Local Media Previews Ravens Training Camp

The countdown to July 27th and the start of the Baltimore Ravens 2010 Training Camp has begun. As our anticipation for that date increases, Baltimore Sports and Life recently solicited the opinions of some local media that follows the team for their thoughts.

The following people and outlets participated in this survey:

Dan Kolko / MASNsports.com: http://www.masnsports.com/dan_kolko/
Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24×7.com: http://www.profootball24x7.com/
Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/
Ken Zalis / ‘The Rob Long Show’, Fox 1370: http://www.roblongshow.com/blogs/Ken%20Zalis

I greatly appreciate each of the aforementioned for taking their time to contribute, and encourage you to further review their outstanding work.

Baltimore Sports and Life 1): “Will the Ravens break training camp with a 5th WR on the roster? If so, how do you handicap the race for that position between Demetrius Williams, Justin Harper, David Reed, Marcus Smith, and Eron Riley?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” David Reed has a good shot at a roster spot; he’s impressed the coaches with his sure-handedness and could make an impact on special teams. I wouldn’t rule Marcus Smith out, either. His ability to play a number of roles on special teams makes him valuable.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: “If the OTA’s are any indication the Ravens will feature more 3 WR sets and if that’s the case, I think they will go with 5 WR’s. The early ranking in my opinion on the 5 WR’s you mention is as follows: Williams, Reed, Harper, Smith and Riley. The problem with Williams is he gives you nothing on special teams. I’m not sure that Riley provides much there either.
And on that note, the same could be said for Mark Clayton. It would not shock me if he’s moved freeing up a spot and enabling two of the players you mentioned a shot at the final 53.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “I think it will basically come down to the rookie David Reed against Demetrius Williams. Williams has never lived up to his potential and always seems injured. Reed has looked great so far in camp, catching everything and also returns kicks, so I give him the slight edge.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “I think they do break camp with a 5th WR on the roster this year. I see Boldin, Mason, Stallworth and David Reed as locks to make the team. The 5th WR will be Marcus Smith if he proves himself healthy. Smith is a Special Teams guy and we know how much the Ravens value special team. Williams, Harper and Riley will be out of work, at least in Baltimore. Williams sealed his fate against Indy, while Harper and Riley are training camp wonders but fail to shine when the lights go on. The real problem with the WR core is what to do with Marc Clayton. He seems like he is on the out looking in to me. I think if the Ravens would use Clayton in the slot he would have great value, but I just don’t see that happening. A fresh start may be the best thing for Mr. Clayton.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 1a): “Boldin is great after the catch, but like Mason is more of possession WR. How important is it that Stallworth proves capable of stretching the field?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” It’s important. The Ravens need to prove that they can stretch the field to keep opposing defenses honest. That way, they can work the underneath routes and free up space for Boldin, Mason and Ray Rice.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: “I think in the right sub packages Stallworth may be a mismatch for a nickel or dime. But I don’t think the Ravens have to depend solely upon Stallworth to create space underneath for Boldin and Mason. Their tight ends can do that as well. Ed Dickson is a tweener along the lines of Marques Colston. He could present mismatches downfield for linebackers and/or safeties and his ability to stretch the could also create space behind the linebackers and in front of the DB’s.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “So important. Stallworth’s ability to draw a safety away from either Boldin or Mason’s side of the field not only gives them more one-on-one opportunities but also opens the middle of the field for the tight ends.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “I don’t think its really that important. I have said it before I am not a Stallworth fan on the football field. He does one thing which is run fast and straight and he does this with questionable hands. Plus he is a hammy problem waiting to happen. It’s a boom or bust, no risk signing, but Stallworth’s play will be a bonus and not relied upon. I think the addition of the new TE’s are way more important to the passing attack.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 2): “Willis McGahee had just 109 carries (5 yards per attempt) during the 2009 season. This included 11 games of 7 carries or less. Will he get the opportunity to come closer to the 170 carries he had in 2008?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” Probably not, which won’t make Willis too thrilled. Rice will obviously get the lion’s share of the carries again this year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Le’Ron McClain got a few more touches this season. McGahee will still get snaps around the red zone and when Rice needs a breather, but he likely won’t see a ton of playing time.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: “He could if the Ravens can manage to get out to comfortable leads and they choose to preserve Ray Rice. Four carries per game more doesn’t sound like a lot but if Rice has the hot hand as he did in ’09, why change? McGahee could be valuable down the stretch coming off the bench with fresh legs and that too could factor in to the number of touches he gets.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “Doubtful, but Willis still made the most of his carries. He scored 12 TD’s off of his 109 carries, which puts him near the top in the league with guys who carried the ball over 300 times in comparison. He won’t be getting many more carries than that but if he can keep up the scoring that will be fine with most Ravens fans!”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “NO, Ray Rice is the Running Back on this team and WIllis may get a bit more in 2010 but not near the 170 from 2008. With the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield as well as be that homerun hitter on every play, the Ravens offense is simply better when Ray Rice is on the field.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 2a): “With rookie Free Agent Mike McLaughlin listed as the only FB on the roster behind McClain, will the Ravens avoid granting McClain’s wish for more touches? Do you expect more goal-line carries for McClain?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” Yes, I think the “McClain 4 RB” campaign will pay off and the Alabama product will see the rock more this year. I like him in short-yardage situations and as the power back on the goal line.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: “I think McClain may get more touches vis-à-vis the passing game. He could get more touches at the goal line but then again, McGahee was fairly effective in that role last season.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “As long as Willis McGahee keeps scoring like he did last season, McClain will be more of a third or fourth down and short guy.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “I expect more touches for McClain and a few more goal line opportunities, but lets be very clear here. LaRon McClain is the FULL BACK for the Ravens. Only injuries would force the Ravens into a switch to RB for him.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 3): “Todd Heap was written off for dead by many prior to the 2009 season, and responded with another full-season (6th time in 9 years) and nearly as many receptions (53) as the previous two years combined (58). With Boldin added at WR, and Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta added as the opposite TE; you would think Heap would see even more single coverage in 2010. Does he have the legs left to exploit single coverage and surprise once more?