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AFC North

Sporting News, The, Nov 11, 2005

BALTIMORE RAVENS

SOUND CHECK:The offensive line is old and tired. The right side--including starters G Keydrick Vincent and T Orlando Brown and backup T Tony Pashos--has been particularly weak. If the season continues to go south, the Ravens should take a look at young players such as G Brian Rimpf, C Jason Brown and T Adam Terry. Unlike in years past, the team can't rely on a dominant defense, so it needs to play less conservatively on offense and take more chances downfield. WR Patrick Johnson provides some speed on the outside, and using RB Chester Taylor more might force opponents to quit stacking the box against the run, as they de when RB Jamal Lewis is playing. FAST-FORWARD: The Ravens might collapse in the second half. Coach Brian Billick has lost control of this team; the players lack discipline and commit too many penalties, it's unlikely Baltimore will find its offensive rhythm, and the lack of talent on the offensive and defensive lines will force a rebuilding period. CRITIC'S CHOICE: Offense: D. Defense: B-. Special teams: C. Coaching: D. Overall: D.--Mike Preston

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CINCINNATI BENGALS

SOUND CHECK: The ballhawking secondary is generating turnovers, but if the line doesn't improve its gap control and the linebackers and safeties don't fine-tune their tackling technique, the defense could be in trouble. The offense has been explosive between the 20s but has struggled to finish drives with touchdowns because of penalties, dropped passes and inconsistent blocking by the line. To ease the pressure on QB Carson Palmer, the club wants to utilize RBs Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry more on running plays in the red zone. The team must develop a more physical, aggressive mentality overall to stay ahead of Pittsburgh in the division race. FAST-FORWARD, The Bengals should be able to ride their first half momentum to their first winning season and playoff berth since 1990. But they have yet to prove they can handle the physical punishment the Colts, Ravens and Steelers dish out. Until they beat the Steelers, the Bengals won't be regarded as serious candidates to advance far in the postseason. CRITIC'S CHOICE: Offense: B+. Defense: B+. Special teams: C. Coaching: A-. Overall: B+.--Chick Ludwig

CLEVELAND BROWNS

SOUND CHECK: RB Lee Suggs' return from a broken thumb in the second half will be a big plus because RB Reuben Droughns isn't built to take a 16-game pounding, given his relentless style. It remains to be seen if QB Trent Dilfer has plenty to offer or is an older version of the player who was a disappointment in Tampa Bay. Clarifying the wide receivers' roles and having Suggs back will help Dilfer. The Browns should stay the course on defense, where a group of competent performers has been more than the sum of its parts. Rookie S Brodnny Pool could make an impact as he grows into a rotation with Brian Russell and Chris Crocker. Little-known CB Leigh Bodden will be a solid replacement for Gary Baxter, FAST FORWARD.The talent suggests a 4-12 or 5-11 finish. The defense will play more crisply as coach Romeo Crennel's 3-4 scheme takes hold. A veteran offensive line has leaders who should help things mesh now that offseason acquisitions have been assimilated. CRITIC'S CHOICE: Offense: D+. Defense: C+. Special teams: C-. Coaching: C. Overall: C.--Steve Doerschuk

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

SOUND CHECK: The running game has been inconsistent because the offensive line has not played up to expectations, and that could lead to some changes. RB Willie Parker's lack of durability could lead to more playing time for Jerome Bettis and possibly even Duce Staley. The biggest issue on the line has been the play of RG Kendall Simmons, who has had problems with timing and technique after missing last season with a knee injury. The team could insert rookie G Chris Kemoeatu, but that would be a risky move this late in the season. FAST-FORWARD: The Steelers are in good shape to win a ninth division title under coach Bill Cowher. Their young secondary has performed especially well--in particular Ike Taylor, who rapidly is developing into one of the league's best young cornerbacks. The group has done a good job preventing big plays. Also, QB Ben Rcethlilsberger has found a new target in the passing game in TE Heath Miller. CRITIC'S CHOICE: Offense: A-. Defense: B+. Special teams: C+. Coaching: B. Overall: B+.--Gerry Dulac

AFC North

Sporting News, The, Nov 11, 2005

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