Team

Part 2

(Yes, I know I'm using 4 defensive linemen and 4 linebackers, but since teams use both, I'm going to use both.)

Every year it seems that the argument of who will win the division always comes down to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. Meaning that the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals are left in the dust. Is it because the Ravens and the Steelers have better players, or just that they are coached better? We are going to put this to the test and evaluate each position on the football field and pick who the best player in the AFC North is at each given spot. We are going to start with defense and work our way to the offensive side of the ball in the coming weeks. At the end we will tally it up and see which team has the most players that top a list. My bold prediction before doing this is that the Ravens will be on top, followed by the Steelers, then the Bengals, and the Browns. So let's get to it.

Left Outside Linebacker

LaMarr Woodley is just another perfect Steeler draft pick that has turned to gold. Woodley is one of the leaders on the Steelers defense and I imagine that it will remain that way for a long time to come.

Inside Linebacker

Ray Lewis has been the best inside linebacker in the NFL since the late 1990's. I don't even care that he is starting to get old, he puts fear into the eyes of the offense and he hits just as hard as anyone in the history of the game. Ray Lewis is one player who just won't die. I believe he could play another five years if he felt like he wanted to.

Inside Linebacker #2

D'Qwell Jackson missed most of the 2009 and 2010 season with a torn pectoral muscle on both of his right and left sides. That didn't stop him from returning to form as one of the best tacklers in the league. Along with Sheard and Haden, D'Qwell Jackson is the leader of his own unit and it will remain that way for a long time.

Right Outside Linebacker

Terrell Suggs tore his ACL and may not be ready for the start of the 2012 season, and I STILL rank him as the best right outside linebacker in the division. He gets through defensive lines like he is a knife going through warm butter. I'd say he will be remembered as one of the best defensive players on one of the best defensive units for a long time.