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: “I think Heap showed last year that he still has a good bit left in the tank if he can stay healthy. The addition of Dickson and Pitta means that Heap won’t need to see as many reps this year (he played nearly every snap last season), which should keep the veteran tight end fresher.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: “During OTA’s Heap has looked noticeably more nimble and quicker off the line of scrimmage. Time will tell if he can keep that up once they introduce the threat of contact to practices, scrimmaging and of course the pre and regular season. But as you said, the more weapons available to Cam Cameron the less likely that Heap draws two defenders. That’s where he’s been susceptible to the big hit.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “Most fans might be surprised to see how the addition of Anquan Boldin as well as Donte’ Stallworth can do for an aging tight end by opening up the middle of the field. That said, both rookie TE’s drafted in April look great and have quick feet to go along with great hands. Heap has another season or two left in him but these two kids will push for significant playing time.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “YES and NO…I would totally expect more one on one coverage for Heap, but its because he is not what he once was. Plus Heap will be on the field less this year with the addition of Dickson and Pitta.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 4): “If Oher were injured Gaither would likely be moved back to Left-tackle. If that happened or Gaither was hurt himself, who would then replace Gaither at Righ-tackle? Yanda with Chester back at RG? What do you think abou the line depth in-general? (Cousins, Chester, Hale, Harewood).”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” With Gaither missing a lot of OTAs, Oniel Cousins got the reps at right tackle when he was healthy. The coaches like the progress that the UTEP product has made over the last year or so. The Yanda/Chester rotation is another option, one which has worked well in the past. Overall, the line is fairly strong, with Chester a very capable backup inside and Cousins, Yanda and Tony Moll decent secondary options at tackle.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: “Cousins gets beaten up in the court of public opinion because he made some mental mistakes in ’09 and because he was abused by LaMarr Woodley. But then again so have many others. The coaches are far more confident in Cousins than the fans. You can count me among those who think he will be a pretty decent right tackle. It took Tony Pashos a few years to develop and he doesn’t possess Cousins’ athleticism. The Ravens are a better line keeping Yanda at RG and moving Cousins to RT than inserting Chester and bumping out Yanda.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “The offensive line depth has greatly inproved since Michael Oher got here and he was never expected to play on the right side for long. Gaither will be here only for one more year, as he will test the free agent market as soon as he is eligible. Marshal Yanda is a solid RG and can move out to RT if needed, although the team would like to see Oneil Cousins claim that spot. The rest of the guys are serviceable and can grow into those positions if the need arises.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “I would think Cousins would go to RT, at least that would be my preference. Yanda is a high quality Guard, some may say a pro-bowl level Guard, so in my view replacing Yanda with Chester is weakening the entire right side of the line. Keep Yanda where he is and let Cousins be the swing Tackle.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 5): “How does Ben Grubbs rate among LG’s league-wide?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” You rarely notice Grubbs during a game, which is a good thing. He’s strong, mobile and rarely gets pushed around at the point of attack. He was a named a first-alternate to the Pro Bowl last year, and should make his way into the All-Star game sometime very soon.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: “He finished strong in ’09 and if he continues to progress like that, he’ll be knocking on the door of an invite across the pond to Honolulu.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “Grubbs is under-rated and a pretty nasty guard who can open holes for the running game. He will be well paid after this season and the team has every intention of keeping him aound for a long time.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “Top 5…should be a Pro-Bowler soon.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 6): “Trevor Pryce turns 35 in August, and Gregg will be 34 in November. Cody will obviously eat into Gregg’s snaps and help keep Buddy Lee fresh. Who you do you see as the primary depth for Pryce? A bulked-up Paul Kruger? Cory Redding? Rookie Arthur Jones?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” ‘Cody will obviously eat into Gregg’s snaps.’ I see what you did there. Redding should get a lot of snaps, filling the role that Dwan Edwards played last year. He can play both inside and outside, and will get a bunch of reps rotating with Pryce at D-end. It will be interesting to see how Kruger fits in this year after transitioning from a rush linebacker to a full-time defensive end.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: “The Ravens have options and depending upon the match ups presented by their opponents, all of the above will see time. Cory Redding could be a real sleeper as an interior pass rusher. Keep in mind that the Lions once thought so highly of him that they tagged him as their franchise player. Defenders like him play better as Ravens.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “Corey Redding can play both inside or outside on the d-line. Terrence Cody and Arthur Jones are rookies who can mix it up inside along with Haloti Ngata and Kelly Gregg. The team is hoping Paul Kruger “gets it” this year, adding bulk to his frame. Otherwise, the team might stick with a 3-4 defense and leave Kruger out of the mix, sticking with guys like LB Jarret Johnson and even rookie Sergio Kindle in those pass rushing situations.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “Side note, it would not shock me if Gregg does not make this team. Cody, Jones, Kruger, Redding, Pryce and let’s not forget about Kelly Talavou, whom the Ravens think highly of. I am not a Kruger guy but I know the Ravens are hoping he can spell Pryce this year. Jones was a steal if he can stay healthy and if he does I would think Gregg’s days are numbered.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 7): “I know Cody is not regarded as a pass-rusher, but Defensive Coordinator Greg Mattison has to be salivating at the idea of Offenses doubling either Cody or Ngata and leaving single-coverage for the other. If those two collapse the pocket, how dynamic can Suggs and Kindle be as opposing edge-rushers?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” Suggs obviously has the potential to be very effective on the outside, but a lot will depend on what type of shape he’s in. Last year, he never hit his stride after coming to camp overweight, and injuries and a poor season were the result. Kindle is backing up Jarret Johnson right now, but should add a spark in pass rush situations.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: “Great point! Collapsing the pocket will greatly aid Suggs, Kindle and even Jarret Johnson or the speedy Antwan Barnes. That could also make the Ravens a more effective blitzing team up the middle.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “Suggs is probably one of the happiest Ravens since he will no longer consistently be double-teamed on every passing down. Kindle is a physical specimen and will speed rush on the opposite side. Cody collapses pockets and is under rated as a pass rusher, all which should only increase the pressure the Ravens front seven will put on the QB.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “If they let them go after the QB and not worry about coverage, they can be a special pair. Both can be unblockable at times. Kindle is more of the speed guy and Suggs will bring the power, both effective but very different and it should cause problems for opposing teams.