At one point in the late-2000’s, the AFC North was in discussion for toughest division in the league. Powerhouses Baltimore and Pittsburgh beat each other to a pulp on the field. The Bengals have made the playoffs five times since the 2005 season.And the Browns, well they had their moments, sometimes.
This season is different however. The division is more wide open than it has been in years past, and even the Browns and new head coach Mike Pettine have a chance. With it being anyone’s for the taking, which newcomers are going to help their new clubs make that final push to win the AFC North crown?
Steve Smith, Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens
Still a little weird not putting “Smith” and “Panthers” in the same statement. After his illustrious 13-year career as a big blue mountain cat, he comes to the Baltimore Ravens. At age 35, no one is sure what to expect from Smith. In terms of production, there have only been 11 wideouts in NFL history to have 800 receiving yards and 5 or more touchdowns at age 35.
The last player to do it however, was Derrick Mason with the Ravens in 2009. Smith is often regarded as the best pound-for-pound player in the league. He gets under your skin and causes you to make mistakes and draws penalties. Smith is going to be able to help fellow receivers Marlon Brown and Jacoby Jones perfect their craft as a receiver and become bigger weapons for Joe Flacco.
With the suspension of Ray Rice, the Ravens could become a much more pass-heavy team for the first couple weeks of the season, which means Smith could see more balls his way. The Ravens ranked dead last in the league last season in yards per play, so Smith can only help even at his age.
2014 Prediction- 60 catches 750 yards four touchdowns
LeGarette Blount, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers
Was there a better fit this offseason than Blount and the Steelers? It’s like he was born to play for the black and gold. His smash mouth type of downhill running is what the Steelers have been lacking for some time now. Pair him with second-year back Le’Veon Bell, and you have a really solid backfield with different traits to help win. In terms of running backs in their 4th season in the league, only ten other players had the season, or better, than Blount had last year. With the Patriots, he averaged 5.0 yards per carry on 153 attempts, for 772 yards and 7 touchdowns. You can expect much of the same from Blount this year, while sharing the load with Bell. While the Bengals will most likely be the favorite to win the division this season, the Steelers have a very real chance at a wild card position.
2014 Prediction- 160 carries, 785 yards, six touchdowns
Miles Austin, Wide Receiver, Cleveland Browns
Here we are again, another season, which means another chance for Austin to break something in his body. Austin comes to the Browns via the Cowboys, where he spent the last eight years. Austin hasn’t started 16 games in a season since 2010, but even so he’s been very serviceable.
In 2011 and 2012, he started 25 games he got in the endzone 13 times. He’s hit the 1,000 yard plateau twice, and came close a third time. Whether it’s Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel, Miles Austin can be a great asset since Josh Gordon isn’t playing. A team that is desperate at wide out with Gordon out may have found a dimaond in the rough.
2014 Prediction- 70 catches, 1050 yards, eight touchdowns
Donte Whitner, Strong Safety, Cleveland Browns
Remember when Whitner was the best free agent signing the Browns got in some time? Cleveland fans don’t even remember they have a football team now that they have LeBron James back. Regardless, with the departure of T.J. Ward, they needed a safety on the back end to be stable and make tackles. In Whitner’s eight-year career, he has nearly 500 tackles and 10 interceptions.What Whitner is, is reliable.
He’s started at least 13 games in seven of his eight seasons in the league. In a division that has Antonio Brown, Torrey Smith, and A.J. Green, Whitner is as important as any player on the team outside the quarterback. This could be an incredible year for the fans of Cleveland sports. Lebron is back, Johnny Football is their quarterback, and the Indians are on the rise. Congrats, Clevelanders.
2014 Prediction- 65 tackles, two interceptions
Marshall Newhouse, Offensive Tackle, Cincinnati Bengals
Not a flashy name by any means, but the Bengals made very few moves in free agency. However, bringing in a talented tackle that can play either side of the line, is huge for a team trying to win in the playoffs. The versatility that he brings to a line is crucial over the 16-game season where injuries are inevitable, and back-ups are playing bigger roles than ever. Newhouse will be a great addition in the locker room as well, because he knows how to win. He was Aaron Rodgers left tackle in 2011 and 2012, when they were a top team in the league. Anthony Collins leaving in free agency leaves a big hole in their line that Newhouse will fill with ease.
Honorable Mentions
Ben Tate, Running Back, Cleveland Browns
Lance Moore, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers