T_man357 said:
Bryant, your football posts are always great so know that this isn't me taking an opportunity to harass you but my honest opinion..
The Steelers are nowhere near the hungriest team in the NFL!! It's actually kind of a silly statement!! If you want to look at hungry teams start with last years pre season pick to win it all...The Colts.
I probably overstated that a bit. There is not one of the 32 teams out there that ISN'T hungry for a SB. That, and millions of dollars and fame is why they play the game. What I should have said is that The Steelers won't get lackidaisical or (overly) cocky because they won the SB last year.
I will start with my analysis of the AFC North
First place.... Steelers. Most of their cast returns. Big Ben will be even better and less than a three or four positions, they are really not aging in their starters. Few RBs in the league actually have an "upside" except for things like pass protection etc. but Willie Parker barely even played in college, so I expect he actually is still "learning" how to see the holes etc. He can actually be a better back than last year. My guess is that Heath Miller will also know the offense better and will get even more receptions as well. My biggest concern is the hamstring injury to Hines Ward. Run first team or not, the Steeler offense will struggle without the sure-handed Hines Ward on the field.
On a side note, analysts talk about the Bettis retirement and the loss it has to the team. Yes, he was one of the best short yardage backs in the game, yes he was also a great goal line back, and yes, he was a motivator and mentor, but I think those areas can be replaced to a good extent.
One thing that CAN'T be replace is his "sloppy field" play. With all of the dome teams and southern teams out tere, there aren't a great number of games played with poor field conditions, but there are still some. The Steelers were practically invincible with Bettis in the backfield when the conditions were bad on the field.
Second place..... Baltimore. My head tells me the defense is aging, McNair is getting slow and aging and J. Lewis is aging and lost a step as well and they won't do much this year..... but I just have a sneaky suspicion that they prove people wrong. Clayton/Mason/Heap may not be the most recognized names as far as pass catchers, but if the OL plays fair, they can get open and get first downs. Obviously McNair already has a good familiarity with Mason from the Tennessee years together.
Ray Lewis is healthy again and Ed Reed might be the best safety in the game. Kelly Gregg is also a handful for even the best OG and the secondary is very good as well. I think points will be at a premuim this year for Ravens opponents.
Third place..... Cincinnatti. Carson is back and is on fire !! The whole offense is returning, so why will they be third ? Game film. I think Cincy shocked people last year with the no huddle and stuff. Their offense will still be quite good, but they won't overwhelm as many teams meaning their average defense won't come up with so many turnovers due to opposing teams trying to play catch-up. Rudi Johnson might be the deciding factor. A strong commitment to the run, could allow Whoseyourmama, Johnson, and their third receiver (forget his name, was a rookie last year and played well) to actually make more big plays if they can stay patient and use play-action.
Having said all of this, I think their defense appeared better than it is last year due to such a potent offense and teams will exploit it this year.
Last place....... Cleveland. They suck. They are "rebuilding" yet again and only Reuben Droughns makes them worth watching. Why Denver allowed him to go is beyond me.
Bryant
I just think the Raiders are finally going to get some use out of their talent. Under Shell I think they'll actually be a team rather than just a collection of players. Their first game against the Chargers should tell quite a bit.
