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AFC North

Sporting News, The, Sept 20, 2004

BALTIMORE RAVENS

The team won't be able to replace OLB Peter Ooulware's outstanding pass-rushing ability during Boulware's stay on the physically unable to perform list (knee), but it won't miss him much in the run defense. LBs Adalius Thomas, Roderick Green and Cornell Brown provide solid depth.... Randy Hymes, who won the No. 3 receiver job largely because rookie Devard Darling was slowed by a thigh injury, now will have to hold off Darling. The Ravens like Darling's speed, but he must improve his route running. He runs everything at the same speed because he lacks proper technique. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The Ravens' running game forces defenders to pursue RB Jamal Lewis laterally instead of head-on, making Lewis more difficult to bring down. Lewis also makes a lot of cutback runs. In last season's playoffs, the Titans put nine men in the box, which allowed them to square up to Lewis, and they attacked FB Alan Ricard. More teams might employ that strategy.--Mike Preston

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CLEVELAND BROWNS

With TE Steve Heiden (sprained knee) probably out until Week 5, the team had to rethink its desire to rely on two tight end sets. Rookie Kellen Winslow will be a focal point as a receiver. Aaron Shea, the only other tight end, is a feisty but erratic blocker. He loves getting the ball and has some speed, but injuries have wrecked any chance to establish himself.... If FB Terrelle Smith avoids substantial injury, he could be the battering ram the Browns have sorely lacked in their running game. With Smith leading the way, the inside running game reached a new level in the preseason, even though it was unimpressive in the opener against the Ravens. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: WR Dennis Northcutt could play a vital role in the team's West Coast offense. Northcutt is a wizard at getting open on routes in the 5- to 15-yard range. He weighs only 175 pounds but is ultraquick and has surprising strength. He routinely sheds defensive backs attempting press coverage.--Steve Doerschuk

CINCINNATI BENGALS

The coaches want to keep RE Justin Smith fresh to rush the quarterback in third-down passing situations, so Smith rotates with Carl Powell on early downs. Because he's in and out of the lineup so much, Smith is having trouble getting into a rhythm.... LB Kevin Hardy is back on the strong side after struggling at middle linebacker last season. He has lost some speed over the years but still can blitz effectively and make plays up field. But Hardy lacks great lower-body strength and tends to play too upright. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: WR Chad Johnson is more focused than ever, thanks to techniques he learned from Deion Sanders during an offseason visit to Sanders in Dallas. Sanders allowed Johnson to peek inside the mind of an attacking defensive back. Johnson also learned how to study film and read defensive backs. Johnson says he now knows what defense he's facing by reading the safety and the corner, and he can adjust his routes based on the secondary's movements.--Chick Ludwig

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Bill Cowher knew he'd have to live with mistakes by his young safeties, Troy Polamalu and Chris Hope. Polamalu got caught looking for a post move and was beaten for a 58-yard touchdown against the Raiders. Later, Hope was part of a cover 2 defense that gave up a 38-yard touchdown. The team hopes to hang on while they get comfortable.... Lee Mays moved past Chris Doering as the No. 4 receiver, which could jeopardize Doering's roster spot. Mays has done little as a receiver but is a good special teams player. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME' The team is playing more nickel defense to avoid being vulnerable to delays and quick slants on third down. Plus it's a way to keep all four linebackers on the field, particularly ILB Kendrell Bell, who comes out in the dime defense. Bell isn't good in coverage, but he has big-play ability. Opponents were spreading the defense on third down and gouging it with long runs. With an extra linebacker, the defense is better prepared to handle the run.--Gerry Dulac

AFC North

Sporting News, The, Sept 20, 2004

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