The ascending Ravens offense has finally addressed its Achilles' heel, the receiving department, but the improvements could be for naught as their vaunted defense ages. Ray Rice is a superstar that can carry an offense while Joe Flacco is steady and improving with a great downfield arm. Anquan Boldin gives them a legitimate go-to receiver and Dennis Pitta will make a receiving impact as a rookie. The offensive line is talented and huge. The defense should again be very good with Haloti Ngata, one of the best defensive linemen in football. Terrell Suggs and Sergio Kindle should form a great pass rushing duo, and Ray Lewis is still a nightmare when he gets his hands on you. Ed Reed considered retiring due to injuries this offseason, but he is back and is still a top-5 safety in this league. Cornerback is a concern. This team is hugely talented and needs to stay healthy to threaten for a Super Bowl bid.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have transformed their offense by finally adding some receiving weapons. The standout is draftee and super athlete Jermaine Gresham at tight end. He opens the middle of the field and creates opportunities for new addition Antonio Bryant as well, who, when healthy, can be a Pro Bowl-level player. They also add Jordan Shipley who can thrive out of the slot immediately. With that array of weapons and second-year tackle Andre Smith improving, Carson Palmer should have his best season in years, not to mention the emergence of Cedric Benson as a bell cow back. The defense should continue ascending. Talented but mercurial Carlos Dunlap joins a talented and young linebacking corps with Rey Maualuga and Keith Rivers. Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall may be the best corner tandem in the league. If their rookie class can contribute immediately, this team can win the division.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh is going to be in disarray this season after Ben Roethlisberger's antics and subsquent four- to six-game suspension, trading away their best receiver Santonio Holmes, and the season-ending injury to tackle Willie Colon. The defense should still be tough with Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, James Farrior, and Casey Hampton forming an impressive core. Rashard Mendenhall looks like a breakout candidate, and Maurkice Pouncey will help on the offensive line. Still, there are not enough playmakers on this team and the locker room could be toxic.
Cleveland Browns
You just might mistake them for Swiss cheese; the Browns have as many holes as any team in football. Jake Delhomme is completely done and yet will be the starting quarterback for this team. They have almost no playmaking ability on offense, although Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, and Alex Mack make up a nice group along the offensive line. Joe Haden will be a very good corner in time but the rest of the defense is suspect, and you never know what Shaun Rogers will bring. This team could be the worst in football. Colt McCoy may start eventually but will not be ready this year.
Final Standings
Baltimore Ravens 12-4
Cincinnati Bengals 9-7
Pittsburgh Steelers 7-9
Cleveland Browns 4-12
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