Corey Dillon is history, Rudi becomes a featured back for the first time in his professional career. Last season, the former Auburn Tiger ran for 957 yards on just 215 carries (4.5 average). Behind a solid offensive line, a 1,300 yard campaign is manageable and will have the Paul Brown stadium crowd chanting "Rudi! Rudi!".
Defense This Year: What do you call a defense that is ranked 29th against the run, 21st against the pass and 28th in points allowed? Horrible? Miserable? Pathetic? Awful? You get the picture. Starting with aerial defense, a huge problem that the Bengals have is a lack of a consistent pass rush. Starting defensive ends Justin Smith and Duane Clemons only combined for 6½ sacks last season. That made things difficult for dismal starting corners Jeff Burris and Artrell Hawkins; both will not be back next season. Replacing them will be young Dennis Weathersby and former Pro Bowler and Denver Bronco Deltha O'Neal. In 2001, O'Neal intercepted nine passes. In 2003, he was demoted into a little-used wide receiver. If O'Neal can regain his confidence, Cincinnati's defensive back corps will improve tremendously. The safety position is an issue. Rogers Beckett should not be starting for any team in the NFL, while Kim Herring, like Deltha O'Neal, is an enigma; he hasn't played well since he left the Baltimore Ravens in 2001. Rookie Madieu Williams could bump Herring out of his starting role. Moving to Cincy's ground defense, John Thornton is an excellent run stopper, who can rush opposing passers as well. So, why did the Bengals allow 4.6 yards per carry? Tackle Tony Williams can not get the job done, and neither can free agent acquisition Daryl Gardener, who only plays efficiently when he's in his contract year. The linebacking unit, excluding Brian Simmons, is feeble as well. Head coach Marvin Lewis did not make the proper upgrades to significantly improve his stop unit.
Schedule and Intangibles: Cincinnati's taxing schedule will make it difficult to match their 8-8 record of 2003. Non-divisional opponents include Tennessee, Philadelphia, Washington, Dallas, Miami, New England, Buffalo, Denver and the New York Jets.
Analysis: Starting Carson Palmer over Jon Kitna is a major step backward for Cincinnati. Unless Kitna is able to salvage a slow start, the Bengals will degenerate into 2002 form; a year where they were only victorious twice.
Projection: 7-9 (2nd in the AFC North).
Pittsburgh Steelers (Last Year: 6-10).
Major Additions:
QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Duce Staley, OT Max Starks, DT Travis Kirschke, CB Willie Williams, CB Ricardo Colclough, P Chris Gardocki.
Major Subtractions:
RB Amos Zereoue, TE Mark Bruener, OLB Jason Gildon, CB Dewayne Washington, FS Brent Alexander, P Josh Miller.
Offense This Year: There was a reason why Pittsburgh's offense was ranked 22nd in 2003, following a 2002 season where they were able to light up the scoreboard every time they took the field. No, it wasn't Tommy Maddox's fault. No, it wasn't the fact that they changed their identity from a running team to a throwing team (that didn't hamper them in 2002, did it?) No, it wasn't Amos Zereoue's fault. Give up? It was their brutal offensive line, which gave up 41 sacks, the fourth highest total in the NFL. Left tackle Marvel Smith is an overpaid no-talent, right tackle Oliver Ross is a second stringer at best and right guard Kendall Simmons is stricken with diabetes. Moronically, Pittsburgh did nothing to improve their offensive line, save a third round pick spent on Max Starks. Transforming their team into a rushing attack will accomplish nothing. Neither Jerome Bettis, nor Duce Staley can manage anything close to four yards per carry without a line that opens up running lanes. When the run fails, the Steelers will once again try their luck with Maddox's aerial attack. Without pass protection, it will fail. Making matters worse, Plaxico Burress has been AWOL at mini-camp and is threatening to hold out. If the selfish wide receiver keeps his word, Pittsburgh might have trouble eclipsing ten points per game in 2004.
Defense This Year: The Steelers have stymied opposing rushing attacks for years; a feat attributed to their outstanding linebackers. Three of the four starting 'backers return this season: James Farrior, Kendrell Bell and Joey Porter. Missing is Jason Gildon, Pittsburgh's leading sack artist in 2003. Replacing Gildon will be Clark Haggans, who stepped in for injured Porter and performed admirably in his absence. However, the Steel Curtain has had trouble defending the pass in Bill Cowher's tenure. At fault is shoddy cornerback play. Last year's trio of Chad Scott, Deshea Townsend and Dewayne Washington were awful. The latter is history, and will be replaced young, but promising corner Ricardo Colclough. The safety position is also suspect; Mike Logan isn't much of a player, while Troy Polamalu is talented, but raw. All in all, expect a replica of Pittsburgh's defense of the last five years; resilient against the run but putrid against the pass.
