Roger Goodell is in my opinion, the best commish in sports right now.  David Stern of the NBA seems like he has a bendable spine, Gary Bettman of the NHL and Bud Selig of the MLB, well…let’s just say Goodell is the best.  What would I change about the NFL if I had the power of Roger Goodell, just for one day?  Well, here you go:

• Bring back force-outs.  Last year was the first season where defensive backs could push receivers out of bounds before they have the shot to get their feet down.  For whatever reason, I just don’t think that’s fair.  When they catch the ball they should have an opportunity to get both their 18-sized feet down.
• Let the players celebrate….kind of.  I would let the players celebrate all they want, it was incredibly fun that year when Chad Johnson Ochocinco came up with touchdown dance after dance every time he scored.  With that, though, players should have to be finished their celebration in under 15 seconds or until the field goal unit comes on the field, whichever comes first.  No penalties for the celebrations would mean chaos.
• Actually make real fines.  When players do celebrations that the league fines for, they get maybe a $75,000 fine at the very most, and when they say things that are completely inappropriate after games, they get a nominal fine of $20,000. Like I said, if there are no big consequences, players won’t stop doing things.  The fines are so small, and barely put a little dent in players’ salaries.
• Expand NFL Network’s success.  Yes, it is incredibly good right now, and maybe some people like it this way, but I think there is too much game replay and highlights, and not enough analysis/interviews/etc.  Yes, you’ve got ESPN and your local channels like MASN here in Baltimore, NESN in Boston, Comcast Sportsnet in Philly, so on and so forth, but the NFL Network should be able to get the best analysts and the easiest access to teams and players.
• Have a slotting system.  These rookies are getting paid too much, when they’ve done nothing yet as a pro.  Not one snap, and they’re making more than guys who have been in the league, starting, even, for 7-10 years.  If I were the head honcho of the NFL, I would establish a logical system with the players’ union that gives pick #1 $XXX, pick #2 $XXX, and just keep it going like that for all 7 rounds.  Yes, they will still have high salaries, but you won’t think “holy crap” every time you see a rookie just signed with an NFL team.  
• No future draft picks could be traded.  I wouldn’t let teams mortgage their future by trading away draft picks from next season in the current draft.  Sure, many big names wouldn’t be moved, but wait until one month after the draft.  That way, teams don’t make impulsive deals that their fans will eventually hate if they don’t work out.
• Mandate guidelines for press credentials.  This is more of a thing that I like because I’m a blogger, but I would make guidelines that every team has to strictly follow that would only let certain people get media credentials.  I would say that they have to be either local writers, team-specific bloggers, people from the wire service or well-established national writers.  So no more reporters from the Nashua Telegraph (New Hampshire) at a Ravens game, if that’s ever happened before.  

So, what would you change, sound off any way you want, comments, email, Twitter, do whatever you knuckleheads like to network yourself with.  Now, without further ado, my spankin’ new sign-off on every post.

The Ebony Bird is proud to be FanSided.com’s Baltimore Ravens blog, and is all over those social networking things.  Follow on Twitter, subscribe to the RSS feed, email Joe here, and hype up the EB’s articles on BallHype.  Only if you want to.  Check out FanSided’s main site here, and the Orioles blog I contribute to here. And no, the network did not force me to make this. Seriously.

Terrell Suggs, the Ravens’ starting outside linebacker, no matter what side he plays on, was forced to agree to a franchise tag again this offseason, but as of yesterday, the team and Suggs are (finally!) close to a long-term extension.  Suggs said on BaltimoreRavens.com, “I feel like we’re getting close.  Negotiations are going on with the Ravens.  Fans can be optimistic that I’ll be at training camp.”  Mike Duffy, the main reporter on BaltimoreRavens.com, said that Suggs desires a Dwight Freeney-type deal, which was a 6 year, $72 million mega-contract.  In my mind, he deserves it.  Not only did he become the team’s best pass rusher and one of the NFL’s sack masters right after he was drafted, but he is a leader of the defense, as evidenced by his consistent smack talk, that must motivate the defense to no end.  And, he should get some extra Benjamins for putting up with the team’s resistance of signing him long-term the past two years.

Here are some links for the weekend, and just a note: this is my last post for a week, nothing is going to be posted tomorrow.

