Baltimore Ravens
The strength: The Ravens play outstanding run defense. They have cheap nfl jerseys
two great run stoppers in DTs Kelly Gregg(notes) and Haloti Ngata(notes), and they have linebackers who can run in Ray Lewis(notes), Jameel McClain(notes), Terrell Suggs(notes) and Jarret Johnson(notes). Most important, seldom do you see their linebackers off their feet.
The weakness: The secondary is suspect because the Ravens lack a legitimate star in the starting group. The Ravens have been hit hard by injuries, and most of their cornerbacks are small but fast. The Ravens can’t play bump-and-run coverage.
The rehab: Pro Bowl S Ed Reed(notes) had hip surgery during the offseason. There was speculation he might be ready for the opener, but Reed still has some discomfort. He has worked hard, but he won’t be available until at least Week 7.
The key addition: WR Anquan Boldin(notes), acquired from Arizona in a trade, will have a significant impact on the passing game. Boldin is a nice, big target over the middle and in the red zone. Boldin also is a tough, physical blocker who should help the running game.
The bottom line: The first month of the season will be difficult for the Ravens because of road games at the New York Jets, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. The Ravens also need QB Joe Flacco(notes) to step up his game, especially in postseason. Flacco, though, has weapons now so there are no more excuses.—Mike Preston
Pittsburgh Steelers
The strength: The linebacker unit probably is the best in the league, especially outside with three-time Pro Bowler James Harrison(notes) and LaMarr Woodley(notes). They have combined for more sacks the past two seasons (44 1/2) than any other LB duo in the NFL. James Farrior(notes) is 35 and not as good in coverage anymore, but inside partner Lawrence Timmons(notes) is a future star.
The weakness: The offensive line remains a question mark, even with the addition of rookie C Maurkice Pouncey(notes), who played so well in preseason he ousted veteran Justin Hartwig(notes). Flozell Adams(notes), 35, was signed to replace injured RT Willie Colon(notes), who is out for the season, but how long he can play at a capable level remains to be seen. LG Chris Kemoeatu(notes) still commits too many mental mistakes.
The rehab: Pro Bowl S Troy Polamalu(notes) missed 11 games last season, including the final seven, with a torn MCL and PCL, and his absence really hurt. Polamalu came in 10 pounds lighter this season (215) and played the entire preseason without any problems. But he didn’t have surgery to repair the injury and still must take a couple hits on the knee to trust its stability.
The key addition: The return of veteran WR Antwaan Randle El(notes) gives the team a dependable slot receiver, especially with the departure of WR Santonio Holmes(notes). What’s more, Randle El is a proven punt returner. The team will use a lot of three-receiver packages that feature Randle El in the slot.
The bottom line: The team will rely even more this season on RB Rashard Mendenhall(notes), especially in he first four games without QB Ben Roethlisberger(notes). If the defense can play closer to the level it displayed in '08—and not the level at which it performed last year—the Steelers have a chance at a wild-card spot and, possibly, a division title.—Gerry Dulac
Cincinnati Bengals
The strength: The running game should be strong again. RB Cedric Benson(notes) is a fast, physical workhorse behind a powerful, run-blocking line. RB Bernard Scott’s(notes) speed and quickness make him an ideal complement on any down. And Brian Leonard’s(notes) left mid-foot sprain is healing, and he is QB Carson Palmer’s(notes) favorite check-down receiver who knows how to generate first downs.
The weakness: Free safety is a problem area the team addressed on cutdown day when it pulled off a trade with the Jaguars for Reggie Nelson(notes), who immediately becomes Chris Crocker’s(notes) top backup. Nelson has good range, experience and athleticism but must better recognize routes and do a better job of playing the ball.
The rehab: DE Antwan Odom(notes) registered eight sacks the first four games of Dallas Cowboys jersey
'09 but then tore his left Achilles’ on Oct. 18. Although he experienced some discomfort during training camp, he is healthy and ready for the opener. Odom is a big, athletic pass rusher with quick moves and great hands. But he’s brittle. The coaches must protect him by utilizing veteran Frostee Rucker(notes) and rookie Carlos Dunlap(notes) in a three-man rotation.
The key addition: Rookie TE Jermaine Gresham(notes) represents the ingredient missing in the arsenal for years. A quality receiver and blocker like Gresham should enhance the running and passing game. Too big for safeties and too fast for linebackers, Gresham is a valuable weapon over the middle and a mismatch nightmare for defenses because of his dual-threat skills.
The bottom line: With a more balanced and explosive offense and a starting defense that returns intact, the Bengals have enough talent to repeat as AFC North champions. But a difficult schedule, injury issues, checkered history and a coach (Marvin Lewis) in the final year of his contract could make for a .500 season.—Chick Ludwig
Cleveland Browns
The strength: The team is so deep at linebacker it opted to keep 12 on the 53-man roster. One will go when ILB D’Qwell Jackson(notes) comes back from a pectoral injury, probably by Game 4, but 11 is still a lot, even in a 3-4 scheme. There are no stars, but versatility and flexibility abound. Scott Fujita(notes), Eric Barton(notes) and David Bowens(notes) are solid leaders. OLB Matt Roth(notes) is poised for a career year. He sets a tone as a run defender and has improved as a pass rusher.
The weakness: A suspect defensive line might solidify if NT/DE Shaun Rogers(notes) makes it back from an injury that wiped out his preseason. The preseason, though, failed to reveal substantial clues that a suspect receiver corps will come through. Starting WRs Brian Robiskie(notes) and Mohamed Massaquoi(notes) combined for only 730 receiving yards as rookies in '09. The coaches hope both take a big jump with veteran QB Jake Delhomme(notes) directing the offense. Josh Cribbs started most of the games last year but caught only 20 passes for 135 yards. Cribbs is an electric return man, and the coaches say he might have a breakout as with Delhomme. The top four of Massaquoi, Robiskie, Cribbs and Chansi Stuckey(notes) gave the Browns a combined 1,063 receiving yards in '09.
The rehab: Jackson became a captain in '09 and was on track for stardom, but a torn pectoral muscle wrecked his season. Jackson has altered his workout regimen to prevent another incident, and he is making good progress. He should return to the lineup by early October. He is the most instinctive linebacker on the team and will be a big help to the run defense.
The key addition: Rookie CB Joe Haden(notes) will play at least half the snaps early on, even if he doesn’t start. After the Week 8 bye, he might never leave the field. The coaches are convinced Haden’s slow 40 time at the Combine was a mirage and that he can become a great NFL cornerback. He hasn’t let his rookie mistakes crack his confidence. He plays with a swagger and, along with offseason pickup Sheldon Brown(notes), should greatly upgrade the position. Eric Indianapolis Colts jersey
Wright(notes) completes a nice big three.
The bottom line: The '09 team was doomed from the start by substandard quarterback play, but veterans Delhomme and Seneca Wallace(notes) have injected confidence and leadership. Both looked good in preseason, and both will play in every game. The coaches’ ability to use them creatively will be critical. If the offense shows signs of life, Rob Ryan’s defense won’t be stuck on the field so much and should mature. The team should be competitive in most games.
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