AFC North: Toughest Division in Football?
by WestminsterRaven on Feb 7, 2012 10:00 AM EST
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Maybe this isn’t even a question at all. If you were to ask fans of any given AFC North team, they would most likely tell you that the division that’s home to some of the best defenses of the past decade, not to mention possibly the best rivalry in the NFL between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers, is surely the most competitive division in the whole of the NFL.
For those who say that the AFCN isn’t the toughest division right now, it would be hard to argue that if it’s not the strongest now, it will be soon. The emergence of the Cincinnati Bengals this season has many wondering if this division will become a three horse race between the Ravens, the Steelers, and the Bengals… (apologies to the Cleveland Browns), and with the AFCN sending those three teams to the playoffs this year, it would be tough for anyone to say that this division race isn’t tightening up.
After the "Jump" is a breakdown of where the AFC North will be heading in the future.
Although the Ravens and Steelers are perennial contenders, the Bengals are looking to move themselves into the same ranks as those two teams, and perhaps if they can manage back to back playoff berths, maybe they’ll at least insert themselves into the conversation.
Every game between every team within the AFCN is always a closely contested, hard fought, difficult match up. Generally, no game in the NFL is a given. The old saying goes: "any given Sunday". But, in the AFCN, that phrase is especially true. More often than not, one or two plays will swing the outcome of any given game in the AFCN.
Here is a quick break-down of each team in the AFCN:
Cleveland Browns: 2011-2012 reg. season record: 4-12. 2012 NFL draft position(s), 1st round: 4th, 22nd:
The Browns have been in a perpetual state of re-building for years. From the draft to coaching gaffes, and every where on the field in-between, the organization has been a mess in all facets of football. With two good 1st round positions in the up-coming draft, the Browns should look to add some big play makers to plug in around young quarterback, Colt McCoy, if they want to maximize his potential. There will be a wide selection of top wide receivers and/or running backs to choose from and the Browns should look to improve their offense which nearly ranked last in every major category this season.
Cincinnati Bengals: 2011-2012 reg. season record: 9-7. Playoffs: 0-1. 2012 NFL draft position(s), 1st round: 17th, 21st:
Seemingly striking gold with last year’s picks of quarterback, Andy Dalton, and wide receiver, A.J. Green, the Bengals are on the up-swing. After trading former Bengals QB, Carson Palmer, to the Oakland Raiders for a heap of draft picks, the Bengals are in a prime position to continue building and improving their young roster. With a couple extra playmakers around Dalton and their steadily good defense, the Bengals are on their way to becoming a very balanced team. The only thing that might get in their way is themselves, as the Bengals don’t have an overly strong history of drafting the right players. They can be a scary team in up coming seasons if they get out of their own way and continue the drafting trend that they started last year.
Pittsburgh Steelers: 2011-2012 reg. season record: 12-4. Playoffs: 0-1. 2012 NFL draft position, 1st round: 24th:
This season the Steelers were plagued all year by injuries and they still made the playoffs. Even though heading into next season there may be some salary cap issues on the horizon for them, don’t read too much into it. Some veteran weight might have to be shed, but as long as defensive coordinator, Dick LeBeau, and quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, are around, the Steelers will remain competitive. With a less than par offensive line that was unable to adequately protect Roethlisberger, the Steelers should be looking to stock pile as many offensive linemen as possible in the up coming NFL draft.
Baltimore Ravens: 2011-2012 reg. season record: 12-4. Playoffs: 1-1. 2012 NFL draft position, 1st round: 29th:
Just missing out on a Super Bowl berth this year, the Ravens are still in a good position moving forward into next season looking to be contenders for the Lombardi trophy once again. With the majority of the defensive personnel set to return next year, including greats Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, young play makers like defensive backs, Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith, are what have this fan base buzzing. With an offense still looking to find its groove, a full off-season for quarterback Joe Flacco and his receivers to sync up should greatly improve their passing attack.
In the grand scheme of things, if the Bengals and Browns become more competitive by building smartly though the draft and free agency, it should be viewed as a good thing. An already stellar division getting better will result in a lot of great football games. Regardless of allegiance, isn’t that what we all want? Good, hard fought smack-you-in the-mouth football. The AFC North is where real football is played, and should be re-named the ‘black and blue’ division.
Here’s to hoping that these great defensive battles and traditions live on in a league that now favors high scoring, offense-comes-first football.