• Ed Thompson wrote an article for Fox Sports about how the Ravens just need a receiver.  Maybe they could use one, but especially with a new Suggs deal, there’s no cap room to bring in a big name like Brandon Marshall.  So, and he is the first national writer I’ve seen suggest this, the Ravens could pick up a free agent like Marvin Harrison or Drew Bennett. Fine with me, but is it fine with Joe Flacco?  He would have to get used to a guy who might not be willing to be led by a Delaware Blue Hen.
• On the official site, aforementioned Mike Duffy has an article about Marcus Smith, and how he could play a much bigger role than most would expect.
• ESPN’s James Walker answers his mailbag today, and yesterday, he argued that Ray Lewis should get a higher ranking than 9th in ESPN’s All-Decade ranking of NFL players.
• This Jeff Becker article from Thursday’s Baltimore Sun talks about the money that can be made from Personal Seat Licenses, or PSLs.
• MKrob.com posted an announcement about a free football clinic in Atlanta that Daniel Wilcox and former Raven Ovie Mughelli are participating in, that teaches young players more of the fine details of the game, and gives recruiting help for older athletes.  It’s just cool to see how much Ravens players participate in the community, without being forced by the team.
• The full schedule of when teams start training camps is up on ProFootballTalk.com, and the Ravens’ rookies start July 27th, and veterans start July 29th.
• You have probably heard this already, but the Ravens signed 3rd round pick Lardarius Webb.  Aaron Wilson writes that the deal is a 3-year, $1.7 million contract, with a $529,000 signing bonus.  Wilson also talks about Webb’s versatility, being able to play corner, safety and return kicks.
• We’ve got some Michael Jackson themed posts on the FanSided network, Lombardi Ave, the Packers blog, writes about what M.J. and Brett Favre have in common, and Wally at Kings Of Kauffman, the KC Royals blog, compares his hits to Royals top draft picks.
• Dawg Pound Daily writes that Roger Goodell’s decision about Donte Stallworth isn’t consistent of his usual enforcement styles.
• Phin Phanatic talks about how ESPN continues to lean towards the Patriots, this time in their All-Decade team selections.
• Domonique Foxworth tweets about his fun with Dad, and then we visit an update from about a week ago, and it’s a funny coincidence.

Again, post your links on here.  I won’t be on email, Twitter, anything.  I’m gone for a week.  I’m excited to see what Suggs will do this year, being at Training Camp on time, and actually wanting to play, he should be in great shape.

I will then be home for a week and post the crap out of this site, but then the last week of July, and a couple days in early August, I will be up in Canada for a cousin’s wedding.  After that, I’m all free.  So if you want to, post a link to anything in the comments, I don’t care what.  Stay updated on Ravens news by using BallHype.

So, hopefully I will write something else tomorrow, and possibly Sunday, but if not, you know why.  Thanks for reading, following on Twitter, whatever you do.  Also, check the Twitter account periodically, because I might be able to get on there.

Wilcox’s blog is on the YardBarker network, and is pretty much updated daily, with everything from his opinion on Michael Vick to his “dream car.” He’s not afraid to say what he thinks, and that’s a welcome change for athletes these days.  Sometimes in posts, Wilcox forgets to indent new paragraphs, but hey, it’s not as bad as Martellus Bennett.

Jared Gaither’s site is a little more…”edgy” you could say.  It’s got a blog, a shop, a photo gallery, a way to contact him and a little fan club inside of it.  His site is very new, I got an email about it just 3 days ago.  His blog posts are easier to read than Wilcox’s, in my opinion, but they’re not as extensive or topical, although Gaither’s only had one real post.  He talks about food and cooking in his first post, so not the most fascinating thing in the world, but it’s not quite like this post, courtesy of blogging maestro Martellus Bennett.

Gaither also has a Twitter account, which hasn’t had a real update yet, but should soon.  Other Ravens on Twitter include Dominique Foxworth, Frank Walker, Evan Oglesby and Fabian Washington.  Interesting, all defensive backs.

Offense

QB Joe Flacco: Last year’s stats: 2,971 yards, 14 TD, 12 INT, 80.3 QB Rating. 2009 projection: 3,000 yards, 18 TD, 10 INT, QB Rating above 85.

HB Willis McGahee: Last year’s stats: 671 rushing yards, 173 receiving yards, 7 TD, 3.9 YPC.  2009 projection: 1,000 plus rushing yards, 250 receiving yards, 7 TD, around 4 YPC.

HB Ray Rice: Last year’s stats: 454 rushing yards, 273 receiving yards, 4.2 YPC, 0 TD. 2009 projection: 750 all-purpose yards, around 4  YPC, over 3 TD.