Schedule and Intangibles: Pittsburgh has one of the elite special teams units in the NFL. Antwaan Randel El is capable of returning a kickoff or a punt at any moment. Jeff Reed is a top ten kicker in the NFL, while ex-Brown Chris Gardocki was ranked eleventh in punting average in 2003. While Pittsburgh has the luxury of playing both Cleveland and Cincinnati twice, and the pitiful New York Giants once, they also have to tangle with tough opponents like the Ravens (twice), Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington, Jacksonville, Oakland, Miami, New England, Buffalo and the New York Jets.
Additional Reading: Is Pittsburgh's first losing season since 2000 a sign of things to come?
Analysis: With a miserable offensive line and a pathetic pass defense, Pittsburgh doesn't have a chance against the Ravens.
Projection: 6-10 (3rd in the AFC North).
Cleveland Browns (Last Year: 5-11).
Major Additions:
QB Jeff Garcia, FB Terrelle Smith, TE Kellen Winslow Jr., G Kelvin Garmon, OLB Warrick Holdman, S Sean Jones.
Major Subtractions:
RB Jamel White, OT Barry Stokes, G Shaun O'Hara, CB Lewis Sanders, P Chris Gardocki.
September 1st Update:
Following an outstanding preseason campaign, Lee Suggs has been named Cleveland's starting running back. For the first time since they were an expansion team in 1999, the Browns will possess a potent rushing attack. This will undoubtedly increase their projected win total, but the offensive line and defense will prevent Cleveland from reaching the postseason once again.
Offense This Year: Although they acquired Jeff Garcia via the free agent market and Kellen Winslow Jr. through the draft, Cleveland's 26th ranked offense is still a unit that may have problems lighting up the scoreboard. The frail Garcia will often be running for his life, due to an awful offensive line. Underachieving Ross Verba and questionable free agent signee Kelvin Garmon make up a woeful left side. Meanwhile, former seventh round pick Paul Zukauskas starts at right guard. Yikes. Making matters worse is an uncertain rushing attack. Lee Suggs is currently slated as the starting running back. Suggs is known for his 186 yard performance against Cincinnati in week 17 of the 2003 NFL season. However, the Bengals were 29th against the run and Suggs struggled in all of his other appearances. Backup William Green has had trouble with the law, but even if he plays, his career 3.8 rush per carry average is nothing to salivate over. Garcia has a quality receiving corps (Winslow Jr., Quincy Morgan, Andre Davis and Dennis Northcutt), but with neither throwing time, nor a running game, Cleveland's offense will still be ranked in the bottom half.
Defense This Year: Despite owning two former first round picks on their defensive line, the Browns' front four is one of the weaker units in pro football. Neither of those first round picks, Courtney Brown, nor Gerard Warren, has yet to register over six sacks in an NFL season. Kenard Lang is Cleveland's best defensive lineman, but he has never accumulated double digit sacks in his career. As bad as the line is, the Browns' linebacking corps is the reason why they allowed a record-setting 295 rushing yards to Jamal Lewis in week two. Last year's crew of Kevin Bentley, Andra Davis and Ben Taylor didn't get the job done, which is why head coach Butch Davis has brought in 'backer sensation Warrick Holdman. Holdman, a former Chicago Bear, will immediately improve a 23rd ranked run defense, but he is only one man. Unless one of Cleveland's young linebackers steps up, they'll have trouble preventing running backs like Jamal Lewis and Rudi Johnson from breaking 200 yards. Ironically, the Browns' worst unit during their playoff run in 2002 is now their best. Keep in mind that Cleveland's secondary is a group that has only seen one major addition since they were battered by Tommy Maddox and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Starters Anthony Henry and Daylon McCutcheon should both be nickel backs, but at least the safety position is secure. Robert Griffith, Earl Little and rookie Sean Jones form Cleveland's elite defensive entity.
Schedule and Intangibles: Butch Davis is one of the NFL's worst head coaches. Barring a miracle, he will not survive the 2004 season. Cleveland is still without a reliable punter; Pittsburgh signed Chris Gardocki away, which means the Browns' starting punter is Derrick Frost. Cleveland has the worst home record since 1992. They are a miserable 28-44 at the Dog Pound since that year (2-6 in 2003). The Browns will have to deal with tough non-divisional opponents this season like Dallas, Washington, Philadelphia, New England, Buffalo, Miami, Houston and the New York Jets.
Analysis: Cleveland has done very little to improve upon their 2003 campaign. The Dog Pound faithful will continue to howl in disgust.
Projection: 5-11 (4th in the AFC North).
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