Can Dalton, McCoy close AFC North gap?

[stillers4me]

Since the AFC North was created during the 2002 realignment, the Pittsburgh Steelers (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/pit/pittsburgh-steelers) and Baltimore Ravens (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/bal/baltimore-ravens) have been the biggest bullies within the AFC North. Those teams have combined for seven division titles in the past nine seasons.

With new eras beginning simultaneously for Ohio's two NFL franchises, young quarterbacks Andy Dalton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=14012) and Colt McCoy (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=13199) will be aiming to shift the balance of power toward the Cincinnati Bengals (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/cin/cincinnati-bengals) and Cleveland Browns (http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/cle/cleveland-browns), respectively. Quarterback is the league's most important position, and if Dalton and McCoy turn out to be the long-term solutions, it could go a long way toward potentially turning the AFC North on its head.............

Read more @ http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/40632/can-dalton-mccoy-close-afc-north-gap

[st33lersguy]

Only if ownership builds a solid supporting cast around them

[Moose]

I just don't see it happening anytime soon. The bungholes only won the division because the Steeler's and Ratbirds were down with injuries at the wrong times. As you know, when the bungholes won the division they went packing after the 1st playoff game. I think the young QB's will be knocked up and down when the Steeler's come to play 'em. Fresh meat !!

[suitanim]

McCoy? Maybe...at this point, we don't even know if Dalton CAN play at this level.

[steeldevil]

I have said it in a few other threads, I really like Dalton and think he could be a good one. I liked him the best out of all the QBs in the draft. And he already has a great weapon to throw the ball to, AJ Green who is the best WR prospect to come out since Calvin Johnson.

We shall see...

[El-Gonzo Jackson]

I like the talent that Cleveland has and McCoy is a decent fit for a west coast offense.
Cinci too has done well in putting talent together, especially on the defensive side of the ball. I like Andy Dalton as a QB and think he has the qualities that would make a good NFL, QB. The only thing he lacks is great arm strength.

The AFC North is gonna be more competitive in the upcoming years.

[GitNoLuv]

When you are running a 10mile race...get to the halfway point and find your self a mile down...making up a 10th of a mile is technically "closing the gap"...but it doesn't necessarily mean you are gonna compete at the end of the race. Pittsburgh and Baltimore have a good drafting track record...and I really think Pittsburgh had a good draft.

So while I like the direction the Browns are going (for the most part), I still think we have a ways to go.

[oneforthetoe]

Mr. Dalton meet Mr. Harrison
Mr Dalton ......... Mr. Woodley
Mr Dalton ......... Mr. Timmons
Mr Dalton .......... Mr. Farrior

Mr. Dalton after you get to know these fine gentlemen we will introduce the rest of the band at that later time.


Mr. McCoy, you remember Messrs Farrior, Timmons, Woodly and Harrison - as well as the rest of the band.

[Edman]

Actually, um. The Bengals have won as many AFC North division titles as the Ravens. Baltimore hasn't won the division since '06.

[SMR]

Did someone say "fresh meat"?? I likes me sum fresh meat!

http://i56.tinypic.com/ojpg7d.jpg

[SteelGhost]

Mr. Dalton meet Mr. Harrison
Mr Dalton ......... Mr. Woodley
Mr Dalton ......... Mr. Timmons
Mr Dalton .......... Mr. Farrior

Mr. Dalton after you get to know these fine gentlemen we will introduce the rest of the band at that later time.


Mr. McCoy, you remember Messrs Farrior, Timmons, Woodly and Harrison - as well as the rest of the band.

AND Mr. Dalton will have to deal with Mr. Polamalu too, lol.

[ALLD]

The Bengals have no chance whatsoever. The only thing they can do is move the team in the middle of the night to someplace like Steubenville or Altoona.