Braced for a breakout: Kyle Boller and the Ravens are looking to move past Pittsburgh and into the division's top spot

Football Digest, Sept, 2005 by Barry Wilner

LAST SEASON THE PITTSBURGH Steelers ran away from two good challengers, the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, by sticking to what coach Bill Cowher loves: defense and the running game. It worked so well Pittsburgh won 15 of 16 games and rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had an easy transition from Miami of Ohio to NFL starter.

No one--not even Cowher, Roethlisberger, Jerome Bettis, Joey Porter, or James Farrior--expects another 15-1 record. But the Steelers should be a formidable presence nonetheless. Pittsburgh's defense should be just as difficult to penetrate after ranking first overall and against the run. It will be critical for the offense to be versatile and for Roethlisberger to take the next step forward.

The Ravens could have a defense nearly as dynamic as the one that carried them to the 2000 championship. They have strong starters nearly everywhere and some depth--plus, naturally, a great leader, linebacker Ray Lewis. But will they finally come up with the kind of offense to complement that rugged D?

Cincinnati has the opposite worry. Coach Marvin Lewis has seen his defense fold even while the offense has become potent. The Bengals averaged about 32 points over their last six games of 2004 but allowed 29. Because of Lewis' reputation as a defensive guru, it should be expected that Cincinnati will improve on that side of the ball. But probably not enough this year to threaten Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

Cleveland is a mess; new coach Romeo Crennel truly has stepped into a mistake by the lake. The guy has been a terrific defensive coordinator in all of his stops, most recently with the mighty Patriots, and probably would have gotten a head-coaching job sooner had New England not been making regular trips to the Super Bowl.

Here's an in-depth look at the AFC North:

1. Baltimore Ravens

Where they left off: In losing four of their final six games, the Ravens blew their chance for a wild-card spot. Their defense was worn down and not particularly formidable, even while the offense and special teams were putting them in position to win.

New faces: Both of Baltimore's top draft choices came from Oklahoma and should have an impact immediately. Mark Clayton adds a well-rounded receiver to Derrick Mason, who was signed as a free agent away from the Tennessee Titans and was the leading pass-catcher among wideouts last year with 96. Defensive end/linebacker Dan Cody, who never stops pursuing the ball, should fit opposite Terrell Suggs and provide a boost for what could be an outstanding pass rush. The Ravens will find a way to use linebacker Tommy Polley, perhaps as a replacement for Ed Hartwell inside, and he also should stand out on special teams. They expect a big season at cornerback from former Titans star Samari Rolle. Keydrick Vincent could wind up starting at guard.

X's and O's: It's time for the Ravens to diversify more on offense, but it only will happen if Kyle Boller matures into a productive passer. Coach Brian Billick, a supposed quarterback-maker, never has had a star at the position in Baltimore, but he is confident Boller is ready to blossom. With Clayton, Mason, and tight end Todd Heap, the passing attack should be vastly improved. It will be aided, of course, by the running of powerful Jamal Lewis, and if Boller is better than in his first two seasons, Lewis could rush for 2,000 yards again. The defense will occasionally alter alignments from 4-3 to 3-4, although so many players--such as Suggs, Adalius Thomas, and Cody--are interchangeable. Regardless of how they line up, Ray Lewis will be the focal point. Coming off a good but not spectacular season, he could be unstoppable if he stays healthy.

Coaching/management: Billick is smart enough to go with his strengths, just like Cowher. Oddly, the strengths are the same on both teams, but Billick knows his offense must show more in 2005. General manager Ozzie Newsome is among the best in the business and almost never misses on his draft picks.

Why they'll finish first: The defense could be awesome, and the offense will be improved.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

Where they left off: Like every other AFC team, trying to figure out how to win a big game against New England. Still, the Steelers had a memorable regular season that included only one loss, in Week 2 against Baltimore.

New faces: The Steelers didn't need to make lots of changes coming off such a fine record. Most of their free agents resigned. Their receiving game could suffer a bit with the departure of Plaxico Burress, but they expect rookie tight end Heath Miller and veteran wideout Cedric Wilson to fill some of the void.

X's and O's: Same old formula, although with Roethlisberger's rapid development as a rookie the Steelers showed they can win through the air if necessary. They'll pound away with Bettis and Duce Staley as their first option, but only if the offensive line holds up. The 3-4 fits this defensive unit perfectly, and Farrior comes off a career year. Strong safety Troy Polamalu could be an All-Pro for years to come and already is among the top run supporters in the league. A strong pass rush should negate some cover age weaknesses in the secondary.