Andy Dalton, A.J. Green and an emerging defense presents a bright future for the Bengals (Credits: John Raoux/AP Photo) |
In today's world we are so prone to overreactions because of the ease with which we get sports analysis. Everyone's got something to say about everything (including myself) and we can access everyone's opinion so quickly and so easily that it's not difficult to overreact to your team every single day. Here we'll try to soften overreactions to each NFL team by giving a more level-headed analysis.
AFC North:
Baltimore, 10-6
Overreaction: "We'll be right back there in the end next year, we've got the quarterback, playmakers and defense to do so."
Truth: I will agree with this statement in the fact that playmakers have emerged in Jacoby Jones and Torrey Smith, but it's not like the Ravens were the AFC's best team coming into the playoffs. They caught fire at the right time and had a lot of Ray Ray mojo on there side. Yes Flacco does have the abilities to be a Top-5 QB, but I need to see a consistent season out of him next year to truly crown him. Defensively, you guys were barely average and the decisions on free agents Arthur Jones and Ed Reed will be an important question mark of this offseason. I just think this team had the magic this year and it'd be hard for them to repeat that success with such a transitional season coming up next year.
Cincinnati, 10-6
Overreaction: "This team has the potential to be a playoff team for years, but I don't see Andy Dalton taking us to the next level."
Truth: Andy Dalton had an up-and-down season but he showed flashes of greatness in only his second year. Cincy has some interesting moves to make in the offseason on defense, but if they can bring back their core players, including Manny Lawson, Ray Maualuga and Nate Clements (on the cheap) I think they'll be solid. This defensive group was the catalyst behind the team's 7-1 finish to the season by only allowing 13 points per game. Mel Kiper has them taking running back Montee Ball with the 21st overall pick, but I think that they need to make a play making wideout like Terrance Williams from Baylor to open the game up for Dalton and A.J. Green.
Pittsburgh, 8-8
Overreaction: "2012 was just a slip-up year for our Steelers, they'll be right back there next year in contention for the AFC Championship."
Truth: If this team only had to play defense they would've been 16-0 last year, but that's simply not the case. There are far too many question marks on offense including their running game, aging offensive line and a beat-up Ben Roethlisberger. Their defense, which ranked first in pass defense and second in rush defense, couldn't overcome a painstakingly mediocre offense. They need help both in the running back department and on the offensive line, I'm just not sold on Rashard Mendenhall's health nor Jonathan Dwyer's potential. This team could be a cellar dweller next year, watch out.
Cleveland, 5-11
Overreaction: "Weeden sucks, McCoy sucks, and we're still the Browns. Basement status again next year."
Truth: I'm not ready to give up on Weeden after one season. The guy might be a 29-year-old second year QB, but there's room for him to grow and I see him doing it. Trent Richardson is a bonafide stud and the offensive line is pretty good. Free agency could take a bite out of their already below average defense, but I like them picking defensive end Bjoren Werner with the sixth overall pick. A playmaker is also much needed as Josh Gordon and Greg Little just won't cut it. This team will certainly grow next year, but will they be a playoff team? It's hard to say in the tough AFC North, but I could see them winning eight games.
0 comments:
Post a Comment