With a little more than a month before the NFL Draft, it's hard to ignore the fact that the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals have made the most significant improvements to their respective rosters.
The Ravens, just days after trading for Arizona Cardinals star Anquan Boldin, have continued to address their issues at the wide receiver position. The club re-signed Joe Flacco's favorite target, Derrick Mason in addition to retaining Mark Clayton and signing Donte' Stallworth to a one-year deal, thus giving him a chance to prove he can still play at the NFL level. Baltimore's biggest handicap has suddenly turned into an area of strength.
The Bengals, not to be outdone by Baltimore's receiving upgrades, did some shopping of their own and landed free agent wideout Antonio Bryant who was let go by the Tampa Bay Bucs just a year removed from being named their franchise player. Bryant, 29, was a smarter long-term move for an organization that flirted with the idea of adding Terrell Owens to a corps that already boasts the inflated ego of Chad Ochocinco.
On the other hand the Cleveland Browns, under the new leadership of GM Mike Holmgren, have made several Brown-like moves. First, signing linebacker Scott Fujita is a move that would have made some sense, except for the fact that Cleveland tied up $11 million in guaranteed money in order to sign Fujita. Factor in the fact that the 30-year-old Fujita hasn't topped 100 tackles since 2003, and it's a move worth questioning.
In addition to this questionable signing, Cleveland also inked offensive tackle Tony Pashos (former Raven) to a deal worth nearly $8 million guaranteed. Pashos was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars last season due to the fact that he's no longer starting-material.
Lastly, comes the Pittsburgh Steelers. After missing the playoffs in 2009, the Steelers entered the off-season with major deficiencies on the offensive line and defensive backfield. The club chose to retain safety Ryan Clark, a move probably worth making because he was cheap and knows the system; however, Pittsburgh added safery Will Allen, who is nothing more than a less-talented version than the severely average Clark.
On the offensive line, the Steelers added reserve tackle Jonathan Scott from the Buffalo Bills. Scott is nothing more than a move for depth, as it's unlikely he'll compete for serious playing time. Thus, the two biggest areas of concern for the Steelers have gone un-touched for the most part. There are major holes on the interior line and the cornerrback position.
At this point--even though it's only March--it's clear that last year's AFC North playoff representatives, the Bengals and Ravens, have a leg-up on the Browns and Steelers.
Comments (6)
Let's go Ravens!
Whoooooo Deyyyyyyy
What a bunch of baloney! First the Steelers overall nucleus of a team is notch above the Ravens and Bengals. If you look at free agent pickups then I would agree that on paper it looks like the Bengals/Ravens have signed better overall talent. I say so what, Bryant has character issues and the recieving core will be chock full of egos, Bryant, Chad, and Coles...isn't going to work. The Ravens pickup of Boldin was fantastic, but they defense is old, tired and is on the downward slope. Overall the divsion will be tight, but the Steelers will still be the team to beat.
i believe the new additions wont make much of a difference boldin is injury prone like mason and bryant really doesnt have that andre johnson play like u know he'll make a play atleast one time each game
You steelers fans make me laugh. You say that mason is injury prone when the guy plays in every game regardless if he is hurt or not, unlike ur rapist qb who chooses to sit in the most important game of the season even when he was cleared to play. That loss kept them out the playoffs, I'd say that the steelers have taken a step back. And if the rapist ends up in jail or suspended the season is over for you all before it even begins, good luck
i dont want to post all day but i have to say mason is a tough son of a gun he's was 36 and played all games as for ben well my family taught me never judge so early about someone and ill leave it at that.
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