Training Camp Round Ups: AFC North

In the second instalment of this series, we take a look at the AFC North.

The Bengals are returning as AFC champs. Lamar Jackson is healthy. And Mike Tomlin is still Mike Tomlin. Any of these teams could take the AFC North crown, and its going to be entertaining as hell watching these team fight it out. 

Cleveland Browns

Let’s be clear. The Browns bargained with the devil for the situation they’re in. And 2022 is going to be a wash at best. 

Camp Battles to Keep an eye on: Jacoby Brissett verses the play book. 

Floor:  Browns struggle without cohesion on offense, Watson flounders in return. 2-4 wins

The Browns do not have a shot this season.  The team  hitched their ride to QB Deshaun Watson, and after the league’s decision to suspend him 11 games, this should effectively end any hopes the Browns had returning to the playoffs. 

Ceiling: The Brown’s defense keeps team competitive; Watson returns to form – 8-10 Wins

I think the division crown/playoffs are out of the question this season. A loaded division at the top will be too much to overcome. Bets case scenario for the Browns is to rely heavy on the ground game on offense, and on defense, if all Prof DE Myles Garrett has a DPOY season, the Browns may be able to get to double digit wins. Barely.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season. Let me repeat: Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season. Yes, Big Ben retired, and the Steelers will be fielding either Mitch Trubisky, or rookie Kenny Picket, but the Steelers are returning a top ten defensive unit, DPOY TJ Watt, and Mike Tomlin is still the head coach. Do not count them out. 

Camp Battles to Keep an eye on: rookie QB Kenny Picket and Mitch Trubisky

Floor –  Defense regresses, and QB play takes a step back -8-9 Wins. 

Out of the four teams in the division, I think the Steelers have the highest floor. Many will point to the inexperience at the QB position, and the tough divisional opponents, but the Steelers are nothing if not consistent. Expect another All-Pro season from TJ Watt, and the offense to muster enough to get to at least .500. 

Ceiling – QB play is above average – defense top-ten unit – 10-12 Wins and division crown. 

Tomlin told the media last week that he was looking to get rookie Kenny Picket some “varsity action” and Picket did not disappoint. In his first two outings, Picket posted a QB rating of 100 plus, and sported an 85 percent completion percentage. Coming into camp, Trubisky was announced as the starter, but the coaching staff is starting to show confidence in Picket. If Picket can win the starting job, look for the Steelers to rally around their young QB and put together a hard-fought season. 

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are at cross-roads. With the contract situation unresolved with QB Lamar Jackson, uncertainty surrounds the future of the franchise. But for 2022, the Ravens are poised to make a jump back into the elite teams of the NFL.

Camp Battles to Keep an eye on: the WR room – Rashad Bateman, Tylan Wallace and Slade Bolden 

Floor –  Injuries pile up again, 6-8 wins. 

The 2021 season was a disaster starting from the beginning of camp for the Ravens. Before the season started, the Ravens lost 4 offensive starters, and sported the highest amount of IR transactions for the season. If the Ravens lose any key offensive members this season, expect the same results. 

Ceiling – Lamar Jackson returns to MVP form a true WR1 emerges – 12-14 Wins and AFC 1 seed.  

Lamar Jackson is Healthy. Not much more is needed to propel the Ravens to their season beyond a healthy Lamar. If a true number one wide receiver emerges this season to compliment the run game, expect the Ravens to again compete not just for the division crown, but for the number one seed in the AFC

Cincinnati Bengals

Do not expect a Superbowl hangover from the Bengals. The Burrow to Chase combo is a once in a generation connection, the offensive line improved with key interior signings, and the defense returned majority of starters. Expect the Bengals to compete at the top of division. 

Camp Battles to Keep an eye on:  O–Line Battles: La’el Claire, Alex Cappa vs the field. 

Floor – Super Bowl hangover, new additions take time to adjust – 6-8 wins

Everyone saw Joe Burrow spend way too much time on his back in the playoffs and Super Bowl. Setting a record for the most times sacked in a playoff game, the Bengals had to upgrade their offensive line this offseason. If free-agent signings tackle La’el Collins, guard Alex Cappa and center Ted Karras, cannot keep Burrow upright, expect a regression from the Bengals.

Ceiling – Burrow establishes himself as top three QB – 11-13  wins and divisional AFC North crown. 

The era of young gunslinger QB’s is upon us, and Burrow has a chance to establish himself with the likes of Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes this season. The Burrow to Chase connection is almost infallible, and with another year under the same system, expect the offense to reach even greater heights.