AFC north.(NFL)(American Football Conference)

BALTIMORE RAVENS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: The Ravens want to become more balanced on offense, so they likely will try to sign or draft athletic linemen and move away from the top-heavy, run-oriented group they had in 2004. The team is expected to re-sign versatile C/G Casey Rabach, but it won't re-sign starting WR Travis Taylor unless he accepts a low-cost deal. The Ravens need a go-to receiver and might look to the draft to find one. If the team can't afford to resign ILB Ed Hartwell, T.J. Slaughter-who played mostly on special teams this season--could step in as the starter. The team wants to re-sign RE Marques Douglas and add a big lineman who can stop the run and collapse the pocket. FINAL GRADES: Offense: D. The Ravens moved the ball but didn't finish drives. Defense: B-. The unit wilted from the pressure of carrying the offense. Special teams: C. Had a strong presence early but faded. Coaching: C-. Brian Billick lost control of his team early. He relied too much on veteran leadership and was too passive. This team underachieved.--Mike Preston

CLEVELAND BROWNS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: The priority is creating a quarterback plan. The team might have to take a quarterback at the top of the draft, and because the supporting cast isn't strong, he likely would need to sit for a year. Jeff Garcia could return for one more season, but he didn't fit the 2004 offense. Kelly Holcomb was a better fit and is a more typical mentor, but he is injury-prone. Rookie Luke McCown isn't ready. The team must consider signing a free-agent quarterback. If the Browns don't draft a quarterback first, they might take an offensive tackle. On defense, a shutdown corner would help, though Anthony Henry and Daylon McCutcheon are competent. Re-signing Henry, a free agent, is a must. FINAL GRADES: Offense: D. Garcia left his mojo in San Francisco, TE Kellen Winslow was hurt, and the line fell apart. Defense: C. The line is worth building around. Special teams: C+. Dennis Northcutt's punt returns were solid, but Derrick Frost fell apart after a 7-yard punt in Week 9. Coaching: D. Butch Davis made too many personnel mistakes, and injuries compounded them.--Steve Doerschuk

CINCINNATI BENGALS

OFFSEASON ...