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The division that is home to the 2008 Superbowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers looks pretty top-heavy again, though there are a few areas where the Browns, Ravens, and Bengals all have a chance to shine. Let’s start at 2008’s bottom and work our way up.

Cleveland Browns – The Browns appear to still be struggling to name a starting quarterback. Both Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn have worked out with both 1st and 2nd teams throughout training camp, and both are likely to get reps with the 1’s and 2’s… at least until the 3rd preseason game. Word is 3rd-Stringer Brett Ratliff managed to find the end-zone during two-minute drills in a recent practice, something Quinn and Anderson have had a hard time accomplishing. The Browns aren’t looking stellar on the receiving side either. With the loss of Stallworth, whoever is taking snaps might have a hard time finding a star outside of Josh Cribbs and Braylon Edwards, though 2 WR rookies and a free agent from Baltimore should contribute early on. Jamal Lewis is going to have to work with an experienced but not outstanding offensive line.

On the other side of the ball, the Browns success will depend on what kind of change Eric Mangini brings to the table as new head coach. This isn’t the best defense in the division, but players like linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, Shaun Rogers, and safety Brodney Pool will most likely be difference makers. The Browns’ D dropped off in 08 since their double-digit-win 07; in 2009, let’s hope Mangini knows how to bring out the best of this defense.

Cincinnati Bengals- The Bengals are likely to improve on their 4-11-1 record in 2008. Carson Palmer lost top receiver Houshmandzadeh, but still has Mr. Ochocinco to work with, as well as newcomer Laveranues Coles who should be productive right away. For Palmer to be effective, he will need the offensive line to step it up in 2009, which is a toss up at this point with several personnel changes on the line. Let’s also not forget that Cincinnati’s defense is not all that bad, and was actually arguably above-average last season.

If the offense (specifically the line) can build chemistry early, the Bengals could find their rhythm and, instead of seeing 3 of their 4 wins come during the last 3 weeks, see more W’s dotting their schedule by November. This mix of veterans and rookies, stars and question marks, are far from elite, but they at least have the tools to earn themselves an upset or two.

Baltimore Ravens – The return of QB Joe Flacco should make Raven’s fans feel good about 2009. Last year Flacco, as a rookie, led the Ravens well into the playoffs and earned spots on SportsCenter’s highlight reel almost every Monday morning. However, Flacco has room to improve his consistency and performance in the big games. With McClain, McGahee, and Rice all carrying the ball, the Ravens’ offense could have a big year.

The Ravens are known for their energetic and hard-hitting defense. Now under a new defensive coordinator, the Ravens need to keep or build on that aggressive style if they want to add to last year’s win total (11. 2 of the 5 losses came against the Steelers). The good news is coaching is still emphasizing QB pressure; expect a top defense from this team. In fact, expect a top team overall. Last year, if the Ravens had taken just one in the regular season from the Steelers, the playoff picture might have looked a bit different. This year, the Steelers visit Baltimore late in the season for the first of 2 meetings.

Pittsburgh Steelers – It doesn’t get any better than a Super Bowl win. Unless of course you’re talking about a repeat. The Steelers had a few luxuries last year, like an absence of Tom Brady and facing a hot, but burned-out Cardinals team for the Big Game. However, with James Harrison coming back better than ever, and a team that looked like they had every reason to bank on the playoffs this year, I wouldn’t be in any hurry to cross off Pittsburgh any time soon.

The Steelers need to improve their QB protection first off (sacked 46 times last year), as Big Ben is probably their biggest and baddest weapon. They also need to avoid resting on their laurels to avoid the kind of season like the one coming off their 2006 Super Bowl win. Keep an eye on LB Lawrence Timmons and, if healthy, the powerful Willie Parker.

At 6-4, the Browns’ games are starting to have playoff implications for the first time in many seasons. With such a talented crew leading the Browns to a successful season, the Dawg Pound is rowdier than ever and Browns fans are looking at some week 18 action.

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Injuries are really taking their toll on far too many teams this season. It seems like with every passing week a few teams will lose a few starters, and you’re left to wonder how on earth teams like the Dolphins, the Bucs, the Jags and the Cardinals will cope.

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nfl.com

The New Orleans Saints left the field this past sunday in week 6 with a smile on their faces for the first time this season. The Saints, led by Reggie Bush (19/97) came out over the Seahawks with a score of 28-17.

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