polamalubeast
07-12-2010, 05:46 PM
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/419017-afc-north-preview-the-top-15-players-under-pressure-in-2010#page/14
AFC North Preview: The Top 15 Players Under Pressure in 2010
By Matt Miselis (Ravens Featured Columnist) on July 12, 2010 796
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As training camps approach, the NFL previews continue with today's slideshow.
The focus? The top 15 players under the most pressure in the AFC North.
Predicted to be a tough division headlining the Bengals, Steelers, and Ravens, there is plenty of players under pressure to succeed in the division.
Who cracks the top spot? Feel free to give me your thoughts on twitter.com, and can follow me as well: http://twitter.com/MattMiselis.
15. Tom Zbikowski
Tom Zbikowski may be under fire as a key player in the Ravens' secondary.
He showed his ability to be a safety in this league, but is a much different player than Ed Reed.
With Reed's recent health concerns, how will Zbikowski perform early in the season against tough competition?
14. Rashard Mendenhall and 13. Jerome Harrison
Both of these running backs share the same slide, for they are both under pressure for the same reasons.
Can both backs take on bigger loads?
The Pittsburgh Steelers, especially earlier in the season, will rely on getting back to the running game.
Mendenhall is the future for the Steelers at running back, but will face a load that is bigger than his previous seasons in the league.
Jerome Harrison will also have to carry a Browns offense that is entering a long transition, especially with a quarterback waiting in the wings.
12. Terrence Cody
Entering 2010 as a rookie, Terrence Cody does face pressure in 2010.
His slide in the 2010 NFL draft created questions about his work ethic and weight.
Cody needs to play a major role with Haloti Ngata to create a defensive front that could arguably be the best against the run.
Can he live up to the early expectations and play a major role as a first year player?
11. Antonio Bryant
Antonio Bryant signed a multi-year extension with the Bengals, with the expectation of being a solid second option, opposite Chad Ochocinco.
The pressure is on though, as Bryant has dealt with inconsistency his entire career.
Bryant has jumped to quite a few teams in his young career, but can he help put this Bengals offense over the top?
10. Jake Delhomme
As the projected starter for the Cleveland Browns in 2010, Jake Delhomme faces pressure as he enters a new city, with a demanding fanbase.
The way his career ended in Carolina is a sign that scares most Browns fans.
Entering a more physical division in the AFC North, Delhomme must lead a Browns team to an improved season of 7-9 wins, and many fans see that as impossible.
9. Lardarius Webb and 8. Fabien Washington
Both Ravens' cornerbacks, Lardarius Webb and Fabien Washington, are in the same situation in Baltimore.
Coming off of season ending injuries in 2009, both are expected to return near the start of the season to bolster a questionable Ravens secondary.
What happens if either player starts off on a cold trend? Facing a few top quarterbacks early in the season, it will be key to have these guys healthy.
7. Troy Polamalu
Coming off an injury plagued season in 2009, Troy Polamalu must return to form for the Steelers to have a chance this upcoming year.
His ballhawking ability, and his run stopping technique make a huge impact in the Steelers' defense ( we saw what happened last year).
However, will we see the Troy of old? It remains to be seen.
6. Mike Wallace
The departure of Santonio Holmes to the Jets makes Mike Wallace the number one receiver.
Wallace showed great potential in his rookie season, and is emerging as the top target due to his blazing speed and playmaking ability.
Whether he can live up to the expectations, and the extra double teams from the secondaries, will be key to how the Steelers perform on offense.
5. Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson posted a career year with the Bengals in 2010.
Emerging as one of the top running backs last year, critics have wondered whether he can continue his success this season.
The added weapons in the passing game should create a balanced attack, but Benson needs to relieve Carson Palmer of all the pressure.
4. Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin found a new home as a member of the Baltimore Ravens.
He is now the top receiver on the Ravens' depth chart, and will face the pressure that goes along with it.
With the doubts of Boldin not being able to succeed, "Q" must open up the passing game for this Ravens offense, who needs to carry a bigger load if they wish to reach the title game this season.
3. Joe Flacco
Entering his third year at quarterback, Joe Flacco must carry the Ravens offense in 2010.
The improved weaponry of Anquan Boldin, Donte Stallworth, Ed Dickson, and Dennis Pitta creates excitment but pressure for the young quarterback.
The biggest question remains: can he improve his performance in the playoffs? If Flacco goes quiet in the postseason again, the Ravens won't hold up the trophy this season.
2. Carson Palmer
The veteran Palmer is one of the few quarterbacks that is indeed under pressure in 2010.
After an early exit from the playoffs, through the draft and free agency, his weapons were upgraded.
Carson had high expectations when coming out of college, but has not lived up to the hype.
Can he change that this upcoming season?
1. Ben Roethlisberger
Which player in the AFC North is under most pressure? Here is Ben Roethlisberger.
Big Ben will miss the first four games of the season due to his suspension.
No matter the outcome of the first four games, Ben has to gain as much respect back from the Steelers' fanbase as possible. If he can lead this team back to the playoffs and a Super Bowl berth, which they feel isn't out of the question this season, then his work is done.
