Landscape of the AFC North

[davedugan43]

While the bolded is true, their problems lie not only with losing players this off-season, but with the state of their current roster even coming into the off-season.

As I've said, they've invested a lot in their O-Line, and it's still hot garbage.

Their D is aging.

Ben is 1 hit away from ending his career and Bruce Gradkowski is being heralded as a terrific signing by them because their back-ups before him were just awful.

Awful? Last year, Charlie Batch was awful vs. the Browns. But, other than that, Leftwich and Batch have been terrific backups for Ben. This is the NFL, and no backup SHOULD win a game against another team's starters, unless they have a terrific defense behind them (Steelers, Texans, 49ers, etc.).

 

[MoFlo]

Awful? Last year, Charlie Batch was awful vs. the Browns. But, other than that, Leftwich and Batch have been terrific backups for Ben. This is the NFL, and no backup SHOULD win a game against another team's starters, unless they have a terrific defense behind them (Steelers, Texans, 49ers, etc.).

Byron Leftwich looks more like an OL and hasn't thrown a TD since 2009, with Tampa.

Batch had a decent game against Baltimore last year, but was just awful against us.

I'd hardly call either of them "terrific" backups.

 

[davedugan43]

Byron Leftwich looks more like an OL and hasn't thrown a TD since 2009, with Tampa.

Batch had a decent game against Baltimore last year, but was just awful against us.

I'd hardly call either of them "terrific" backups.

Yes, but in 2010-2011, when Roethlisberger was suspended the first four games, Batch (and Dixon for one game) led them to 3-1, losing only to the Ravens. While I think it may be time to address the pressing QB heir need in the draft this year, I'd be more worried about other positions (CB, OL, and RB) if I were them.

 

[MoFlo]

Yes, but in 2010-2011, when Roethlisberger was suspended the first four games, Batch (and Dixon for one game) led them to 3-1, losing only to the Ravens. While I think it may be time to address the pressing QB heir need in the draft this year, I'd be more worried about other positions (CB, OL, and RB) if I were them.

Oh, I agree 100%, though I think the heir apparent is a bigger need than you make it out to be (just because Ben is 1 hit away from being crippled). We just differ on Batch/Leftwich, which doesn't really even matter lol.

What is absolutely fantastic though, is that they used their top 2 picks last year on OL, and took Pouncey a couple years back, and their OL is still just horrid.

EDIT: Original post updated

 

[davedugan43]

Oh, I agree 100%, though I think the heir apparent is a bigger need than you make it out to be (just because Ben is 1 hit away from being crippled). We just differ on Batch/Leftwich, which doesn't really even matter lol.

What is absolutely fantastic though, is that they used their top 2 picks last year on OL, and took Pouncey a couple years back, and their OL is still just horrid.

*Updating the original post as we speak*

Nobody on that squad can stay healthy. You're right about the Batch/Leftwich thing not mattering. Without, Roethlisberger, it doesn't matter if they win or lose games, they don't go anywhere in years where Ben is down more than a week. The Oline has always been horrible since '05. But, this may be the year the Bengals start to win the AFC North consistently.

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

Well, Baltimore got a piece back, although Dummerville isn't quite the overall player that Kruger is all around. Probably a better pass rusher, though.

 

[Triplethreat]

Pretty upset Dumerville is going to be playing in the AFC North for a while......

 

[The Gil-lionaire]

Pretty upset Dumerville is going to be playing in the AFC North for a while......

Im not, the guy may be a sack artist but he cant set the edge to save his life. Graded out as being a bottom five run stopper at his position last year. On top of that, Broncos fans say that most of his sacks came when Von Miller chased the QB into him.

Frankly, I would love to see Richardson in Norv's system running straight at the guy.

 

[Triplethreat]

Im not, the guy may be a sack artist but he cant set the edge to save his life. Graded out as being a bottom five run stopper at his position last year. On top of that, Broncos fans say that most of his sacks came when Von Miller chased the QB into him.

Frankly, I would love to see Richardson in Norv's system running straight at the guy.

Except for the fact that Dumervil had his two best sack seasons when Von Miller wasn't even with the team? I'd love to know which uneducated "Broncos" fans you've been listening to..

17.0 sacks in 2009, 12.5 sacks in 2007.

He only had 9.5 sacks last year with Miller, and 11.0 sacks this year.

 

[The Gil-lionaire]

Except for the fact that Dumervil had his two best sack seasons when Von Miller wasn't even with the team? I'd love to know which uneducated "Broncos" fans you've been listening to..

17.0 sacks in 2009, 12.5 sacks in 2007.

He only had 9.5 sacks last year with Miller, and 11.0 sacks this year.

Im referring to the years when he was playing with Von Miller, which is why I said when Von Miller chased the QB into them, which happened this last season. With Von Miller.

This was also has a 4/3 DE and not as a 3/4 OLB. I cant speak as to whether he will return to pre-Fox form when he shifts back. Additionally, my main point was that he cant defend the run well, not that he cant sack a QB.

 

[staycoolbruh]

Im referring to the years when he was playing with Von Miller, which is why I said when Von Miller chased the QB into them, which happened this last season. With Von Miller.

This was also has a 4/3 DE and not as a 3/4 OLB. I cant speak as to whether he will return to pre-Fox form when he shifts back. Additionally, my main point was that he cant defend the run well, not that he cant sack a QB.

He will be pairing up with Suggs. if they stay healthy, they will be an elite pass rushing combo.

 

[davedugan43]

He will be pairing up with Suggs. if they stay healthy, they will be an elite pass rushing combo.

But I bet you they both don't. Both are coming off bad injuries. On paper, that's a great tandem. Michael Huff was a good pickup for them too.

 

[MoFlo]

Updated the original post.

I'll be updating again & will add a poll after the draft.

 

[DJTJ]

A question I think is absolutely necessary;

In the first round, what player do you not want to fall into Steeler, Bengal, or Raven hands?

Steelers- Cordarrelle Paterson- Probably not likely, but I'd hate for Ben to have another weapon.
Bengals- Cyprien, although it's probably likely.
Ravens- Tank Carradine, end of story. Baltimore scares me.

 

[Kizzle]

A question I think is absolutely necessary;

In the first round, what player do you not want to fall into Steeler, Bengal, or Raven hands?

Steelers- Cordarrelle Paterson- Probably not likely, but I'd hate for Ben to have another weapon.
Bengals- Cyprien, although it's probably likely.
Ravens- Tank Carradine, end of story. Baltimore scares me.

Well we introduced the best TE in the 2013 draft to the AFCN and we will probably add Cyprien or Lacy(Best RB in draft). Bengals defense is already scary but adding the best TE and RB from the draft and wow, its gets crazy