AFC NORTH
By Jerry DiPaola

Baltimore Ravens

Newcomers: Wide receiver Kevin Johnson, who bounced from Cleveland to Jacksonville last season, but is expected to upgrade the passing game, not as much as Terrell Owens, but Johnson is not a bad fallback option. Quarterback Kordell Stewart, who is insurance in the event Kyle Boller is found to be deficient.

Key losses: Wide receiver Marcus Robinson, tight end John Jones and cornerback Tom Knight.

Positives: The best thing about the Ravens is their defense, led by vicious middle linebacker Ray Lewis, a sideline-to-sideline maniac who is one of the best defensive playmakers in the NFL. Strong safety Ed Reed is a budding star and cornerback Chris McAlister usually has good fortune against the other team's best pass catcher. Reed can do it all: Last season, he had nine tackles for a loss, 15 passes defended, a sack and seven interceptions. Compare that to the Steelers' Chad Scott, a cornerback whose line in identical categories read 1-1/2, eight, zero and three.

Negatives: The Ravens hope that Boller, their first-round pick (19th overall) in 2003, can take a major step forward in his second season. If not, they may turn to Stewart, whose career has spiraled downward since he threw three interceptions in the AFC Championship game while with the Steelers in 2001. Boller was the Ravens' starting quarterback to open his rookie season, and won five of seven games after a rough start in the opener against in Pittsburgh. Then he tore his left quad and was lost for the season. If Boller is ready, the Ravens could be a Super Bowl contender. If not, the Ravens have serious problems. Having offensive left tackle Jonathan Ogden protecting Boller's backside significantly increases the Ravens' chance for success.

Bottom line: This is the best team in the AFC North, but the Steelers, last year's third-place team, took the Ravens into overtime in Baltimore before losing the final game of the regular season. So, the difference is minimal.

Cincinnati Bengals

Newcomers: Free safety Kim Herring, wide receiver Patrick Johnson, offensive lineman Larry Moore, cornerback Deltha O'Neal, middle linebacker Nate Webster, guard Bobbie Williams and running back Chris Perry. Of the bunch, Webster has the best chance for success and is expected to improve the Bengals' weak run defense.

Key losses: Running backs Corey Dillon and Brandon Bennett, cornerbacks Jeff Burris and Artrell Hawkins, defensive tackle Oliver Gibson, guard Mike Goff, linebacker Riall Johnson, guard Matt O'Dwyer, offensive lineman Scott Rehberg and free safety Mark Roman.

Positives: Without a doubt, the Bengals have benefited from the firm hand and smart organizational skills of coach Marvin Lewis, who learned his craft under Bill Cowher. They also have some skill people on offense, led by running back Rudi Johnson, who ran for 957 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Perry, a rookie second-round draft pick from Michigan, offers offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski some options. Wide receivers Chad Johnson, Peter Warrick and Kelley Washington are among the best trio of pass catchers in the NFL.

Negatives: The Bengals' weakness was not only against the run last season (tied for 25th in the league), but also against the pass (24th). O'Neal, who was a first-round pick of the Broncos and a Pro Bowler in 2001, was a disappointment through much of his time in Denver. The Bengals are crossing their fingers that a change of scenery helps O'Neal become a factor again.

Bottom line: Lewis has the franchise finally pointing in the right direction, barely missing the playoffs after compiling a 7-2 record from mid-October to mid-December. But it's a slow process and 8-8 and a repeat of 2003 might be the best Bengals' fans can expect.

Cleveland Browns

Newcomers: Tight end Kellen Winslow, quarterback Jeff Garcia, defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban, guard Kelvin Garmon, linebacker Warrick Holdman and fullback Terrelle Smith.

Key losses: Quarterback Tim Couch, offensive linemen Shaun O'Hara and Barry Stokes, running back Jamel White, defensive end Tyrone Rogers, cornerback Lewis Sanders and punter Chris Gardocki.

Positives: Coach Butch Davis is risking his job security on Garcia, 34, who received a four-year, $25 million contract. Garcia has had several injury problems in recent seasons, but the Browns are hoping his mobility loosens up defenses and helps the running game. Young wide receivers Quincy Morgan and Andre Davis know how to make plays, and will give Garcia a comfort level. The Browns are solid on both lines, thanks to first-round picks Courtney Brown and Gerard Warren at left end and tackle and center Jeff Faine at center. Bookend offensive tackles Ross Verba and Ryan Tucker are as good as any two in the division.

Negatives: Here's all you need to know about the Browns' defense: It averaged less than one interception per game, with cornerbacks getting only three of the team's total of 15. Also, the defense gave up 200 yards to one runner in three games. They tried to fix the problem by drafting safety Sean Jones in the second round, but he tore an ACL in his knee in June and is lost for the season.

Bottom line: The Browns were in the playoffs two years ago and almost beat the Steelers at Heinz Field. Davis has used that cushion to seize more power within the organization, even though the team slumped horribly to 5-11 last season and finished last.