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It’s definitely up there and on the rise. Bengals have joines us and the Steelers in the party and while the Browns aren’t there yet if they were able to get RGIII and a WR they could definitely be on the rise as well. Sucks that the bottom two teams in our division both have 2 first rounders.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
Matt Flynn
is a better option than RG3, and then they could take a WR at 4
by Rayisyourdaddy on Feb 7, 2012 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know those situations don’t work too often in terms of making a team a contender. Most Super Bowl QB’s are first or early 2nd round picks. I don’t think teams should go wild for Flynn based off of one game. I think the expectations are being placed a little too high for him. prior to his big game he completed under 60 percent of his passes and threw 4 Int’s to only 3 TD’s
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
RG3 is one of the best QB prospects to come out in the last 10 years. That dude is freaking crazy good.
I don’t want to hear anything about him being overhyped or anything, he is a special passer.
"Picture Me Rollin"
From watching him, the kid is crazy good. I don’t want him in this division at all. If I were a GM I’d have a hard time deciding between Luck and Griffin. For some reason I’m still not sold on Luck and my mouth literally dropped open while watching RG this year. My only concern with him is that he’ll take a beating in the NFL if he tries to run with it too much.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
"53 Mighty Men of Baltimore"
by WestminsterRaven on Feb 7, 2012 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
I love when people try to compare him to Vick
He is 10 times the QUARTERBACK Vick ever was and will be.
2011: Robert Griffin III : From 2010 to 2011 he increased his already impressive 67% completion rate to an amazing 72.4% (NCAA record is 76.7%) increased his passing yards from 3501 to 4293, and increased his passing TDs from 22 to 37.
Additionally, he decreased his interceptions from a minimal (eight) to a minuscule (six), in fact his 17 career interceptions (in 1,192 attempts) were 2 more than Matt Ryan had in just his senior year at Boston College.
Griffin most commonly is compared to Michael Vick (due height/weight/speed) but that’s where the comparisons end. Playing in the conservative Virginia Tech “Beamer Ball” offense, Vick threw for only 3279 yards, and 21 TD during his college career, numbers Griffin surpassed in Baylor’s first ten games this year.
Furthermore, there is no comparison between Cam Newton’s 203 passing yards per game and RG3’s 330.
An equal runner to Vick, Cam, and Vince Young, Griffin simply learned earlier to trust his arm: He has the NCAA record for the most consecutive pass attempts (209) without an interception at the start of an FBS career, and only threw 3 interceptions his freshman year. (843 yards and 13 TDs rushing as freshman were both career highs)
Griffin graduated from high school a semester early and began attending Baylor in the spring 2008 semester at 17 years old, then graduated from Baylor in three years (Dec. 2010) with a degree in political science. He has stated he wants to go to law school.
His time of 49.56 in the 400-meter hurdles ranks as the second-best ever by a high school runner, then as a true freshman he placed 11th in the U.S. Olympic Trials.
Very, very impressive young man.
"Picture Me Rollin"
Yea. I wasn’t comparing him to Vick, but I think RG could really be something special and surpass Vicks status as a premier dual threat QB. RG has great accuracy and decision making. Can make all the throws and then of course take off if need be. Don’t want him in this division. Although if he goes to DC we play them next year right?
Like I said, RG or Luck? Tough decisions.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
"53 Mighty Men of Baltimore"
by WestminsterRaven on Feb 7, 2012 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
Like I said, RG or Luck? Tough decisions.
Please be neither. Indy just needs to take Luck and Washington needs to trade up for RG3.
"Picture Me Rollin"
So for arguments sake
If Indy takes Griffin who takes Luck?
You like Thai? Tie good. You like shirt?
probably same scenario. Teams will look to trade with Rams or Vikings and if they don’t then Cleveland at four.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
I don't think the Rams trade away #2.
They would be fools not to take Blackmon IMO
You like Thai? Tie good. You like shirt?
People are actually thinking Blackmon is going to fall. They expect him to run around a 4.5 to 4.55 40 and he’s 6’1 which is good size, but not great.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
While My Sentiments
Are in agreement with 64 above, from a more practical standpoint, what does this do to our cap? What are the rules for retiring players?
"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
"God's whiskers! Your face is as hideous as the demon's in my storybook!"
"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."
"It's big for a reason."
