I respect your opinion, too. But are you aware of all of Cincy's injuries last season?
Lewis is building this defense the same way he did in Baltimore, through the draft. Don't be surprised if Robert Geathers and Justin Smith have big seasons at DE. Pollack and Thurman are sorely needed playmakers. Thurman's intensity so far in offseason workouts has been likened to that of former Bengal Takeo Spikes.
I totally disagree with you on Palmer. He showed his effectiveness and grasping of the offseason over the last 6-8 games before he got hurt and he was giving NE everything they could handle before he got hurt in that game. Cincy also has one of the better lines in this division. Remember Baltimore has lost Bennie Anderson and Casey Raebach from their OL. Not to mention Gary Baxter, Corey Fuller, Ed Hartwell and M. Douglas from the defense.
Mason and Rolle are on the downsides of their careers.
As far as QB's go, you really think Boller is any good? He is without a doubt the worst in the division, even behind Dilfer.
Baltimore's D will be good, but they have lost a lot of talent over the past 2 years. Did you happen to see what Palmer did to this Def at Baltimore last year when he put up 17 points in the 4th qtr. to lead Cincy to the win? Cincy also retained all of it's offensive starters and could be getting a healthy Peter Warrick back that will only add to their explosiveness.
Pittsburgh is still the class of the Division with Cincy and Baltimore vying to knock the out of that spot. Cleveland is in the process of rebuilding the disaster caused by Butch Davis....
Just my opinion.
:soapbox: :mj06: