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04-02-2008, 07:20 PM
Are Browns team to beat?<!--sizec--><!--/sizec-->
BY MARK CURNUTTE | MCURNUTTE@ENQUIRER.COM
PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Bengals, Baltimore and Pittsburgh have won the last three AFC North titles.
In 2008, at least forecasting from early April, Cleveland could get its turn atop the division.
The Browns were by far the most active AFC North team during the offseason. They spent heavily in free agency and making the decision to re-sign restricted free agent quarterback Derek Anderson to a three-year contract.
Still, the division’s head coaches this week couldn’t look past the defending division champion Steelers as the team to beat in 2008.
“They're the division champions until somebody knocks them off,” Browns coach Romeo Crennel said during the AFC coaches’ breakfast at the annual league meeting.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis likes the Steelers, too. He said he is impressed with Cleveland’s offseason and has prevailing respect for the Ravens.
“(Pittsburgh) has the experience, they've won; (its) quarterback (Ben Roethlisberger) is coming off his best season,” Lewis said. “Baltimore, because of (its) defense, there probably won't be much change. If they can get some quarterback play and take care of the ball, they will be a team that will be up there.
“We're going to compete with them, but right now they're ahead of us.”
Heading into his second season as Steelers coach, Mike Tomlin was diplomatic and, in a show of gamesmanship, placed the burden of favorite on the Browns – a 10-6 team that narrowly missed the playoffs.
“They fortified their defensive front, some big men who can play, so they're probably the favorites at this point,” Tomlin said, “but there's no question anybody's capable of winning this thing.”
The senior head coach in the division, Baltimore’s Brian Billick, was fired after the season and replaced with long-time Eagles assistant John Harbaugh.
“I have no idea, none,” Harbaugh said when asked to predict the division finish. “No predictions. I think all the teams are really good. There's no way I'm going out on a limb with that.”
Here is a look at the off-season moves of every AFC North team:
BALTIMORE
A year ago, the Ravens were coming off a 13-3 season and a division championship. Billick was entrenched, fortified by a strong defense and optimistic that – heading into his second season with the club – quarterback Steve McNair would have a Pro Bowl year.
Not so. The Ravens slumped to a 5-11 last-place finish – first to worst. Much of the undoing could be traced to their NFL worst minus-17 turnover differential. They lost a staggering 26 fumbles and were ranked 22nd in total offense, and McNair got old fast. Willis McGahee did stabilize the rush offense.
Enter Harbaugh, who retained defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, who directed the defense to a No. 6 ranking in 2007. Harbaugh hired former mentor Cam Cameron as offensive coordinator, after Cameron went 1-15 in one season as Miami head coach.
McNair will be back at quarterback, though the Ravens might take a quarterback with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft April 26, especially if Boston College’s Matt Ryan were to fall.
Baltimore might be forced to try to replace perennial Pro Bowl left offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, who again is contemplating retirement.
“Every year in the NFL is different, (and) you can't define a team by last year's record,” said Harbaugh, a 1984 Miami University graduate and former University of Cincinnati assistant coach. “Nothing you did in the past means anything. Everything can change. We've got a chance to be a really good football team.”
Players acquired: Linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo (Bears), cornerback Frank Walker (Packers).
Players re-signed: Used franchise tag on linebacker Terrell Suggs, defensive tackle Amon Gordon, fullback Justin Green, linebacker Nick Greisen, running back Cory Ross, linebacker Mike Smith.
Players lost: Running back Mike Anderson (released), wide receiver Devard Darling (Chiefs), quarterback Cullen Finnerty (not re-signed), center Mike Flynn (released), defensive tackle Kenny King (released).
CLEVELAND
The pressure is on to win now.
A key will be to avoid the slumps that have afflicted other up-and-coming teams, most recently the Jets in 2007 after a 10-6 season.
At the scouting combine in late February, Crennel said the Browns wanted to improve their front seven defensively, and within 10 days they had traded for tackles Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams.
They added wide receiver Donte Stallworth to a receiving corps that already features wide receiver Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. They re-signed featured back Jamal Lewis.
Crennel, whose job was in jeopardy a year ago, signed a contract extension. And he’s not uncomfortable with the lofty expectations.
“It will have to be proved on the football field, so we'll go out on Sundays and compete,” he said. “By us winning 10 games last year, I think the expectations are higher for us this year. That's something the Browns haven't had in a while. That's a good cross to bear, if you consider that a cross to bear.”
Crennel will count on veterans to keep the team focused.
“Guys that have been there before – take a Willie McGinest, Jamal Lewis, guys who've won Super Bowls – they’ve got to help us control the young guys, their attitudes,” Crennel said.
All of the wheeling and dealing has left the Browns with no picks in the first three rounds.