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 8): “How is Jarret Johnson progressing from his torn labrum? If Kindle is used on passing downs as the edge rusher, how will Johnson’s role change?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” Johnson is coming back just fine. He’s getting strength back in the shoulder and has gotten his weight back up as well. His role won’t change much, if at all; he played at a Pro Bowl level last year, despite the shoulder injury, and the coaches love his work ethic and physicality.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: ” Kindle needs to prove himself. Players with that kind of athleticism get by at the collegiate level on athleticism. He needs to refine his pass rushing skills before I’m willing to concede Johnson’s job to him. Double J will be ready to go by training camp.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: ” Johnson should be fine by Training Camp and is teaching Kindle the position which is new to him, not to mention the speed and complexity of the pro game. JJ is probably the team’s most well rounded LB, cutting off the edge run and blitzing the QB in passing situations. If Ray Lewis weren’t around, Johnson might be a Pro Bowler every year.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “From all account JJ is doing fine. His role remains the same. It wouldn’t surprise me if JJ and Kindle are on the field at the same time.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 9): “Tavares Gooden has good athleticism and of course does not lack for self-confidence. What will the Ravens have to see for him to hold of Dannell Ellerbe?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” The Ravens won’t say this publicly, but the job is Ellerbe’s to lose. He played really well down the stretch last season, and barring an injury or a really poor training camp, he’ll get the job on the inside next to Ray Lewis.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: ” Plain and simple consistency. He excels when he’s clean but has struggled to shed blockers. Ellerbe is better in that regard and he appears to be a more willing student of the game. The bet here is that its Ellerbe’s job to lose.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “I can’t see T-Gooden holding off “Ellerbeast” under any circumstances. Gooden has been a disappointment as he was thought of being the next great Ravens LB, and failed miserably enough for an undrafted rookie (Ellerbe) to step in and make his mark on the position.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “I think it would take Ellerbee to have a horrendous camp and pre-season. Gooden is undersized for the position and is unfortunately way too injury prone to be counted on. I hate to keep on being down on my Canes, but Gooden has to show he can play with the speed and power necessary, as well as shed blockers better. Many believe a switch to safety may benefit him.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 10): “Are the roster spots for Ayanbadejo, Barnes, and Phillips in real question?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” The Ravens have a ton of depth at linebacker, so everyone will need to show well in camp to earn a spot. Ayanbadejo has proven himself, so he’s on solid ground, but guys like Barnes, Phillips, Jameel McClain, Prescott Burgess and Edgar Jones will need to have a good camp.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: “Ayanbadejo seems safe to me. Barnes is a bit of a head case and his swagger far outweighs his accomplishments. Phillips has a shot if he can make an impact on special teams. He’s faster than most people think but he has disappeared at times during OTA’s. That said, he’s a tough player who is more impactful when the hitting is live.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “Barnes and Ayanbadejo are real versatile and great on Special Teams, so they will make the final roster. Phillips is facing a tough group of talented LB’s and although he was a great college player, he was hurt last year and faces a tough uphill battle to make this team out of summer camp.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “I think with Kindle there Barnes is on his way out the door. Phillips is the wildcard here as I would think Ayanbadejo is safe. Phillips was drafted with the thinking he would play inside after a year of recovery, but the emergence of Ellerbee may change the Ravens view of that need.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 11): “One of the more positive developments of the off-season has been the encouraging rehab reports for Lardarius Webb, and Fabian Washington. I feel pretty good about the CB depth of Webb, Washington, Foxworth, and Carr; even if Webb has to start the year on PUP. Aside from Webb, the group is obviously not very physical, but good speed and cover skills. Is the key to the Ravens CB play having an improved pass-rush?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” That’s something John Harbaugh and the coaching staff keep referencing. The less time a quarterback has to survey the field and wait for his receivers’ routes to develop, the better the secondary will play. If the Ravens can get a better pass rush this year, it will hide some of the weaknesses on the back end. That said, the Ravens really need Washington and Webb to come back healthy.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: “I think the unit played measurably better after the bye week in ’09 and the statistics support this opinion. An improved pass rush will only make their jobs easier. Count me among those not as worried as most about the secondary. They were the second best in the league to the Jets after their ’09 bye.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “I’ve been saying for months you’d be surprised how much better our corners will look with an improved pass rush. Webb is way ahead of schedule and might be back long before he needs to be put on the PUP List and miss six games. Washington is making great progress as well, but the team has brought in a bunch of undrafted free agents and a few of them have looked good so far. In any case, if the pass rush is greatly improved, then the corners will look improved a swell, especially without the services of one Frank Walker!”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “Simple answer is YES. The last few games of 2009 tell us that. CB play around the league is pretty bad on average but it all starts up front. The less time the CB’s have to cover the better they will be.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 12): “If Carr has to begin the year as a starting CB, will the Ravens avoid having him also return punts? If so, who grabs that job? Who is the likely KR?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” The return jobs will be won in camp. Carr has the inside track for the punt return job, but there are a host of guys in the mix. Same deal with the kickoff return spot.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: ” That makes sense. David Reed, Tom Zbikowski, UDFA Prince Miller, even Donte Stallworth and Mark Clayton are all in the mix for punt return duties. I expect the KR duties to go to Jalen Parmele.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “RB Jalen Parmele was a delightful surprise in returning kickoffs after Webb went down with the injury. Rookie David Reed was a kick returner in college and could get looks there. Safety Tom Zbikowski returned a bunch of punts last year and still could do it if needed. The Ravens should be fine in the return game in 2010.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “David Reed would be my guess right now. If Carr has to start then it would be silly for the Ravens to use him on Kick Returns, but then again you don’t get hit much when calling for a fair catch.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 13): “Zbikowski gained some good experience last-year, and came-up with a couple of picks. Nakamura was placed on IR last-year with an ankle injury. How is he looking? Is either player a legitimate threat to unseat Landry?“

