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Man, the Ravens are finally getting a little recognition in the football world. Is it backwards day now?
USA Today released their first power ranking list, which is interesting given that every team is at full health and no one has seen what anyone looks like yet. This is simply based on the talent on the roster and expectations going into the 2015 NFL season. With that, the Ravens are all the way at the tippy-top at #5.
| 5 | Baltimore Ravens |
0-0 | -- | -- | Bolstered by what seems GM Ozzie Newsome's latest draft heist, they could be better than 2014 if passing game jells early. |
The writer of this list has actually paid attention, because this is absolutely true. Even with what is said here, the Ravens will definitely be better than 2014 simply due to the health of the secondary. If the Ravens can come into the season healthy, they will be far better off than they were at the beginning of the 2014 season.
Another great draft by general manager Ozzie Newsome, the Ravens are stacked with talent at nearly every position, and he isn't even done yet. The offense should again feature a strong rushing attack with one of the league's best offensive lines paving the way, which will help give the passing game a little time to get into regular rhythm under new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman.
With the Ravens seemingly surging after a tough fought 2014 NFL season, the rest of the AFC North seems to be lackluster. The Bengals and Steelers are both middle-of-the-road teams according to these power rankings as both teams are trending in different directions (downwards and upwards respectively). Of course the Cleveland Browns bring up the rear as they try to figure out their quarterback situation and just about every offensive position during a tough year as the division faces off against stiff competition all around.
| 15 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
0-0 | -- | -- | With a revamped D trying to coalesce, they could easily start 0-3 (and maybe worse) if RB Le'Veon Bell's suspension stands. |
| 16 | Cincinnati Bengals |
0-0 | -- | -- | They might not be one-and-done in playoffs for a change because, frankly, they don't seem sufficiently improved to return. |
| 29 | Cleveland Browns |
0-0 | -- | -- | A perfect way to shatter a young QB's confidence, assuming Johnny Manziel reaches the field? Play him against NFC West defenses.. |