The AFC North had a down year in 2013, with only the Cincinnati Bengals making the the playoffs. This snapped a streak of five straight years with at least two teams from the AFC North qualifying for the playoffs. The defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens, as well as the Pittsburgh, finished at 8-8. The lowly Cleveland Browns finished far behind at 4-12.
Thus, this offseason was a busy one for all teams in the AFC North. Players have been drafted and free agents have been signed, and it’s time to take the field once again. Judging by this offseason, this race should be a lot closer this year.
Top Newcomers
Steve Smith, Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens
Smith decided to sign with the Ravens after being released by the Carolina Panthers, the team of which caught 67 touchdowns and racked up 12,197 yards. Smith will definitely have a chip on his shoulder, and he should fill a need for the Ravens.
What quarterback Joe Flacco missed last year was a possession receiver, and Dennis Pitta, the team’s best option, was injured most of the season. With both receivers in the fold, the Ravens passing offense should greatly improve on its 18th ranking from last season.
LeGarrette Blount, Running back, Pittsburgh Steelers
Blount gives the Steelers run game a different dimension: A powerful force the team hasn’t seen since Jerome Bettis. With the Patriots last season, Blount ran for 772 and seven touchdowns, with a 5.0 runs per carry number.
If Blount can translate that to the Steelers, they’ll have one-two punch that rivals any other. Le’Veon Bell will still get his snaps, but he won’t have to sacrifice his body as much as last year.
Darqueze Dennard, Cornerback, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals weren’t very active in the free agent market, so it comes as no surprise that they valued the NFL Draft. Dennard fell to them at pick No. 24 in the first round and he should factor into the starting discussion by the end of training camp.
With Terance Newman and Adam Jones likely in the starting spots at the moment, Dennard will provide pressure for both to succeed. He’ll add depth to the fifth-ranked Bengals pass defense, and that will be scary for opposing offenses.
Donte Whitner, Safety, Cleveland Browns
Whitner came to the Browns for the San Francisco 49ers, where he totaled 169 tackles and five interceptions in three years. The Browns needed to add someone in the secondary that lost T.J. Ward to the Denver Broncos, and Whitner is arguably an upgrade.
With Whitner and another newly-signed piece, Karlos Dansby, the Browns defense can pick up where they left off last season.
Top Training Camp Battles
Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer, Quarterbacks, Cleveland Browns
This might be the training camp battle of the entire league, playing out until Week 3 of the preseason, according to the team. Manziel is the highly-touted first round pick and Hoyer is the average veteran that looks to keep his career alive.
Manziel lacks the experience, but could make up for it with his creative runs and scrambling ability. Hoyer has only played in 18 games in his five-year NFL career and has thrown seven touchdowns and six interceptions. It will be a tough choice for Head Coach Mike Pettine, but one that will play out all over national media.
Ray Rice, Bernard Pierce and Lorenzo Taliaferro, Running backs, Baltimore Ravens
Rice and Pierce struggled to do much of anything last season, combining for just 1,096 yards and six touchdowns. Rice seems to be in better shape than last year, but he could be facing a suspension.
In comes Lorenzo Taliaferro, the Ravens’ fourth-round pick. He could play a role in this competition, as he could end up as a backup to Pierce during Rice’s absence. Either way, the Ravens will have to closely monitor this situation.
Top Storylines Heading Into Training Camp
The AFC North seems set for a rebound season in 2014, but a lot lies on changing the image of each team. The Steelers need to get back to the ground-and-pound mentality, while the Ravens will look to air it out even more than before.
For the Browns, the sky is the limit. With Manziel potentially getting the starting job, attention will be focused on the Browns offense. The Bengals have the pressure of repeating as division champions without key defensive players.
It will be a season of new identities in the AFC North, but don’t mistake this for rebuilding.
Power Ranking the Division
1. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals still have A.J. Green and Giovani Bernard on offense and added depth to the defense. If Andy Dalton can repeat his 4,000-yard performance of last year without the 20 interceptions, the Bengals will be looking at the postseason again.
2. Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens struggled to find their offensive identity last season, but adding Jeremy Zuttah as center should sure up the offensive line, creating more chances for Joe Flacco and the running game. Look for the Ravens offense to come out clicking in 2014.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers are in a transition phase on defense, where Troy Polamalu is handing the reigns to Lawrence Timmons. The question is whether the defense can return to its top-notch ways after finishing 13th last year. Also, holes at wide receiver will hurt them throughout the season.
4. Cleveland Browns: Yes, the Browns signed a few savvy veterans, including Ben Tate on offense. However, with the impending loss of Josh Gordon, whoever wins the quarterback gig will be at an immediate loss. The Browns’ time will come, and they’ll be much better this season, but they aren’t complete just yet.