Players acquired: Guard Rex Hadnot (Dolphins), linebacker Shantee Orr (Jaguars), defensive tackle Shaun Rogers (trade, Lions), wide receiver Donte Stallworth (Patriots), defensive tackle Corey Williams (trade, Packers).
Players re-signed: Running back Charles Ali, quarterback Derek Anderson, cornerback Gary Baxter, offensive lineman Lennie Friedman, running back Jamal Lewis, guard Seth McKinney, safety Nick Sorensen, linebacker Kris Griffin.
Players lost: Cornerback Leigh Bodden (trade, Lions), cornerback Ricardo Colclough (Panthers), defensive end Simon Fraser (Falcons), defensive end Orpheus Roye (released), linebacker Chaun Thompson (Texans).
CINCINNATI
Improving the run offense will help the team, but the Bengals – as has been the case for Lewis’ entire tenure – will go as far as their defense will take them.
The Bengals have focused on making-over the NFL’s 27th-ranked defense. They allowed three starters to leave via fee agency. They added rush end Antwan Odom from the Titans, re-signed linebacker Dhani Jones and will count on a pair of second-year safeties in Chinedum Ndukwe and Marvin White.
More help should be coming in the draft, where the Bengals have the ninth overall pick and would like to add a defensive tackle. The Bengals have 10 total picks, including two in the third round.
The team made two changes on its coaching staff, bringing in Mike Zimmer as Lewis’ third defensive coordinator in six seasons and former Ravens linebackers coach Jeff FitzGerald to oversee a group of developing players.
In addition to the personal changes – and, perhaps, more importantly – Lewis talked openly about the need for an attitude adjustment. The team is 15-17 after its 11-5 division-winning performance of 2005.
“We had some guys who had some marginal success, and they think the world revolves around them,” Lewis said in reference to the need for perspective and maturity. “Our team is angry.”
Players acquired: Linebacker Darryl Blackstock (Cardinals), linebacker Brandon Johnson (Cardinals), defensive end Antwan Odom (Titans), tight end Ben Utecht (Colts).
Players re-signed: Offensive lineman Stacy Andrews (franchise player), wide receiver Antonio Chatman, defensive end Jonathan Fanene, linebacker Dhani Jones, wide receiver Glenn Holt, linebacker Rashad Jeanty, safety Herana-Daze Jones, punter Kyle Larson, linebacker Corey Mays.
Players lost: Linebacker Landon Johnson (Panthers), wide receiver Tab Perry (Dolphins), defensive end Justin Smith (49ers), center Alex Stepanovich (Falcons), safety Madieu Williams (Vikings).
PITTSBURGH
Year 2 of Tomlin’s tenure as Steelers coach finds the organization still operating the way it has for decades. Few are better at letting older, high-priced free agents leave at the right time and filling in with a younger one groomed in the system.
The Steelers tried to re-sign guard Alan Faneca, who ended up signing with the Jets.
There is a big need to add talent on the offensive line.
The Steelers did make one major move in an otherwise quiet offseason. They re-signed Roethlisberger to a long-term contract extension.
"Obviously, we signed … Ben to a long-term deal. He's an awesome player,” Tomlin said. “When you've got a guy with the capabilities he has you have a chance to be in every football game.”
The Steelers also return the bulk of the defense that ranked first in the NFL in 2007 in yards allowed. They also collected 36 sacks, including 8.5 from outside linebacker James Harrison.
Injuries on the offensive line and to tailback Willie Parker – who still managed to finish fourth in the NFL with 1,316 rushing yards – undid the Steelers down the stretch. They lost four of their last five, including a home playoff game to the Jaguars.
Tomlin expects more from his team, and himself, in 2008.
“I better be. We're all works in progress, coaches and players,” he said. “Hopefully I anticipate being better if for no other reason the life experiences I had last year.”
Players acquired: Linebacker Keyaron Fox (Chiefs), center Justin Hartwig (Panthers), running back Mewelde Moore (Vikings).
Players re-signed: Defensive end Nick Eason, offensive tackle Trai Essex, linebacker Andre Frazier, guard Chris Kemoeatu, defensive end Travis Kirschke, long-snapper Greg Warren.
Players lost: Guard Alan Faneca (Jets), linebacker Clark Haggans (Cardinals), linebacker Cliff Kriewaldt (released), cornerback/kickoff returner Allen Rossum (released), tight end Jerame Tuman (released), wide receiver Cedrick Wilson (released).<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...SPT02/304020049 (http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080402/SPT02/304020049) <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_647968--><!-- THE POST -->
-------------------------------------
"They lost four of their last five, including a home playoff game to the Jaguars.
Tomlin expects more from his team, and himself, in 2008"
We expect more too Mike.
Don't screw up this draft.
