2009 NFL Preview: AFC North

It's that time of year! The NFL is just about locked and loaded. As a part of a virtual tour around the NFL, let's take a look at what teams have done over the off-season to improve their odds in 2009. Today's division of choice? The AFC North.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals clearly don't have any problem with their image of being a team full of misfits. This past off-season, they signed two guys with very questionable behavioral issues, DT Tank Johnson and OT Andre Smith. Starting with their offensive acquisitions, it's hard to believe that the Bengals would draft Andre Smith, the troubled Alabama tackle who thinks a little too highly of himself. Granted, he has all of the talent in the world, but he also has demonstrated punctuality, character and weight issues, and seems to be a step in the troubled direction of Cincinnati's past. As for other acquisitions on offense, the Bengals replaced T.J. Houshmandzadeh with Laveranues Coles. It's clearly a downgrade, but I guess that was the best they could do. They also got J.T. O'Sullivan to take over backup quarterback duties. O'Sullivan is a gunslinger, but I'm not sure that's what you want from your backup quarterback.

On the defensive side, signing Tank Johnson was another move in the wrong direction. Once again, he certainly has great talent, but considering all of the legal issues this team has encountered over the years, you have to wonder why they continue to be seemingly intent on signing players with a bad past. Listen, I have no problem with players getting 2^nd and 3^rd chances to rectify their wrongs, but why does one team seem to think they have to be the team to give everyone a second chance? Maybe the Bengals' front office has read "Moneyball" and has decided that players showing signs of going to jail are an undervalued commodity in the NFL. Hopefully, the addition of rookie linebacker Rey Maualuga will be a positive influence on this team, and this organization as a whole.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens big move this offense was bringing in L.J. Smith to backup Todd Heap at tight tend. Other than that, they didn't do much, and just hope that everyone can stay healthy. It looks as if LaRon McClain will get the bulk of the carries for the Ravens, and the team hopes Demetrius Williams can stay healthy enough to man the 3^rd receiver spot. However, with the sudden retirement of Derrick Mason, Williams might move up to a starter's role. As for the offensive line, the Ravens brought in Matt Birk to take over the center position.

Defensively, the Ravens are without Rex Ryan at defensive coordinator, but outside of Bart Scott, the defense on the field will look the same as it did last year. Ray Lewis, after flirting with the Cowboys, is still a Raven, and Terrell Suggs is back as well. Domonique Foxworth with line up opposite of the also re-signed Samari Rolle, giving the team two very fast corners, which should mean even more blitzing from the Ravens front 7.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Much like their approach to the game of football, the Steelers remained consistent and predictable in their offseason, which is probably why they continue to be one of the NFL's best run franchises. To keep that defense going, the Steelers enlisted the services of Keiwan Ratliff to replace Darren McFadden. They also drafted Evander Hood to bring some youth to their defensive line.

On offense, the Steelers are basically going to be the same as last year, only the team is hoping to get a lot out of second-year man Rashard Mendenhall who went down for the season before his year could even get going. The Steelers lost their slot guy in Nate Washington to the Titans, so another second-year man, Limas Sweed should step into that role. However, they also signed Shaun McDonald, so there could be some competition for that position.

Other than that, the Steelers didn't do much else, but why fix what isn't broken?

Cleveland Brown

The Browns brought in head coach Eric Mangini to turnaround their franchise-really? Well, as a defensive specialist, Mangini brought over a few New York Jets transplants. Former Jets C.J. Mosely and Kenyon Coleman will join the Browns defensive line, and David Bowens and Eric Barton will probably be starters on the Browns linebacking core. Also, Abram Elam, also a former Jet, is likely to start at cornerback.

On offense, the Browns are trying to figure out who is going to start at quarterback, as a preseason battle between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn will ensue this August. As for whom they will throw to, rookie additions of Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie will add some explosiveness to an already explosive wide receiving crew that includes Braylon Edwards and Josh Cribbs. Of course, the Browns will likely be without Donte Stallworth this season due to his run in with the law during the offseason.