For Pittsburgh fans, that's Pope, Twain, Rostand, Rogers and Megamind
I believe his money comes off the books.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
That Would Be
Super sweet!!!
"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
"God's whiskers! Your face is as hideous as the demon's in my storybook!"
"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."
"It's big for a reason."
For Pittsburgh fans, that's Pope, Twain, Rostand, Rogers and Megamind
Irsay said in Super Bowl week that he’d love to have either Luck or RG. I’m sure it’s mostly smoke screens to fuck with everyone and deflect some of the Manning drama away.
RG was also in Indy saying that he wants to play for the Colts and be the #1 pick more or less cause he already “stole” the Heisman and wants to take the honor of 1st pick away from him as well.
THIS JUST IN: RICKY WILLIAMS TO RETIRE
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
"53 Mighty Men of Baltimore"
by WestminsterRaven on Feb 7, 2012 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
Ricky gave us a nice year, but I think he may have been cut anyways because of the cap situation.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
Good point
Ricky was a nice addition, but is far from irreplaceable. Best of luck Ricky. Thanks for the memories.
You like Thai? Tie good. You like shirt?
Maybe, but it was clear that he caught fire at the end of the season. Honestly wasn’t thrilled with the signing when it happened and didnt see much I liked at the start of the season, but eventually warned up to it as he picked up the pace and was glad to have him at the end. Just sucks that now we’ll be looking at possibly having to bring in another RB and just another thing to add to the list of possible needs.
Williams did also say that he planned on returning so this kind of sucks. Time to step up Allen and be the back up to Mr. Rice.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
"53 Mighty Men of Baltimore"
by WestminsterRaven on Feb 7, 2012 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
They badly need to address their problems
in short yardage situations, which they were miserable in. I think a young guy like Allen could give them that ability, and he’ll be cheaper than another year of Ricky.
You like Thai? Tie good. You like shirt?
I liked Allen a lot in pre season. Ran hard, like you said, good short distance picker-upper. Has a good burst and moves north and south. He’ll be playing to prove his worth too cause he was a late pick and felt he deserved better so he’ll be motivated. And Harbaugh even said he has some of the best hands on the team. I’m looking forward to more from him for sure.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
"53 Mighty Men of Baltimore"
by WestminsterRaven on Feb 7, 2012 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
Really would like to see what Allen has got. I thought he looked pretty good and I would like to see him get his shot.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
Ditto.
His running style, one cut and go, fits perfectly with zone blocking. He could be our Arian Foster. No pressure Allen.
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
That is true. This zone running game would actually be a great fit for him. also even though that drop in pre-season was bad they said he actually has pretty good hands. Unless he’s a horrible pass blocker I hope he gets a chance to compete for it. Damien Berry actually looked pretty good last year as well.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
In fact it wouldn't surprise me
if during his exit interview they told him they would most likely not try to resign him.
You like Thai? Tie good. You like shirt?
Sadly, I do still miss McGahee. I wish we could’ve afforded him but it was the right thing to do letting him move on.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
"53 Mighty Men of Baltimore"
by WestminsterRaven on Feb 7, 2012 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
This. I’ve already thought in my head that my worst nightmare would be RGIII sliding to Cleveland at four and then Floyd being around at their next pick. That would be awful.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
That would suck. Isn’t RG’s teammate, K Wright, the wide out projected for the end of the 1st round? That would also suck if they took those two and has immediate chemistry.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
"53 Mighty Men of Baltimore"
by WestminsterRaven on Feb 7, 2012 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
I think that’s most likely what’ll happen. But, ya never know. There could be a feeding frenzy in the early 1st with a lot of teams trying to move down to get who they want. This draft is really loaded with talent in the first, but there’s a clear drop off towards the tail end of the 1st and into the 2nd.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
"53 Mighty Men of Baltimore"
by WestminsterRaven on Feb 7, 2012 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
RG has great accuracy and decision making.
This previous season, after the first 3 games he had more touchdowns than incompletions….
"Picture Me Rollin"
vs TCU – 21/27, 359 yards, 77.8 comp%, 5 TDs, 0 ints
vs Stephen F. Austin – 19/21 ,265 yards, 90.5 comp%, 3 TDs, 0 ints
vs Rice – 29/33, 338 yards, 87.9 comp%, 5TDs, 0 ints
So that is 12 incompletions and 13 TD’s in 3 games. WTF???!!!
