AFC North: The Best in American Football

The Bengals' search for a playoff spot in 2009 will not only have to go through the reigning Super Bowl, conference and division champions in Pittsburgh but also the conference and division runners-up in Baltimore.

Yes, the top of the AFC North was as strong as it got in 2008. The rest of the conference? Not so much. Here lies the issue for Cincinnati as it's preparing for 2009 -- can the Bengals compete with two of the best teams in the conference?

In 2008 the Steelers and Ravens ranked first and second, respectively, in total defense for the entire NFL. Pittsburgh allowed a paltry 237.2 yards per game while the Ravens gave up just 261.1 ypg. In comparison, Cincinnati (6th in the AFC/12th in the NFL) allowed 325.5 ypg. While not an awful average, the Bengals' defense fell way short of the two divisional powers.

Cincinnati did out-perform Cleveland on the defensive side of the ball, as the Browns (13th in AFC/26th in NFL) struggled, giving up 356.5 per game.

Offense was a completely different story for Cincinnati as the Bengals ranked dead last in the NFL in total offense with 245.4 ypg. This, of course, had a lot to do with the loss of Carson Palmer at quarterback and a near-anemic running game. (Not to mention a combined four games against the two best defenses in the league.)

So what does this mean for 2009? Well, looking at offseason moves, more of the same. Defense will still be the difference in the AFC North this season.

The Ravens' only big loss on defense was that of Bart Scott. Baltimore may be able to overcome that that hole if they can get quality play from Jarrett Johnson and a young Tavares Gooden. Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs pretty much speak for themselves. 

As for Pittsburgh, the Steelers used the draft to add depth to their defensive front line, taking Evander Hood from Missouri with their first pick. They also snagged a pair of cornerbacks in the middle rounds with Keenan Lewis (third round) and Joe Burnett (fifth round). These three picks fit nicely into the Steelers' pressure-heavy defense. Pittsburgh was second in the league in sacks last season and tied for sixth in interceptions.

As for Cincinnati, the biggest change will be having a healthy Carson Palmer back. But in order to insure his safety the Bengals drafted tackle Andre Smith with their first pick and then gave Palmer a big target to throw to in Chase Coffman at tight end (fourth round). The additions of Rey Maualuga and Michael Johnson in the second and third rounds will hopefully improve the defense's ability to rush the passer and keep pressure on the quarterback. Cincinnati tied Cleveland for 30th in sacks last season (second worst in the NFL). Both recorded just 17.

As for Cleveland, a pre-season quarterback battle, trade rumors surrounding a star wide receiver and a new coach all leave a lot of question marks. But with the drafting of a center and two wide receivers in the first round it's apparent that changing the offense was a top priority for the team that finished only one spot ahead of the Bengals for total offense in 2008.

In short, Cincinnati's hopes of making the playoffs out of the AFC North rely heavily on the throwing arm of Carson Palmer and a young defense's ability to perform. On paper, the Bengals are heavily over-matched when it comes to playing in their division. That doesn't mean they won't surprise.