AFC North Power Rankings Week One
By Brett Foote
Aug 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Baltimore Ravens receiver Torrey Smith (82) catches a touchdown pass in the second quarter against Dallas Cowboys Terrance Mitchell (30) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are simply the best team on paper, and they had the best offseason and preseason of any AFC North team. What’s really encouraging is how the team identified and addressed each of it’s weaknesses this offseason, which is a testament to the quality of personnel it employs from the top down.
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Gary Kubiak is going to rejuvenate this offense, this much we know for sure after the team led the NFL in preseason rushing. Kubiak will also work wonders for Joe Flacco, enabling him to take much less punishment and complete more passes in 2014 than he ever has in his career. They have a stable of running backs that can carry the load and a true leader in Steve Smith.
The defense looks to be reborn as well. C.J. Mosley is going to be a star, and is a popular choice for defensive rookie of the year. Brandon Williams looks like he is going to dominate the line of scrimmage this season. If Jimmy Smith and Lardarius Webb stay healthy, this defensive unit is going to be giving opposing offensive coordinators fits. For now, this is clearly the best team in the AFC North.