<!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_647945--><!-- THE POST -->
BY MARK CURNUTTE | MCURNUTTE@ENQUIRER.COM
PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Bengals, Baltimore and Pittsburgh have won the last three AFC North titles.
In 2008, at least forecasting from early April, Cleveland could get its turn atop the division.
The Browns were by far the most active AFC North team during the offseason. They spent heavily in free agency and making the decision to re-sign restricted free agent quarterback Derek Anderson to a three-year contract.
Still, the division’s head coaches this week couldn’t look past the defending division champion Steelers as the team to beat in 2008.
“They're the division champions until somebody knocks them off,” Browns coach Romeo Crennel said during the AFC coaches’ breakfast at the annual league meeting.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis likes the Steelers, too. He said he is impressed with Cleveland’s offseason and has prevailing respect for the Ravens.
“(Pittsburgh) has the experience, they've won; (its) quarterback (Ben Roethlisberger) is coming off his best season,” Lewis said. “Baltimore, because of (its) defense, there probably won't be much change. If they can get some quarterback play and take care of the ball, they will be a team that will be up there.
“We're going to compete with them, but right now they're ahead of us.”
Heading into his second season as Steelers coach, Mike Tomlin was diplomatic and, in a show of gamesmanship, placed the burden of favorite on the Browns – a 10-6 team that narrowly missed the playoffs.
“They fortified their defensive front, some big men who can play, so they're probably the favorites at this point,” Tomlin said, “but there's no question anybody's capable of winning this thing.”
The senior head coach in the division, Baltimore’s Brian Billick, was fired after the season and replaced with long-time Eagles assistant John Harbaugh.
“I have no idea, none,” Harbaugh said when asked to predict the division finish. “No predictions. I think all the teams are really good. There's no way I'm going out on a limb with that.”
Here is a look at the off-season moves of every AFC North team:
BALTIMORE
A year ago, the Ravens were coming off a 13-3 season and a division championship. Billick was entrenched, fortified by a strong defense and optimistic that – heading into his second season with the club – quarterback Steve McNair would have a Pro Bowl year.
Not so. The Ravens slumped to a 5-11 last-place finish – first to worst. Much of the undoing could be traced to their NFL worst minus-17 turnover differential. They lost a staggering 26 fumbles and were ranked 22nd in total offense, and McNair got old fast. Willis McGahee did stabilize the rush offense.
Enter Harbaugh, who retained defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, who directed the defense to a No. 6 ranking in 2007. Harbaugh hired former mentor Cam Cameron as offensive coordinator, after Cameron went 1-15 in one season as Miami head coach.
McNair will be back at quarterback, though the Ravens might take a quarterback with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft April 26, especially if Boston College’s Matt Ryan were to fall.
Baltimore might be forced to try to replace perennial Pro Bowl left offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, who again is contemplating retirement.
“Every year in the NFL is different, (and) you can't define a team by last year's record,” said Harbaugh, a 1984 Miami University graduate and former University of Cincinnati assistant coach. “Nothing you did in the past means anything. Everything can change. We've got a chance to be a really good football team.”
Players acquired: Linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo (Bears), cornerback Frank Walker (Packers).
Players re-signed: Used franchise tag on linebacker Terrell Suggs, defensive tackle Amon Gordon, fullback Justin Green, linebacker Nick Greisen, running back Cory Ross, linebacker Mike Smith.
Players lost: Running back Mike Anderson (released), wide receiver Devard Darling (Chiefs), quarterback Cullen Finnerty (not re-signed), center Mike Flynn (released), defensive tackle Kenny King (released).
CLEVELAND
The pressure is on to win now.
A key will be to avoid the slumps that have afflicted other up-and-coming teams, most recently the Jets in 2007 after a 10-6 season.
At the scouting combine in late February, Crennel said the Browns wanted to improve their front seven defensively, and within 10 days they had traded for tackles Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams.
They added wide receiver Donte Stallworth to a receiving corps that already features wide receiver Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. They re-signed featured back Jamal Lewis.
Crennel, whose job was in jeopardy a year ago, signed a contract extension. And he’s not uncomfortable with the lofty expectations.
“It will have to be proved on the football field, so we'll go out on Sundays and compete,” he said. “By us winning 10 games last year, I think the expectations are higher for us this year. That's something the Browns haven't had in a while. That's a good cross to bear, if you consider that a cross to bear.”
Crennel will count on veterans to keep the team focused.
“Guys that have been there before – take a Willie McGinest, Jamal Lewis, guys who've won Super Bowls – they’ve got to help us control the young guys, their attitudes,” Crennel said.
All of the wheeling and dealing has left the Browns with no picks in the first three rounds.
