Tonight the Hall of Fame Game officially kicks off the NFL season, as the Chicago Bears face the Baltimore Ravens in Canton. Check it out at 8 PM Eastern/7 PM Central on NBC. As we continue to roll through the NFL divisions, we tackle the AFC North. The division is characterized by hard nosed teams that have a genuine hatred for one another.
AFC North History
This division, like the NFC East is a traditional division. 3 of the 4 teams are longtime NFL teams in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and the Ravens (formerly the Cleveland Browns). The current Browns were an expansion team after the former franchise left for Baltimore in the 90s. The Steelers are the oldest team in the AFC, and one of 3 NFL teams to have won 5 Super Bowls. The original Cleveland Browns (now Ravens) were the 2nd oldest team in this division and won several championships under legendary coach, Paul Brown. When Brown was done coaching in Cleveland, he actually went to create the Cincinnati Bengals in the old AFL. Then, the Cleveland Brown debacle in the 90s where the city would not build a new stadium, and so owner, Art Modell, took his team to Baltimore (and they won a Super Bowl with a lot of those players in 2000). In Baltimore, the Browns became the Ravens. The Ravens continued that strong tradition the Browns created in Cleveland over decades. Now, the new Browns have had very little success, but since there is that forever tie to the Ravens and a very distant cousin, the Bengals, this division is like a Hatfield vs. McCoys situation which spills over on the field. I have always loved this division because it is the most like my own favorite division the NFC North – the Black and Blue Division.
In recent years, Pittsburgh has won 3 out of the last 4 division titles, while Cincinnati and Baltimore have been right there every year. Baltimore has won 2 Super Bowls since 1999, as have the Steelers. Cincinnati has yet to win one. Unfortunately, the Browns have only made the playoffs once (2002) since their new formation in 1999, and they have not won a division title since 1989. So, it remains to be seen if all the 1st Overall picks on the field for Cleveland can finally play to their potential and get back to the playoffs.
Team Previews
Pittsburgh Steelers – Team Basics: The Steelers have been the most talented team in the division for the last 3 years and this year is no exception. In fact, it is arguable that the Steelers are the most talented team in the NFL. Coach Mike Tomlin has led his team to the playoffs repeatedly, however it can be argued that with another coach, this team could have won multiple Super Bowls the past 5 years. The team has been plagued by suspensions, off field distractions, and social media snafus a plenty. Last year, the Steelers went from nearly locking up Home Field Advantage in the playoffs (but lost at home to New England on a controversial call) to losing at home in the Divisional Round against the young and hungry Jacksonville Jaguars. So, the offense changes a bit this year with a new play caller. The Steelers let go Todd Haley, the strong personality, but genius offensive mind. In his place, they put Randy Fitchner in the OC slot elevating him from the QB Coach role. So, it is likely QB Ben Roethliesberger (Big Ben) will get more control of the offense. The Steelers have 2 of the most dynamic offensive players in the league with All Pro Antonio Brown at WR and the completely versatile RB, Le’Veon Bell. The two of them made up over 56% of the yards from scrimmage in 2017. I still believe they will be a balanced offense, but we will see with the change. On defense, the Steelers were one of the original teams to go with a 3-4 blitzing style. Once called the “Blitz”burgh defense, the Steelers are known for their extremely athletic linebackers who can rush the passer and cover the entire field. However, last year, the team took a significant hit when super speedy LB, Ryan Shazier was injured with a spinal injury. Besides Shazier, the defense has lacked it’s once dominant nature. It remains to be seen if current DC, Keith Butler, can turn things around.
The Steelers have had some turnover on the squad besides Todd Haley. The offense said good bye to oft troubled WR, Martavis Bryant, who signed in Oakland. They did draft a talented college route runner in James Washington at of Oklahoma State at WR to fill in for Bryant, besides that the 3rd best offense in 2017 remains intact. One other draft pick of note was QB Mason Rudulph, also from Oklahoma State, who may be the heir apparent to Big Ben. On defense, the Steelers did place Shazier on the Injured Reserve list, as he may not play again. They also parted ways with CB William Gay. The Steelers did sign Jon Bostic, a former Bears’ LB to take the Shazier spot. They also drafted Terrell Edmunds, an athletic Safety out of Virginia Tech (too early in my opinion). He may step on the field in various situations. I would say that the Steelers did not upgrade significantly at all. They feel that their talent matches up against anyone in the league, and they would be right. However, the decision to put the Franchise Tag on Le’Veon Bell again may not help his performance this year. It is speculated that they will ride him into the ground before letting him walk at the end of the season. Bell has been a top performer at the position for at least 3 years. I love the Steeler talent, but I feel like the lack of discipline and leadership from Tomlin in big games caps their expectations.
Prediction: Steelers will win the AFC North Division and make the playoffs again, but they will lose to the likes of Jacksonville, New England or someone else in Divisional or Championship round.
Baltimore Ravens – Team Basics: Baltimore was basically one play away from making the playoffs last year, as they blew a lead at home to lose their spot. The Ravens always bring a strong defense to the table, and this year should be no exception. Coach Jon Harbaugh’s group gave up the 6th fewest points per game, so as long as they can score enough to win close games, then they will be in the hunt for the playoffs. The Ravens employ a 3-4 blitzing scheme, and unlike the Steelers have been known for their stellar secondary players over the years. On offense, the Ravens are not a fun team to watch. QB Joe Flacco has been lackluster since signing his mega-deal after the 2012-2013 Super Bowl win. So, he is squarely on the hot seat for his job. Now, last year, the Ravens found a bright spot with RB Alex Collins who was a castoff from Seattle. He lit it up in the final 9 games and gave Baltimore a balanced attack. I would expect more of the balanced attack if Flacco remains the starter. However, if the Ravens turn to the rookie at QB, then all bets are off.