FB Le’Ron McClain: Last year’s stats: 902 rushing yards, 123 receiving yards, 3.9 YPC 11 total TD. 2009 projection: 500 plus all-purpose yards, 4.5 YPC, 10 TD.

WR Derrick Mason: Last year’s stats: 80 receptions, 1,037 yards, 13 YPC, 5 TD. 2009 projection: 80 receptions, 1,000 plus yards, over 10 YPC, over 5 TD.

WR Mark Clayton: Last year’s stats: 41 receptions, 695 receiving yards, 17 YPC, 81 rushing yards (3 carries), 4 total TD. 2009 projection: 5o receptions, 600 plus all-purpose yards, about 10 YPC, 5 TD.

TE Todd Heap: Last year’s stats: 35 receptions, 403 yards, 11.5 YPC, 3 TD. 2009 projection: 30 receptions, 350 yards, around 10 YPC, 6 TD.

Defense

OLB Terrell Suggs: Last year’s stats: 68 tackles, 8.0 sacks, 2 INT, 2 TD. 2009 projection: 70 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 2 INT, 1 TD.

ILB Ray Lewis: Last year’s stats: 117 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 INT. 2009 projection: 100 plus tackles, 3.0 sacks, 2 INT, 1 FF.

ILB Tavares Gooden/Antwan Barnes: Last year’s combined stats: 19 tackles, 0 sacks. 2009 combined projection: 75 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT.

OLB Jarrett Johnson: Last year’s stats: 57 tackles, 5.0 sacks. 2009 projection: 50 plus tackles, 4.0 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FF, 1 TD.

CB Fabian Washington: Last year’s stats: 31 tackles, 0 sacks, 1 INT, 12 INT yards. 2009 projection: 25 tackles, 4 INT, 40 INT yards.

CB Domonique Foxworth: Last year’s stats (Atlanta): 38 tackles, 1 INT. 2009 projection: 30 tackles, 3 INT, 1 TD.

FS Ed Reed: Last year’s stats: 48 tackles, 1.0 sacks, 11 INT, 340 INT yards, 3 TD. 2009 projection: 40 plus tackles, 2.5 sacks, 8 INT, 250 INT yards, 2 TD, 1 blocked punt.

SS Tom Zbikowski: Last year’s stats: 19 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT. 2009 projection: 40 plus tackles, 4.0 sacks, 2 INT, 1 TD.

Part 3 will be a prediction about the rest of the NFL.  Should come before the weekend, maybe on the weekend.  The Bears are interested in Brandon Marshall, and it really doesn’t matter because there’s a 99% chance in my opinion, that Marshall will not end up in Charm City.

• Footbaltimore, a great new site, has a post about Ray Rice’s sophomore season in college and how it could possibly be repeated in the NFL.
• You also might want to check out Footbaltimore’s four breakout players for the 2009 season.
• Ravens Gab has an encouraging post that Kelly Gregg is on schedule to return from his injury.
• An article/page on MSNBC Sports has an overview of good and bad moves made by teams, in the opinion of Tom Curran. Also, if you scroll down, there’s a good slideshow which is a mini-preview of sorts of the upcoming season.
• I just found this way down on the first page of BallHype, but it’s really cool.  Apparently, Bart Scott will be the subject of a movie.  Another post, basically the same thing, here.
• Predominantly Orange, FanSided’s Broncos blog, has a video clip of Brian Dawkins doing a Q&A at the Broncs “Fan Fair”, an event similar to our FanFest in Baltimore.
• Jarrett at Stet Sports had a post on the 19th about the new Ravens scratch-off card.  It looks cool, but it’s also a way for football fans to become compulsive gamblers, so…
• Now to some Orioles coverage.  A big sweep this weekend against the World Champion Phillies, and I had a very long post on BirdsWatcher about it. (It’s 1,200 words, very long)  Also, Around The Harbor, one of the best general Baltimore sports blogs, up there with Stet and Right Off Russell, had  a much shorter recap of the series.
• I’m a big soccer fan, but have never been a huge U.S.A. fan.  Yesterday, a miracle happened in the Confederations Cup, a tournament in South Africa, if you haven’t heard about it.  Check out all the details here.
• Now I know this is a sports blog, so we frown upon droning on about current events, but this just blew my mind.  Surfing on Twitter, Iran has of course been in the trending topics all the time, as it might be the biggest event of the summer, news-wise.  It seemed like the people were trying to start a revolution on Twitter, and sure enough, TIME agreed.
• Ok, so my schpeel on the news is done, I will never do that again.  
• The UFL held its inaugaral draft to set up the teams.  The most notable player I saw drafted was safety Adam Archuleta. Former Raven Gary Stills was drafted by the Las Vegas franchise, and former kick returner B.J. Sams, who left the team on a bad note, was selected by San Francisco as a receiver. Here are the full results, on the UFL’s official site.