Players acquired: Guard Rex Hadnot (Dolphins), linebacker Shantee Orr (Jaguars), defensive tackle Shaun Rogers (trade, Lions), wide receiver Donte Stallworth (Patriots), defensive tackle Corey Williams (trade, Packers).
Players re-signed: Running back Charles Ali, quarterback Derek Anderson, cornerback Gary Baxter, offensive lineman Lennie Friedman, running back Jamal Lewis, guard Seth McKinney, safety Nick Sorensen, linebacker Kris Griffin.
Players lost: Cornerback Leigh Bodden (trade, Lions), cornerback Ricardo Colclough (Panthers), defensive end Simon Fraser (Falcons), defensive end Orpheus Roye (released), linebacker Chaun Thompson (Texans).
CINCINNATI
Improving the run offense will help the team, but the Bengals – as has been the case for Lewis’ entire tenure – will go as far as their defense will take them.
The Bengals have focused on making-over the NFL’s 27th-ranked defense. They allowed three starters to leave via fee agency. They added rush end Antwan Odom from the Titans, re-signed linebacker Dhani Jones and will count on a pair of second-year safeties in Chinedum Ndukwe and Marvin White.
More help should be coming in the draft, where the Bengals have the ninth overall pick and would like to add a defensive tackle. The Bengals have 10 total picks, including two in the third round.
The team made two changes on its coaching staff, bringing in Mike Zimmer as Lewis’ third defensive coordinator in six seasons and former Ravens linebackers coach Jeff FitzGerald to oversee a group of developing players.
In addition to the personal changes – and, perhaps, more importantly – Lewis talked openly about the need for an attitude adjustment. The team is 15-17 after its 11-5 division-winning performance of 2005.
“We had some guys who had some marginal success, and they think the world revolves around them,” Lewis said in reference to the need for perspective and maturity. “Our team is angry.”
Players acquired: Linebacker Darryl Blackstock (Cardinals), linebacker Brandon Johnson (Cardinals), defensive end Antwan Odom (Titans), tight end Ben Utecht (Colts).
Players re-signed: Offensive lineman Stacy Andrews (franchise player), wide receiver Antonio Chatman, defensive end Jonathan Fanene, linebacker Dhani Jones, wide receiver Glenn Holt, linebacker Rashad Jeanty, safety Herana-Daze Jones, punter Kyle Larson, linebacker Corey Mays.
Players lost: Linebacker Landon Johnson (Panthers), wide receiver Tab Perry (Dolphins), defensive end Justin Smith (49ers), center Alex Stepanovich (Falcons), safety Madieu Williams (Vikings).
PITTSBURGH
Year 2 of Tomlin’s tenure as Steelers coach finds the organization still operating the way it has for decades. Few are better at letting older, high-priced free agents leave at the right time and filling in with a younger one groomed in the system.
The Steelers tried to re-sign guard Alan Faneca, who ended up signing with the Jets.
There is a big need to add talent on the offensive line.
The Steelers did make one major move in an otherwise quiet offseason. They re-signed Roethlisberger to a long-term contract extension.
"Obviously, we signed … Ben to a long-term deal. He's an awesome player,” Tomlin said. “When you've got a guy with the capabilities he has you have a chance to be in every football game.”
The Steelers also return the bulk of the defense that ranked first in the NFL in 2007 in yards allowed. They also collected 36 sacks, including 8.5 from outside linebacker James Harrison.
Injuries on the offensive line and to tailback Willie Parker – who still managed to finish fourth in the NFL with 1,316 rushing yards – undid the Steelers down the stretch. They lost four of their last five, including a home playoff game to the Jaguars.
Tomlin expects more from his team, and himself, in 2008.
“I better be. We're all works in progress, coaches and players,” he said. “Hopefully I anticipate being better if for no other reason the life experiences I had last year.”
Players acquired: Linebacker Keyaron Fox (Chiefs), center Justin Hartwig (Panthers), running back Mewelde Moore (Vikings).
Players re-signed: Defensive end Nick Eason, offensive tackle Trai Essex, linebacker Andre Frazier, guard Chris Kemoeatu, defensive end Travis Kirschke, long-snapper Greg Warren.
Players lost: Guard Alan Faneca (Jets), linebacker Clark Haggans (Cardinals), linebacker Cliff Kriewaldt (released), cornerback/kickoff returner Allen Rossum (released), tight end Jerame Tuman (released), wide receiver Cedrick Wilson (released).<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...SPT02/304020049 (http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080402/SPT02/304020049) <!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_647968--><!-- THE POST -->
-------------------------------------
"They lost four of their last five, including a home playoff game to the Jaguars.
Tomlin expects more from his team, and himself, in 2008"
We expect more too Mike.
Don't screw up this draft.
<!--IBF.ATTACHMENT_647945--><!-- THE POST -->