"Picture Me Rollin"
Has that ever happened? Haha. Or do people’s minds explode when they try to figure it out because they can’t process it.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
"53 Mighty Men of Baltimore"
by WestminsterRaven on Feb 7, 2012 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
His potential is just off the charts. Has the arm strength and accuracy to be successful based on those alone then oh yeah he’s a former 100M champion. FML if he ends up in cleveland.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
If there's one thing that has to be available to these guys
its successful schemes. All the God given talent on the planet is no match for an inept offensive system. Can RGIII honestly be expected to single-handedly win football games because he’s ridiculously good? No, that’s just illogical. But if he’s got coaches around him who can tailor the offense to his strengths, then that, combined with his talent will only increase the chance that he’s successful. Does Cleveland have such systems in place now? I would say no, so drafting him because he’s got the “it” factor would be yet another bone headed move from a franchise with a history of them.
You like Thai? Tie good. You like shirt?
I just hope people realize that just because he is a great athlete doesn’t mean that he won’t be a pure pocket passer either. In fact, he had a slightly better passing season than Andrew Luck (who many say is the best QB prospect in 30 years)
Luck: Griffin
67.0 comp%, 67.1 comp%
9430 yards passing, 10366 yards passing
1064 passing attempts 1192 passing attempts
713 complete passes 800 complete passes
8.9YPA, 8.7ypa
82TD passes, 78 TD passing
22int, 17 int
Sacked 23 times, Sacked 79 times
163 rushes, 528 rushes
957 yards, 2254 yards rushing
5.9 yp rush 4.3ypc
7 rushing TD, 33 Rushing TD
89 total TD 111 total TD
Here is a REALLY good discussion on RG3 vs every other QB drafted in the 1st round since about 1998. These guys go deep into it.
"Picture Me Rollin"
Oh yeah RGIII is a Pocket passer first then when it breaks down has the ability to run. That’s why I said up there if Cleveland has the chance to take him they would be crazy not to.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
I can't name a tougher division.
The NFC North is pretty good as well, but we’re the only division to have each team in the top 10 in defense.
No question about it
4 of the top 10 defenses in the league along with 3 franchise QB’s all playing very good football.
"Picture Me Rollin"
I’m anticipating more bungles ineptitude along with browns continuing to churn out the sadness in 2012
by Evan Skev on Feb 7, 2012 10:51 AM EST via mobile reply actions
When was the last time a division sent 3 teams to the playoffs?
by StuckInUtah on Feb 7, 2012 12:05 PM EST via mobile reply actions
2007
That last occurred in the 2007 season. The wildcard teams in the NFC were the New York Giants and Washington Redskins, both from the East division, and in the AFC were the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans, both from the South division.
by Rayisyourdaddy on Feb 7, 2012 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
It would be hard to find another division
that can match the AFC North’s intensity. All 4 teams just hate each other. With a passion. The NFC East has rivalries too of course, but those teams, with the exception of the Giants, haven’t had much success recently.
You like Thai? Tie good. You like shirt?
Purely From an Objective
Perspective, it appears RG3 is going to DC or C-town. Let’s slice and dice that. If he goes to DC, Shanny is going to start him immediately (per Danny Boy’s orders), and the deadskins have some serious O-Line issues. RG3 would get killed and potentially Bollerized, although he is probably light years ahead of where Boller was in terms of football “it-ness”. But the potential is much greater there for RG3 to get folded and splintered beyond repair in DC.
Now in Cleveland, in theory, he could hold a clipboard for McCoy and/or Wallace (my personal belief is that Wallace should be the #1 with McCoy the backup) for a year. Let us face it, the brownies are not going to leapfrog at least two teams in the AFCN next year, even with the Greatest Draft Ever. Just not going to happen, and I think Holmgren knows this which is why I think he would draft him and bring him along properly rather than risk him. Give him a year to learn the NFL ropes and also acquire some complementary pieces around him.
I think an RG3, with a year of experience under his belt come 2013, and would just have turned 23 prior to the 2013 season (still very young for the NFL), with some additional decent components around him by 2013, would be a nightmare for the AFCN, and could make some noise in the greater AFC.
"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
"God's whiskers! Your face is as hideous as the demon's in my storybook!"
"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."
"It's big for a reason."