Jason Phillips, the Ravens’ 5th round pick in April’s Draft has signed a contract with the team for 3 years, worth $1.34 million. He does have a torn lateral meniscus, but should be ready for training camp.  Also, the team has signed Cedric Peerman, the running back from Virginia selected in the 6th round.  Peerman’s deal is also three years, but the salary has not been disclosed. All we know about the Virginia tailback’s contract is that he received a $78,000 signing bonus.  

With Peerman and Phillips signing, only three draft picks remain unsigned, Michael Oher (1st), Paul Kruger (2nd) and Lardarius Webb (3rd).  The main reason that the first three picks remain unsigned is “slotting purposes.”  If you’re unaware what slotting is in the NFL, there is no reccomended bonus/contract like the MLB, but when the players above and below a top draft pick sign, that’s how each player bases their contract.  Therefore, top picks wait forever to sign because it’s all a waiting game between 31 teams, after the #1 pick agrees on their contract.

Also, and this is why the title is “stuff.”  Brandon Marshall, Denver’s marquee receiver, has been linked to the Ravens in a trade. Honestly, how can the Broncos afford to do this?  They’ve traded Cutler, now Marshall to whoever he ends up with.  It seems like they gave up this season.  Anyway, this has ignited both excitement and resistance in Baltimore.  Many fans are again ecstatic that the Ravens could have a legit #1 receiver for Joe Flacco to chuck the ball to.  Enter Mike Preston, Baltimore’s lamest football writer.  He says that the Ravens shouldn’t make a move for Marshall, and actually makes a few good points, like what the team will have to give up and that there is no room in the salary cap.  All true, but his main point is that Marshall isn’t a “high-character guy.”  He’s been arrested, and is one of those “flashy TO type-guys” (my words not Preston’s), Maniac Mike basically says.  To get a Denver opinion on this, check out Mile High Report’s link compilation, which includes Big Mike’s article.  

If you ask me, the team isn’t going to get him, just like with Anquan Boldin.  Next year’s draft picks aren’t worth that much yet, there is no room under the cap for his salary, and maybe for the third time in my life, I’ll agree with Mike Preston.  He’s a big risk, and he’ll take a lot.  But, I disagree with Preston’s thought that any big-time star would be bad to bring in because Flacco needs to be the unquestioned leader.  He’s the quarterback, the team respects him.  He’s established in Baltimore, with the coaches, the fans and most importantly, the players.  If someone is brought in, they’d be uncomfortable with a new team and wouldn’t be the team’s leader, they would yield to their quarterback.  On a football team, the quarterback is expected to lead.  If he doesn’t, someone will step up.  A new acquisition will see that Flacco is the leader, and if he isn’t, than someone like Derrick Mason or Matt Birk would step up.

Also, we haven’t heard about Plaxico Burress for football news, only for news about his case, but FanSided’s Jets Blog, The Jet Press, has a post about Burress.  He has been rumored to the Jets, and has also been targeted by Mayor Michael Bloomberg for a full prosecution.  It’s surprising that he’s not a former Raven, isn’t it?

UPDATE: Peerman signed for 3 years and $1.25 million, with the $78,000 bonus.

