Taking a look at the AFC North

A look at the AFC North as training camp begins
(Teams are listed in alphabetical order)

BALTIMORE RAVENS
2007 record: 5-11
Camp opens: July 23
The Forecast: Partly cloudy, chance of sun
The Ravens sustained two huge losses in the offseason due to retirements - QB Steve McNair and LT Jon Ogden. Both are Hall of Fame candidates and were leaders for the Ravens. Rookie Joe Flacco, second-year man Troy Smith and veteran Kyle Boller will battle to replace McNair. Though the head coach changed, the defense's aggressive style won't because coordinator Rex Ryan was retained. New offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will maximize RB Willis McGahee's talents.
The Nevermore Cry Will Go Out If: None of the three candidates emerges at quarterback and injuries beset TE Todd Heap and the secondary again.

CINCINNATI BENGALS
2007 record: 7-9
Camp opens: July 27
The Forecast: Partly cloudy, chance for sun
The Bengals again invested heavily in defense in the draft and free agency, but they also lost two of their better players as UFAs (DE Justin Smith and S Madieu Williams). Given their defense was 27th last season, maybe that's not bad. Now that WR Chad Johnson says he'll play in Cincinnati this season, the Carson Palmer-directed passing game again should be potent. Three of the top four running backs battled serious injuries last season, and Rudi Johnson seems to have slowed.
It Will Get Muggy in the Jungle If: The defense - particularly against the pass - again struggles and the passing game has to do it all for the offense.

CLEVELAND BROWNS
2007 record: 10-6
Camp opens: July 23
The Forecast: Mostly sunny
Optimism is running high in Cleveland, and with good reason. Derek Anderson emerged at QB, Jamal Lewis re-emerged at RB, and WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow stayed healthy and proved they have the talent to join the elite classes at their positions. Add an improving line and WR Donte' Stallworth to the mix and firepower shouldn't be the problem. Defense, however, was in 2007. The Browns also added DTs Shaun Rodgers (a beast when motivated) and Corey Williams via trades. Dealing CB Leigh Bodden in the Rodgers deal might haunt them if Rodgers plays as he has the past few seasons in Detroit.
It Will Be a Long Winter on the Lake If: Anderson falls off and backup Brady Quinn isn't ready and the Browns get off to a slow start because of their brutal schedule.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
2007 record: 10-6
Camp opens: July 27
The Forecast: Mostly sunny
The Steelers, particularly QB Ben Roethlisberger, were better than expected under new coach Mike Tomlin last season. Now the expectations have been raised, and most would consider Big Ben among the league's elite QBs. The offense should be fine with a fleet of emerging receivers and the addition of rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall to Speedy Willie Parker. The linebacking core again should be excellent. However, this team is not as deep as Steelers teams of the past, particularly along the lines. Losing All-Pro G Alan Faneca in free agency will really hurt.
The Three Rivers Will Freeze Over If: There are a lot of injuries, especially on either line, and the team can't navigate the league's toughest schedule.