AFC Central Preview
Let’s get on with this so we can get to the NFC. The AFC Central has to be one of the most tightly contested divisions. Basically, how you do against the division foes will probably determine the standings. With that in mind let’s go in this order:
Cincinnati- I really liked something Carson Palmer kept repeating in the offseason. People kept asking him whether it was Marvin Lewis’ fault that the Bengals had so many guys arrested, and Palmer said, “Do we really need a coach to say, ‘hey, remember…don’t get arrested tonight?’” That’s leadership, and a year removed from ACL surgery Carson should step up and give Peyton and Tom a run for their money as the best QB in the AFC. And unlike the slightly more well-rounded Ravens, the Bengals don’t play Indy. A hard-fought 9-7 looks like a division winning record.
Baltimore- Willis McGahee will probably disguise the extra year of tread off of Steve McNair’s tires. The receiving corps is coming along nicely, and the loss of LB Adalius Thomas will be minimal. This system has replaced Peter Boulware, Ed Hartwell, and Jamie Sharper. The big problem is the schedule: 2 games each against the much healthier QBs in Cincy and Pitt, the Jets, Colts, Pats, Bolts, and Seahawks. 8-8 would be a great season with that schedule and the team might actually be better than last year.
Pittsburgh- The Steelers could very easily take this division. The first fours games on the schedule are very winnable (Cleveland, Buffalo, San Fran, Arizona) and that kind of momentum is not to be laughed at. Big Ben needs it to restore his confidence before entering a stretch where they play Seattle, Denver, Cincy, Baltimore, and the Jets in the space of 6 weeks. If they can go .500 in this run, they can easily win the division. I’m thinking it won’t happen. The defense is slipping. Santonio Holmes is improving right as Hines Ward is feeling his age. But along with the Ravens, this will be the best 8-8 team in the league.
Cleveland- I think Romeo Crennel will turn this team around. I really do. I think if they give him 2 more years, he’ll make the playoffs. But Brady Quinn needs some adjustment time, and they need a real RB. Jamal Lewis is not the final answer. For now, they beat the likes of Oakland, Houston, Arizona, and Miami and they steal a couple random games for 6-10.
Tune in tomorrow and I’ll finish off the AFC.
-DW
I seem to recall on draft day a certain SOMEONE guaranteed that the Browns would make the playoffs this year. *ahem* Backing out of that bet already, are we?
July 13th, 2007 at 2:03 pm