AFC NORTH
PROBLEM STAT
21 Passes by Brandon Weeden that were batted down at the line of scrimmage, most in the NFL.
SOLUTION
Be patient. For the 6'3" Weeden—who isn't a lock to start for the Browns in 2013 after outpacing his 14 TDs with 17 INTs as a rookie—it's not so much poor mechanics as a lack of experience. Give him a chance in the West Coast offense of new coach Rob Chudzinski and coordinator Norv Turner. That scheme requires quick decision-making, meaning that Weeden will get rid of the ball before defenders get their arms up.
AND THEN?
Cut ties with WR Mohamed Massaquoi, who in three years hasn't surpassed his rookie totals.... Draft a couple of linemen who can create space for battered tailback Trent Richardson.... Toughen up the D—a huge task for new coordinator Ray Horton, who inherits a unit that had the second-lowest percentage of runs stopped for loss or no gain (15.6).
PROBLEM STAT
10.2% Combined plays on which pressure was achieved by OLBs James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley, down from 14.3% in 2011 and 15.8% in '10.
SOLUTION
Let Harrison, 34, go, and give Woodley, 28, one last chance. Backup Jason Worilds is ready to start, and BYU's Ezekiel Ansah (comparable to the Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul) might be available at No. 17.
AND THEN?
Get younger everywhere on defense.... Re-sign CB Keenan Lewis and find a backup for frequently injured SS Troy Polamalu. Texas's Kenny Vaccaro is a first-round option.... With Mike Wallace likely to leave and Antonio Brown struggling, bring in free-agent WR Greg Jennings, who could instill character in this unit.
PROBLEM STAT
27.5% Third- and fourth-down plays on which Andy Dalton dropped back to pass that the Bengals earned a first down, second lowest in the NFL.
SOLUTION
Opponents tend to double A.J. Green and sit on shorter routes since Cincinnati has no other vertical threat. The Bengals need a veteran WR who can get downfield—a free agent like Danario Alexander, Emmanuel Sanders or Donnie Avery would be affordable to a team not known for spending.
AND THEN?
Re-sign RT Andre Smith and draft another lineman in the first round to get more out of RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis.... Allow inconsistent MLB Rey Maualuga to exit in free agency and draft a replacement.
PROBLEM STAT
10 Sacks allowed by tackle Michael Oher, tied for third most in the NFL.
SOLUTION
Leave Oher on the less stressful right side, where he played in the postseason after struggling on the blind side. Veteran Bryant McKinnie, a free-agent-to-be, took over at LT and performed brilliantly. Re-signing him would give the Ravens time to evaluate Oher next season, when his contract is up.
AND THEN?
Make Joe Flacco happy, either with a new contract that pays him like one of the top five QBs, or by franchising him.... Make the call on 2011 first-round CB Jimmy Smith. Corey Graham was stellar in the playoffs; Chykie Brown and Cary Williams are also options.
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JENNIFER YOUNG/CAL SPORT MEDIA (WOODLEY)
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JOHN BIEVER (DALTON)
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MARK J. REBILAS/USA TODAY SPORTS (MCKINNIE)
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FRED VUICH (WEEDEN)
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