Heres what Prisco had to say about AFC North training camp battles.
Training camp battles: AFC North
July 20, 2009
By Pete Prisco
CBSSports.com Senior Writer
Baltimore Ravens
Tavares Gooden vs. Jameel McClain vs. Brendon Ayanbadejo, inside linebacker
Bart Scott left to sign with the New York Jets, leaving a void next to Ray Lewis. That's a spot anybody would want, considering the money that Ed Hartwell and Scott made after leaving Baltimore. The favorite to win the job is Gooden, who missed last season with a hip injury. The second-year player from Miami is athletic and fast. If he can't get it done, the Ravens might turn to McClain, who made the team as a non-drafted rookie last year. Ayanbadejo is a special-teams star who would appear to be a longshot.
Edge: Gooden. There were rave reviews coming out of Baltimore about him the past two months.
Opening day starter: Gooden. The 2008 third-round pick will give the Ravens two former 'Canes at linebacker.
Cincinnati Bengals
Roy Williams vs. Chinedum Ndukwe, defensive back
I don't understand why the Bengals would even consider Williams over Ndukwe, but they are. Williams was signed as a free agent from Dallas where he struggled in coverage. Ndukwe is better in coverage and is coming off a good season. But Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was with Dallas when Williams was in Dallas.
Edge: Even. Zimmer is said to like Williams, while Ndukwe will be hard to bench.
Opening day starter: Ndukwe. One game watching passes sail over Williams' head will keep Ndukwe in as the starter.
Cleveland Browns
Brady Quinn vs. Derek Anderson, quarterback
New coach Eric Mangini has stated this job is wide open. But you have to think Quinn is the one they want to win it. Anderson flopped in his shot to be the long-term answer last season, but Quinn didn't play that well when he had his chance either. Anderson has the stronger arm, but Quinn has a better feel for the passing game.
Edge: Quinn. He's the first-round pick with the pedigree and he understands the passing game better.
Opening day starter: Quinn. It's just a hunch.
Pittsburgh Steelers
William Gay vs. Deshea Townsend, cornerback
With Bryant McFadden gone to Arizona, Gay gets the first crack at the starting job. He played well in limited time last season, so the coaches are excited about him. If he doesn't live up to the expectations, the dependable Townsend might be able to still get it done as a starter. If not, he should be the nickel corner.
Edge: Gay. He is younger and faster.
Opening day starter: Gay. It's his time. In his third season out of Louisville, he appears ready for the job.
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