For Pittsburgh fans, that's Pope, Twain, Rostand, Rogers and Megamind
Agreed. Honestly if they get him and he turns out to be the real deal. This division will be by far the toughest with all other divisions way far behind. Could end up being like the south a few years ago where there was a different division winner every year.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
With all due respect to Mr. Griffin
the Ravens defense is slightly more advanced than any Big 12 defense he’s ever played against.
You like Thai? Tie good. You like shirt?
Agreed, but I want the Browns to continue to be the most pathetic franchise and fan base in pro football. Just wouldn’t seem right if they had hope every season…
"Picture Me Rollin"
Hope every season?
Is Bernie Kosar’s invincible clone walking through that door any time soon? This is the Browns we’re talking about. They wouldn’t have hope if Lake Erie held the cure to chlamydia.
You like Thai? Tie good. You like shirt?
by Dynamo38 on Feb 7, 2012 2:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don't want to see any other AFC North team better, I could care less how good the division is
All I want is for the Ravens to win championships.
best tackling team in the NFL, most physical and just dominates people. When we walk out of the tunnel and out of that locker room, we expect to shut people out and play great defense - Ravens DC Chuck Pagano
Best Division in Football...????
Yes BUT only cause the Ravens are in it ! LOL
TOUGHEST?? NO
I have to see how the Bengals will do in the 2012 season before I consider the AFC north the toughest division.
NFC North might be the toughest in 2012
Cutler back in Chicago
Green Bay and Detroit trying to wreak havoc on the league.
NFC East i think will be back to basics again.
by ARaveninNewJersey on Feb 7, 2012 11:01 PM EST reply actions
So…the 12-4 Ravens were waaaaaaaaaay better than the 12-4 Steelers or 9-7 Bengals? Ok homer…
Seems to me a couple bounces Cincy’s or Pitts way (like that TOUCHDOWN Gresham scored, or the bs PI’s that helped Flacco) we’d have had a three way tie.
As someone said…4 of the top 10 defenses….three playoff teams, 37 wins….
yes…toughest…and probably best…peroid
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
What up Frank? Like my little assessment of your team? Haha.
This division is getting better and better. The Bengals with all those picks
worry me a little, but their track record is iffy at best so I’ll wait to see how they pan out.
But, there should be some great games ahead.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
"53 Mighty Men of Baltimore"
by WestminsterRaven on Feb 7, 2012 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
I do like it actually (although I hadn’t actually read till I read your comment, sorry…lately I’ve only been reading comments and headlines..)
You were pretty accurate in my opinion. Maybe a little too lenient…but still…for a fan of a team in the division..I’d say you pretty much nailed it.
I think the division is getting better as well. But..I’d like to see the Bengals do it twice in a row before I’m completely sold. And until proven otherwise, I will always think the Browns are the most embarrassing franchise in professional sports..
I will admit, I hope that to be true…the people at DoucheBag Nature sicken me…
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
that said about the Browns…their D wasn’t that bad…the Bengals front seven in our first meeting was downright nasty….
I do believe we have the toughest division in the league…and pretty close to having the best division
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Yea, Bengals D always gives the Ravens fits. Some of Joe’s worst games come against them. With some more playmakers on offense, perhaps a new RB, I see them improving.
You nailed it though, they have to do it for more than one or two seasons to be completley sold.
As far as the Browns, I think that I have more faith in McCoy than their fans or even their FO. If you draft a QB you have to get the guys/playmakers around that QB or he is going to suffer for it. The Browns never did enough to get good WRs around McCoy and without a steady run game, he’s getting left out in the cold. Similar situation with Bradford and the Rams.
I can usually be fair and mostly un-biased. I respect the Steelers a lot, and even if I hate them, our matchups are usually the best games of the year. Can’t wait until the first Pitt game of 2012.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
"53 Mighty Men of Baltimore"
by WestminsterRaven on Feb 8, 2012 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
Purely By The
Numbers, the AFC North was the only division to send three teams to the playoffs, and the AFCN had the best out-of-division record of any other division: 25 – 15 last year. The closest was the NFC North who was 24-16.
I agree the NFCN is pretty tough, but I think the AFCN takes it by a nose.
"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
"God's whiskers! Your face is as hideous as the demon's in my storybook!"
"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."
"It's big for a reason."
For Pittsburgh fans, that's Pope, Twain, Rostand, Rogers and Megamind
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