Offense

• QB: Joe Flacco. The wunderkind is poised for another big season, but everyone in Baltimore, even Orioles fans who are cheering on his brother Mike, are fearing a sophomore slump.  The success of the team depends on Unibrow Joe’s arm.
• HB: Willis McGahee. I feel that McGahee is going to break out of last year’s disappointing season to claim his rightful spot as backfield king, but share many touches with explosive backup Ray Rice.
• FB: Le’Ron McClain. While most fullbacks usually don’t get many carries, McClain’s breakout campaign last season might be too much for the team to ignore.  He’ll be a big part of the running game, while still needing to improve his blocking skills.
• WR 1: Derrick Mason. The dependable veteran has had back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons, and unless his performance declines this season, it seems like he’s having a late-career renaissance.  If Flacco has a season comparable to last, Mason should continue to be a solid #1 pass-catcher.
• WR 2: Mark Clayton. Clayton had the best season of his short career with Flacco at the helm, and was finally able to stretch the field and make things happen.  Hopefully he can replicate that performance at a higher level this year, but will have to stay on his game, otherwise Kelley Washington or Demetrius Williams could steal the spotlight and take his job.
• TE: Todd Heap. Even with L.J. Smith brought in, and a tight end taken in the middle of the draft (Davon Drew), Heap has done too much and been good for too long to lose his job.
• LT: Jared Gaither. Although Michael Oher is the sexy pick here, Gaither has close to as much upside, and has the experience.  All he has to do is avoid stupid penalties (which he did a fairly good job at last year), and he should be considered as one of the NFL’s top young tackles.
• LG: Ben Grubbs. Grubbs is an absolute beast.  He’s as dependable as any veteran with as much potential as any top 10 draft pick.  As a quarterback, having him on your line must be comforting.  As a running back, knowing that big holes will be open without a penalty waiting after the play, must give the backs a ton of confidence to take gambles when they get the ball.
• C: Matt Birk. The biggest name the team brought in this offseason, the All-Pro center could be like the old veteran who gets everything together for the young, flashy guys on the team.  Oher and Gaither might benefit from the most from his addition.
• RG: Marshal Yanda. The Iowa product, who was injured for all of last season, was poised to become a big impact player on last year’s line, but the injury held him back from doing anything for the whole season.
• RT: Michael Oher. The first-round pick has more upside than any rookie offensive lineman, and could be the team’s stud left tackle of the future, following in the mold of Jonathan Ogden.  Right now, his relative inexperience (he didn’t play O-Line until his senior year in high school, and played only 3 years in college) would project him as a right tackle, with an inevitable move to the left once he got comfortable in the NFL.

Defense

• RDT: Trevor Pryce. RDT is what the team officially calls this position on their site, but Pryce is more referred to as a defensive end, not a tackle.  Whatever the point of calling the position this, Pryce has been great with the Ravens in his 3 seasons, and avoiding injury is the key to his success.
• NT: Haloti Ngata. The league’s best nose tackle.  I’m saying that even with Albert Haynesworth signing that huge contract.  Ngata should be getting much more recognition.  With the return of Kelly Gregg, Ngata will stay at Nose, just because he’s too good in the middle to move over again.
• LDT: Paul Kruger. Kelly Gregg could be the choice here, but he’s not suited very well for pass rushing, Kruger’s best attribute.  Gregg will most likely platoon with Kruger and Ngata and come in whenever needed.  Kruger should bring an aggressive pass rusher to the defense right away.
• ROLB: Terrell Suggs. The stud sack artist needs to get his contract settled, and then he can yet again be the threat that every team loathes either coming to Baltimore, or watching the team come in.  No way Peyton Manning isn’t getting thrown to the ground by him this year.
• RILB: Tavares Gooden, Antwaan Barnes. This will definitely be a platoon, especially to start the season.  Ravens linebackers always get replaced, so we shouldn’t worry about the players, because the system is the strength.  The only thing to worry about is what player will win the job.  Maybe even Jameel McClain could be thrown in there with a good training camp.
• LILB: Ray Lewis. What can I say that hasn’t been said already?
• LOLB: Jarret Johnson. One of the nicest, classiest guys on the team, and in football.  Also, a very good linebacker capable of making big plays, and he doesn’t often miss tackles, which is nice.
• CB 1: Fabian Washington. The former first rounder was traded to the team by Oakland fairly cheap, and has been nothing but spectacular.  Having a breakout season with Chris McAllister out, Washington will now have to lead a highly penalized and highly criticized cornerback group that could end up being the Achilles’ Heel of the defense.
• CB 2: Dominique Foxworth. Foxworth, a former Maryland Terrapin, was the team’s first FA signing this offseason, and might be the X-Factor of the defense.  If successful, a solid cornerback with the ability to make big plays.  If not, a bad investment and a defensive enigma.
• SS: Tom Zbikowski. Dewan Landry is expected to take this spot, but a spine-related injury is just so horrifying as a player that he might not be as aggressive on the field as the team would like their safeties.  Therefore, Zbikowski, a top-class boxer would be the top choice to replace him in the secondary.
• FS: Ed Reed. The best defensive back in the NFL.  Arguably the best player on the team, and in the AFC North.  Or the NFL.  Arguably.

