AFC north.(NFL)(American Football Conference)

BALTIMORE RAVENS

The team has two capable backs--Chester Taylor and Musa Smith--to fill in while Jamal Lewis serves his two-game suspension. But the team won't be able to replace Lewis' physical style and ability to take over a game. Taylor is a slasher while Smith has more power.... Coach Brian Billick gave QB Kyle Boiler a vote of confidence, but it's clear Boiler can't make enough plays. He wasn't worth the first-round pick the team used on him.

... In signing CB Chris McAlister to a seven-year deal, the team satisfied one of its most irreplaceable parts. The Ravens know they need a dominant defense to compete. As a top cover man, McAlister has a critical role. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: For years, teams tried to run away from MLB Ray Lewis. Now teams are starting to run at him. Shoulder injuries have limited Lewis weight-room regimen, causing him to be a smaller target (he is 245 pounds instead of 255). He still isn't easy to reach because of his quickness. But blockers who reach him can create a seam.--Mike Preston

CINCINNATI BENGALS

The offense should operate more smoothly with the return of WR Peter Warrick (bruised left shin). Warrick, a go-to receiver on third down, makes clutch catches that produce first downs. His presence will reduce the double-teams on WR Chad Johnson and open up the passing attack for more big plays. ... DT Tony Williams is an active, productive, one-gap tackle who displays good quickness, power, body control and burst off the line. His ability to penetrate quickly creates problems for offenses because he's so disruptive. His only problem is he's undersized (6-1,292) and teams can pound the ball at him. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: RE Justin Smith has improved as a run defender, but his pass rushing leaves a lot to be desired. Despite his strength and quickness, Smith has difficulty trying to bull-rush massive left tackles, so he's been lining up farther outside to try to gain an advantage off the edge. But his upfield rush causes him to overrun plays and he arrives too late at the quarterback--Chick Ludwig

CLEVELAND BROWNS

OLB Warrick Holdman is giving the defense exactly what it needed: a veteran run stopper. He ...