The Ravens have made some significant changes, especially on offense. Baltimore let #1 WR Mike Wallace, WR Jeremy Maclin and RB receiving back, Danny Woodhead walk in the offense, but in their places added 3 viable targets at WR in former Raider, Michael Crabtree, Willie Snead from New Orleans, and John Brown from Arizona (if he can stay on the field). Plus, the Ravens drafted OT Orlando Brown out of Oklahoma and extremely big and fast TE, Hayden Hurst out of South Carolina. Their biggest offensive addition may not play in Week 1, but QB Lamar Jackson, the extremely elusive player out of Louisville is standing in the wings for Flacco to fail, but you may see him in specialized packages just to get him on the field. I’ve heard him compared to Michael Vick, but even more elusive. He won the Heisman in 2016, but he does lack the pro style offense concepts to step in Day 1. That should be interesting to see. On defense, not a ton of changes, but they did say good bye to long time Raven, Ladarius Webb at CB. The Ravens will roll with that established group and see if their upgrades on offense are enough to overtake the Steelers.
Prediction: Ravens nip at the heels of the Steelers, but not quite for 2nd in the AFC North. They will be right in the mix for a playoff berth along with several other teams.
Cleveland Browns – Team Basics: The Browns have been bad for decades now. It is time for them to turn all that potential into wins on the field. The biggest acquisition in recent years was John Dorsey, the former GM in Kansas City. In Year 2, I think you will see some progress. On offense, Coach Hugh Jackson (who is in a make or break year) will try to balance the attack. The Browns have made wholesale changes on offense, so if the FAs and rookies hit, then this group could dazzle. On defense, I actually think the Browns will be markedly better. In their base 4-3, the Browns have enough horses to rush the passer and players on the back end to cover. The bookends with last year’s #1 pick, Myles Garret and 2016 draft pick, Emmanuel Ogbah, should be a high sack duo. On the back end, the Browns have upgraded at CB through the draft and still have 2nd year versatile Safety, Jabril Peppers roaming the field.
The Browns are almost a new team in many respects. Dorsey is wheeling and dealing for sure, if you check the transactions since January 1st, then you will see more turnover than any other NFL team. It’s incredible. The Browns got rid of all the QBs they had last year for a new group in former Bills’ QB, Tyrod Taylor, #1 Pick overall, Baker Mayfield, and even capable backup Drew Stanton from Arizona. In the backfield, RB Isaiah Crowell is gone to the Jets replaced by former SF RB, Carlos Hyde, plus they drafted Auburn’s RB, Nick Chubb for a solid platoon to go alongside pass catching Duke Johnson. At WR, more big changes trading for Miami’s Jarvis Landry, former Green Bay backup, Jeff Janis, and bench depth draftee, Antonio Calloway to go along with 2nd year TE, David Njoku, WRs Corey Coleman and Josh Gordon (who mysteriously is not going to camp). The Offense did lose long time Brown and All Pro, Left Tackle, Joe Thomas to retirement. Overall, though the unit should be better. On defense, the Browns traded DL Danny Shelton and Jason McCourty to New England, but they did add top CB, Denzel Ward who played down the road at Ohio State. I think the Browns will actually be better this year.
Prediction: Browns will finish 3rd in the AFC North, but that means 6-7 wins, playoff drought continues.
Cincinnati Bengals – Team Basics: The Bengals’ Coach Marvin Lewis is the 2nd longest tenured head coach in the league behind only Bill Belichick. Lewis brought the Bengals from Bungles to respectable over the years, but his tenure is in jeopardy. On offense, the Bengals rely on a varied attack with a strong running game mixed up with deep shots to their All Pro WR, AJ Green. However, QB Andy Dalton has yet to really take this team to heights. Sure, the Bengals have made the playoffs plenty, but 1st round losses are common and last year, they missed the playoffs. On defense, the Bengals play a nasty form of the 4-3 with solid but aging veterans pushing the pocket upfront in DT Geno Atkins and DE Carlos Dunlap. The volatile soul of the defense, LB Vontaze Burfict has been suspended 4 games for PEDs, but the Bengals always bring a lot to the defensive side of the ball.
The Bengals attempted to shore up some holes in the off season. There were no significant losses on Offense. The Bengals did get rid of RB Jeremy Hill, who hasn’t been the same since his rookie year, who signed with the Patriots and they let AJ McCarron, their backup QB go to Buffalo to compete for the starting job there. The major addition on offense was the drafting of Ohio State Center, Billy Price, reportedly the best Center in the Draft. They replaced AJ McCarron with NFL journeyman, Matt Barkley. They do get TE Tyler Eifert back off Injured Reserve, but his health is always in question. On defense, the unit remains mostly unchanged. However, they drafted some depth, which is wise with Burfict suspended and some other slots on the aging unit. The Bengals traded to get more picks to pick up DE Sam Hubbard also out of Ohio State, Malik Jefferson, LB from from Texas, and a rangy Safety out of Wake Forest, Jessie Bates. These moves may not pay off immediately, but they provide some youth to this squad. I do not like the Bengals this year. They have been competitive for a decade under Lewis, but it is time for a change. Much like last year, I expect a decent first half of the season and a nose dive in the 2nd half. I do not expect them to win more than 7 games.
Prediction: Bengals finished 4th in the AFC North just behind Cleveland.
That is your AFC North Preview. Always a solid and competitive division with teams that do not over excite you, besides Pittsburgh. Personally, I want to see Cleveland have a good year. They have been the laughing stock of the league for too long. Next week I will preview the NFC North.
Who do you like in this division?
Wegs