Special Teams:

• K: Graham Gano. The UFA from Florida State has a better leg and a better track record than Hauschka, but some kickers sometimes just can’t put it together as rookies mentally.  This will be the most interesting position to watch.
• P: Sam Koch. As I’ve said many times, one of the league’s top 3 punters, if not the best.  I hear he’s faster than Usain Bolt, also.
• KR: Chris Carr. As I mentioned in his player spotlight, Carr is a very, very good kick returner.  He may not be as flashy as Yamon Figurs, but is much more reliable.
• PR: Chris Carr. (read: kick returner)
• KOS: Steve Hauschka. I don’t think any of us knew that he was kicking off until he made that field goal in Houston.  Very good kickoff guy.

After the four-day hiatus that Syracuse caused for me, I’m back, and…yeah, I’m back.   The next AFC North Offseason Review might not even be worth posting, considering that it’s the worst team in all of professional sports.  Also, Matt Wieters hit his first home run!!!! A new age in Baltimore sports.  

• Carr is 26, celebrating his birthday on April 30th
• Is 5′10″, and weighs 180 lbs.
• Will wear #30 for the team this year
• He was born in Reno, Nevada and went to McQueen High School
• Carr played both football and basketball at McQueen.
• He was named Northern Nevada Player of the Year in his senior year, after enjoying three all-state seasons as both a running back and cornerback
• Carr went to Boise State to play football, and won the Pat Fuller Memorial Award for outstanding academic achievement. He also ended his prolific four-year career in Boise as the nation’s leading active punt returner, averaging 19.8 yards per return.
• Signed with the Raiders in 2005 after going undrafted, immediately becoming their main kickoff man.
• Carr’s first touchdown was actually not a return run-back, but instead a 100-yard interception return from an errant Fat Ben pass.  
• He holds the kick return record for the Raiders, with 201 returns for 4,841 yards (24.1 yards/per average)
• Carr signed with the Titans last offseason for 2 years and $2 million, but was released by them after the first half of his contract
• After signing with the Ravens for 2 years and $5 million, the team announced that he would be the 3rd or 4th cornerback and most likely, the main return man.

For the full list of player spotlights, just click on this link.  Also, I will be out of town in Syracuse for about 3 days, and may not have internet access. Just in the case that I don’t, if anyone out there wants to post a link of anything, really, just comment on this post.  

The next player to be “spotlighted” will be the Ravens’ 2nd round draft pick, Utah defensive end Paul Kruger.  He will be followed by Dominique Foxworth.

So, this is very premature, but I’m going to do some predictions, just wins and losses based on the schedule.  The next part of this projection will be the stats, and the third will be the rest of the NFL.

• Week 1: vs Chiefs: WIN.  The Chiefs might take a while to get comfy with Cassell, and the defense should be able to take advantage of that.
• Week 2: at Chargers: LOSS.  The Chargers are loaded with talent.  This could be the best game of the year.  I give them the edge just because it’s in San Diego.
• Week 3: vs Browns: WIN. HA! The BROWNS!!!!!!!
• Week 4: at Patriots: LOSS.  Just too good.
• Week 5: vs Bengals: WIN.  They will be better this year, just not good enough.  Watch out in the away game, though.
• Week 6: at Vikings: WIN.  The Ravens have a great run defense, and should be able to stop AP.  The passing game though for the Vikes is just terrible.
• Week 7: Bye
• Week 8: vs Broncos: WIN.  They just aren’t very good this year, honestly.  Cutler was their team last year.  The secondary might have a lot of trouble with the receivers though, needing the offense to make plays or Orton to make mistakes.
• Week 9: at Bengals: LOSS.  That bye week and the win over Cincy before it might give the team a false sense of confidence.  Especially if the win over the Ben-Gals is a big one is Week 5.
• Week 10: at Browns: WIN. (read: Week 3)
• Week 11: vs Colts: LOSS.  The Purple Birds just can’t seem to figure out the Colts.  Would be a huge win for the city, though.
• Week 12: vs Steelers: TIE.  I can’t make myself write a loss in that slot.  Therefore, a tie.
• Week 13: at Packers: WIN.  If it’s cold, Flacco could make some mistakes and make it a close game.  If not, I don’t see how the Packers can pull of a W.
• Week 14: vs Lions: WIN.  They’re getting there, honestly, just not yet.  Could be a competitive game, though.
• Week 15: vs Bears: WIN.  Cutler will be a handful, but who will he throw to?
• Week 16: at Steelers: WIN.  I think they could pull this off.
• Week 17: at Raiders: WIN.  Not a good team, just not a good team.

FINAL RECORD: 11-4-1.  Maybe a shot at winning the division.  This is an optimistic record, just based off projections.  They will almost definitely drop a fluke game to a lame team l