By the way, just picked up Sports Illustrated's NFL preview this week. And their predictions...whew. Let's just say by the end of the year, it'll either be US, or THEM**.
AFC North (Projected Order of Finish)
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4 Last Year)
No surprise here. In its inaugural year, the Reilly Sports Blog would love to go out on a bold whim and say the defending champions won't win their division. But though we're only crazy; we're not stupid. This team is the defending champs, and yet everyone is back for another go-round in their attempt to repeat. Though they lack the super-duper stars, Pittsburgh makes up for any talent deficiency with their remarkable balance. Everyone knows that winning titles is about A) running the ball and B) taking the run away on defense. Everyone knows it, but Pittsburgh is one of few teams that actually execute year after year after year. Ben Roethlisberger has two rings on that young hand of his, and if he continues to play mistake-free, "do-what-you-gotta do" football, there could be even more coming. His surrounding team is that good.
2009 Projected Record: 11-5
2. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1 Last Year)
Just call it the Hard Knocks effect. HBO's training camp reality show has the power to take control of your mind and convince you that X team will make it happen. I firmly believe this. Sure, they would capture probably all the same footage with any other NFL team (except the tables/ladders/chairs matches in Raider camp) but HBO has sold me these Bengals are for real. They love coach Marvin Lewis, certain to be fired if they don't win this year. Chad Ochocinco is ready to turn back the clock. Their young players/veteran castoffs on defense can make some plays. Cedric Benson can be a better player than Cedric the Entertainer. I believe, HBO. YOU DID THIS TO ME!
2009 Projected Record: 9-7
3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5 Last Year)
Yep, its a pretty colossal step back for a team that went to the AFC Championship game last year. If only they were featured on Hard Knocks...oh, well. The Ravens and Steelers have pretty much the same blueprint...running and defense. No surprise, these were the two teams that emerged from the AFC. But Baltimore lost some troops from their defensive squad, including their commander. Coordinator Rex Ryan went to the Jets, and he took along Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard, and Marquis Daniels with him. Joe Flacco will continue to build onhis solid rookie year, and the running game should be fine with Ray Rice and Le'Ron Mclain. Truth be told, they are probably miles ahead of the Bengals at this point. Sorry, Ravens, I have been smitten by the black and orange.
2009 Projected Record: 8-8
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12 Last Year)
A complete and utter wasteland. Fans might indeed exit the Browns' home games with the same feeling as the last 3-4 seconds of this clip.
2009 Projected Record: 5-11
** -(It will probably be them.)
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