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” Nakamura participated in some full-team drills in OTAs, which is a good sign. He says he’s recovering well and should be good to go in training camp. Landry will be the strong safety, but Nakamura and Zibby will see some reps on defense from time to time.

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: “Nakamura is ahead of schedule and Zibby looks to be playing with a great amount of confidence. Landry came on strong during the second half after a very slow start. Nice to have quality depth and these battles bode well for the team.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “Both thrid year guys (Zbikowski and Nakamura) are solid and comfortable playing next to Ed Reed (who wouldn’t be?). Landry is built like a Mack Truck but has underwhelmed many with his play. If Ed Reed stays healthy, I wouldn’t mind either guy playing next to him and not expect any drop off from Landry to them.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “Nakamura has looked good but everyone does in shorts. Neither is a legit threat to unseating Landry, but they both should make the team and provide great depth and special teams play.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 14): “Should Ravens fans expect to see Ed Reed prior to Week 1?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” Yes. He will be in Westminster for at least part of camp.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: “Maybe but it’s less than 50-50.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “He might be in for a few plays of pre season but it won’t really matter as he will be ready as soon and whenever he does step onto the field. He is a pure student of the game and can get up to speed quickly.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “YES..Reed will be back. Ed is a professional and he would have told the Ravens which way we was leaning by now. Reed will be in the Red Jersey for camp.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 15): “Despite dealing with a number of injuries last year, Flacco again played every game. If Flacco was forced out of action this year, does Smith still have the edge at backup QB over Beck? Do the Ravens feel good enough about Beck as the 3rd QB, to use Smith more frequently in the ‘Suggs’ package?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” Smith and Beck will compete for the backup job, but Smith has the edge there. I think the days of seeing multiple plays per game out of the Suggs Package are over. With the weapons offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has at his disposal now, I don’t think he needs to get gimmicky. We might see some trickeration from time to time, but not as much as in previous years.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: “The team has added a few new twists to the Suggs package and I don’t think they’ll be afraid to employ it. I think they are comfortable with Beck if they have to go that route but if either Smith or Beck is called upon to replace Flacco, the season will be measurably shorter.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “Troy Smith is still the #2 QB on the team and will get the chance to play in the event Flacco is injured. Beck is a capable backup and familiar with offensive coordinator Cam Cameron’s playbook. Don’t expect to see much more of the “Suggs Package” this season as this is Flacco’s 3rd year and they want him in for as many snaps as possible, especially with this improved offense.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “First the Suggs package is a fad and teams are moving away from the wildcat. Only a few teams do it well enough to continue it. When Beck was signed he was signed to replace Smith, I truly believe this. He played under Cameron before and knows the system. Smith has shown me little over his time here, except that he was better then Boller, which still does not mean he is good enough. I think the Beck/Smith battle for backup QB is one to watch this summer.”