AFC North Preview: The Top 15 Players Under Pressure in 2010
By Matt Miselis (Ravens Featured Columnist) on July 12, 2010 796
reads
7
comments
0
likes
Next
As training camps approach, the NFL previews continue with today's slideshow.
The focus? The top 15 players under the most pressure in the AFC North.
Predicted to be a tough division headlining the Bengals, Steelers, and Ravens, there is plenty of players under pressure to succeed in the division.
Who cracks the top spot? Feel free to give me your thoughts on twitter.com, and can follow me as well: http://twitter.com/MattMiselis.
15. Tom Zbikowski
Tom Zbikowski may be under fire as a key player in the Ravens' secondary.
He showed his ability to be a safety in this league, but is a much different player than Ed Reed.
With Reed's recent health concerns, how will Zbikowski perform early in the season against tough competition?
14. Rashard Mendenhall and 13. Jerome Harrison
Both of these running backs share the same slide, for they are both under pressure for the same reasons.
Can both backs take on bigger loads?
The Pittsburgh Steelers, especially earlier in the season, will rely on getting back to the running game.
Mendenhall is the future for the Steelers at running back, but will face a load that is bigger than his previous seasons in the league.
Jerome Harrison will also have to carry a Browns offense that is entering a long transition, especially with a quarterback waiting in the wings.
12. Terrence Cody
Entering 2010 as a rookie, Terrence Cody does face pressure in 2010.
His slide in the 2010 NFL draft created questions about his work ethic and weight.
Cody needs to play a major role with Haloti Ngata to create a defensive front that could arguably be the best against the run.
Can he live up to the early expectations and play a major role as a first year player?
11. Antonio Bryant
Antonio Bryant signed a multi-year extension with the Bengals, with the expectation of being a solid second option, opposite Chad Ochocinco.
The pressure is on though, as Bryant has dealt with inconsistency his entire career.
Bryant has jumped to quite a few teams in his young career, but can he help put this Bengals offense over the top?
10. Jake Delhomme
As the projected starter for the Cleveland Browns in 2010, Jake Delhomme faces pressure as he enters a new city, with a demanding fanbase.
The way his career ended in Carolina is a sign that scares most Browns fans.
Entering a more physical division in the AFC North, Delhomme must lead a Browns team to an improved season of 7-9 wins, and many fans see that as impossible.
9. Lardarius Webb and 8. Fabien Washington
Both Ravens' cornerbacks, Lardarius Webb and Fabien Washington, are in the same situation in Baltimore.
Coming off of season ending injuries in 2009, both are expected to return near the start of the season to bolster a questionable Ravens secondary.
What happens if either player starts off on a cold trend? Facing a few top quarterbacks early in the season, it will be key to have these guys healthy.
7. Troy Polamalu
Coming off an injury plagued season in 2009, Troy Polamalu must return to form for the Steelers to have a chance this upcoming year.
His ballhawking ability, and his run stopping technique make a huge impact in the Steelers' defense ( we saw what happened last year).
However, will we see the Troy of old? It remains to be seen.
6. Mike Wallace
The departure of Santonio Holmes to the Jets makes Mike Wallace the number one receiver.
Wallace showed great potential in his rookie season, and is emerging as the top target due to his blazing speed and playmaking ability.
Whether he can live up to the expectations, and the extra double teams from the secondaries, will be key to how the Steelers perform on offense.
5. Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson posted a career year with the Bengals in 2010.
Emerging as one of the top running backs last year, critics have wondered whether he can continue his success this season.
The added weapons in the passing game should create a balanced attack, but Benson needs to relieve Carson Palmer of all the pressure.
4. Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin found a new home as a member of the Baltimore Ravens.
He is now the top receiver on the Ravens' depth chart, and will face the pressure that goes along with it.
With the doubts of Boldin not being able to succeed, "Q" must open up the passing game for this Ravens offense, who needs to carry a bigger load if they wish to reach the title game this season.
3. Joe Flacco
Entering his third year at quarterback, Joe Flacco must carry the Ravens offense in 2010.
The improved weaponry of Anquan Boldin, Donte Stallworth, Ed Dickson, and Dennis Pitta creates excitment but pressure for the young quarterback.
The biggest question remains: can he improve his performance in the playoffs? If Flacco goes quiet in the postseason again, the Ravens won't hold up the trophy this season.
2. Carson Palmer
The veteran Palmer is one of the few quarterbacks that is indeed under pressure in 2010.
After an early exit from the playoffs, through the draft and free agency, his weapons were upgraded.
Carson had high expectations when coming out of college, but has not lived up to the hype.
Can he change that this upcoming season?
1. Ben Roethlisberger
Which player in the AFC North is under most pressure? Here is Ben Roethlisberger.
Big Ben will miss the first four games of the season due to his suspension.
No matter the outcome of the first four games, Ben has to gain as much respect back from the Steelers' fanbase as possible. If he can lead this team back to the playoffs and a Super Bowl berth, which they feel isn't out of the question this season, then his work is done.