AFC north

Sporting News, The, Jan 14, 2005

BALTIMORE RAVENS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: The Ravens want to become more balanced on offense, so they likely will try to sign or draft athletic linemen and move away from the top-heavy, run-oriented group they had in 2004. The team is expected to re-sign versatile C/G Casey Rabach, but it won't re-sign starting WR Travis Taylor unless he accepts a low-cost deal. The Ravens need a go-to receiver and might look to the draft to find one. If the team can't afford to resign ILB Ed Hartwell, T.J. Slaughter-who played mostly on special teams this season--could step in as the starter. The team wants to re-sign RE Marques Douglas and add a big lineman who can stop the run and collapse the pocket. FINAL GRADES: Offense: D. The Ravens moved the ball but didn't finish drives. Defense: B-. The unit wilted from the pressure of carrying the offense. Special teams: C. Had a strong presence early but faded. Coaching: C-. Brian Billick lost control of his team early. He relied too much on veteran leadership and was too passive. This team underachieved.--Mike Preston

CLEVELAND BROWNS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: The priority is creating a quarterback plan. The team might have to take a quarterback at the top of the draft, and because the supporting cast isn't strong, he likely would need to sit for a year. Jeff Garcia could return for one more season, but he didn't fit the 2004 offense. Kelly Holcomb was a better fit and is a more typical mentor, but he is injury-prone. Rookie Luke McCown isn't ready. The team must consider signing a free-agent quarterback. If the Browns don't draft a quarterback first, they might take an offensive tackle. On defense, a shutdown corner would help, though Anthony Henry and Daylon McCutcheon are competent. Re-signing Henry, a free agent, is a must. FINAL GRADES: Offense: D. Garcia left his mojo in San Francisco, TE Kellen Winslow was hurt, and the line fell apart. Defense: C. The line is worth building around. Special teams: C . Dennis Northcutt's punt returns were solid, but Derrick Frost fell apart after a 7-yard punt in Week 9. Coaching: D. Butch Davis made too many personnel mistakes, and injuries compounded them.--Steve Doerschuk

CINCINNATI BENGALS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: The No. 1 priority will be re-signing free agent Rudi Johnson, who has proved to be one of the league's most durable running backs. RB Chris Perry, recovering from surgery to repair a sports hernia, might be limited to third-down duty next season, making Johnson's return a necessity. The Bengals could use a game-breaking speedster to complement WR Chad Johnson because WR Peter Warrick's knee problems could be career threatening. DTs John Thornton and Langston Moore are solid players, but a space eater is needed to beef up the run defense in the run-oriented AFC North. With SS Rogers Beckett's future in doubt because of a series of concussions, a hard-hitting replacement is needed. FINAL GRADES: Offense: C . With QB Carson Palmer at the controls, it has the potential to be explosive for a long time. Defense: C-. It generates turnovers but struggles to stop the run. Special teams: B. The kicking and coverage have been solid. Coaching: B. Marvin Lewis kept an injury-riddled team competitive.--Chick Ludwig

PITTSBURGH STEELERS PLAYOFF READINESS ****

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS: QB Ben Roethlisberger avoided many of the typical rookie mistakes during the regular season, rarely throwing a bad pass, and he needs to continue that during the playoffs. The Steelers, owners of the AFC's No. 1 rushing attack, must control the ball. RB Duce Staley will not be 100 percent until he has a chance to rest his hamstring, but the bye week should give him time to get better. Staley and RB Jerome Bettis give the Steelers the best 1-2 rushing punch in the playoffs. Defensively, the biggest concern will be pressuring the quarterback. The team managed three sacks in the final four games--all in the finale against the Bills. It needs to get more outside pressure from ROLB Joey Porter. FINAL GRADES: Offense: A. Roethlisberger and the return of the running game were pleasant surprises. Defense: A. Stopped the run and prevented the big play. Special teams: B, Consistent, but kick coverage unit could haunt them in the playoffs. Coaching: A. Ken Whisenhunt's handling of Roethlisberger and Dick LeBeau's stamp on the defense were significant.--Gerry Dulac