Keys to Training Camp: AFC North

Posted 7/22 by Jason Wood, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

Baltimore Ravens

Link: http://www.baltimoreravens.com
Location: McDaniel College (Westminster, MD)
Dates: July 29 - August 18
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Diversifying the offensive attack - The Ravens are promising a more diverse offensive system this year, as QB Steve McNair has a season under his belt and new RB Willis McGahee is more comfortable playing in a one-back set than Jamal Lewis.

Settling the interior offensive line - Mike Flynn and Chris Chester will compete at center; with Chester potentially playing guard if Flynn wins the center spot. Jason Brown and rookie Ben Grubbs will compete, while Adam Terry can't lose focus with rookie 3rd rounder Marshall Yanda showing promise.

Is McGahee the answer? - Jamal Lewis certainly wasn't, but will McGahee provide the Ravens an explosive runner that the team desperately missed a year ago? Will his new contract keep him motivated?

WR Demetrius Williams' role - Demetrius Williams appears slotted as the WR3, but plenty of Ravens observers think he can/should challenge Derrick Mason for a starting job eventually. Is he ready to grab the brass ring?

FB Battle: Green vs. McClain - It's unclear how much the Ravens will use a fullback this season, but McClain is considered an excellent prospect and could push Green off the roster.

(IDP) Jarrett Johnson's transition to linebacker - Jarrett Johnson is being moved to outside linebacker after playing defensive end for four seasons. The Ravens want him to start, but if he doesn't make the transition, who steps into the role?

Cincinnati Bengals

Link: http://www.bengals.com/team/training_camp.asp
Location: Georgetown College (Georgetown, KY)
Dates: July 26 - August 16
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Replacing Eric Steinbach - We learned last year when the Seahawks lost Steve Hutchinson what the loss of one stellar guard can do to your offense. The Bengals lost Eric Steinbach but feel comfortable with Andrew Whitworth as his replacement.

RB Kenny Irons' role - Rudi Johnson is a productive workhorse, but the Bengals hope Irons can emerge as a change-of-pace contributor right out of the gates, particularly if Chris Perry can't return from his ongoing injury woes.

Establishing the WR3 - Chris Henry is suspended, which means either Tab Perry or Antonio Chatman need to contribute as the Bengals frequently use 3- and 4-WR sets.

(IDP) How is John Joseph's foot? -Joseph is the Bengals best corner but not if he can't recover from his foot injury. Will rookie Leon Hall earn a spot as the nickel or as Joseph's injury replacement?

(IDP) Are the linebackers good enough? - Ed Hartwell failed to earn his big free agent payday in Atlanta but gets a new lease on life in Cincinnati. Ahmad Brooks, a supplemental pickup last year, is being handed the MLB job. Can these guys rehabilitate a woeful LB corps?

Cleveland Browns

Link: http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/trainingcamp/
Location: Cleveland Browns Training Facility (Berea, OH)
Dates: July 27 - August 23
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Can Chuds bring the goods? - Rob Chudzinski reunites with Kellen Winslow after spending a few seasons coaching TEs in San Diego. He promise major changes on offense, and will run an offense with lots of shifts and a host of new terminology.

The Brady Quinn watch - Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson both have legitimate shots at starting in Week One, but either one is only keeping the seat warm for Brady Quinn. Will he get into camp on time? If so, how quickly until they throw him to the wolves?

Offensive line remodeling - Joe Thomas was the 3rd overall pick and will push Kevin Shaffer presuming Thomas is under contract in a timely manner. Eric Steinbach was signed for huge dollars to play left guard. LeCharles Bentley is going to try to play through the pain and win the center job away from Hank Fraley. The Browns have a lot of options on the line, but must settle on a unit quickly and work toward building cohesion.

TE Kellen Winslow's health - Winslow underwent surgery on his knee this offseason, and it's anyone's guess how healthy he will be for camp.

RB Jamal Lewis' acclimation - Jamal Lewis comes over from rival Baltimore and will be asked to resuscitate a woeful rushing attack. Is Lewis capable of orchestrating that kind of turnaround?

Pittsburgh Steelers

Link: http://news.steelers.com
Location: St. Vincent College (Latrobe, PA)
Dates: July 23 - August 17
Open to the public? - YES (free of charge)

Beginning the Mike Tomlin Era - Bill Cowher was the NFL's longest tenured coach and Mike Tomlin has big shoes to fill. Not only will he need to put his own stamp on the team, particularly on defense where he has been a Cover-2 disciple; but he must rely on OC Bruce Arians approximating the productivity of former OC Ken Whisenhunt.

QB Ben Roethlisberger's conditioning - Last offseason was a nightmare for Big Ben and it carried over into the regular season. How he answers the call in camp this year, absent any distractions, will say a lot about whether Pittsburgh can contend again.

Will Alan Faneca be part of the solution, rather than the problem? - Faneca wanted a new contract or a trade and has been a malcontent this offseason. Will the talented guard calm down and provide the veteran leadership needed or will he force the Steelers hand?

Okobi vs. Mahan - Free agent Sean Mahan wants to start at center, as does Chukky Okobi. There can be only one.

(IDP) And the starting cornerbacks are? -Deshea Townsend, Ike Taylor, Ricardo Colclough and Bryant McFadden all want to start; which means two guys will be severely disappointed when camp breaks.

(IDP) Free Safety battle - Ryan Clark and Anthony Smith will battle in camp for the starting free safety job. With Troy Polamalu roaming the other side of the field, whoever wins the job could be a fantasy surprise.