Baltimore Sports and Life 16): “Right now I have the Ravens finishing the year at 10-6.

@ Jets – L
@Bengals – L
Cleveland – W
@Steelers – L
Denver – W
@Patriots – L
Buffalo – W
Bye
Miami – W
@Falcons – L
@Panthers – W
Tampa – W
Pittsburgh – W
@Texans – L
New Orleans – W
@Browns – W
Cincinnati – W
Where do you see them?”

Dan Kolko / MASN: ” It’s still early, so I won’t put a number of wins out there, but the way the team is shaping up, the Ravens have a good shot to take the AFC North title and make a good playoff push. How far they go will depend on the health of key players and how much Flacco is able to develop in his third year.”

Tony Lombardi / Ravens 24/7.com: “11-5.”

Bruce Raffel / Baltimore Beatdown: “I may be considered a professional writer, but I am still a passionate fan of the team. I expect them to be able to win every game they play but will be realistic and not see that happening. I fully expect them to split at least the first two games, and possibly win them both. I see them winning at Pittsburgh without a suspended Ben Roethlisberger, as well as beat them in Baltimore towards the end of the season. Losing in New England,Cincy, Carolina and Atlanta remain possibilities but I see them taking the AFC North with a 12-4 record, with losses at Cincy, NE, Atlanta and home vs. NO.”

Ken Zalis / Fox1370: “Wow, if they start one and three you better close the bridges fast! I have them with 10 or 11 wins this year. I like that they finish with 4 of their last 6 at home and that they get the Jets and Bengals on the road earlier then later. Like the schedule. This team was 9 – 7 in 2009, I would think with what they accomplished in the off-season and the draft that they should win at least 1 or 2 more games in 2010.”