Training camps are underway and this is the best time to look at the AFC North offenses. At this point, each team in the north believes that they have their franchise quarterback for the future or believe he is on the roster. In addition to franchise quarterbacks, the Ravens, Bengals, and now Browns have 3 of the best young quarterbacks in the league. When comparing the team’s starters to the other top quarterbacks each has a case to be in the top 10. We discuss each team’s offensive rank.
Cincinnati Bengals
First up are the Cincinnati Bengals. Hard to deny this young team after a fantastic super bowl push a season ago. The Bengals are first solely because of their super bowl push last season and the fact they won the division. At 10-7, the team had historic playoff outings for the 2021 season. In addition the team’s young stars in Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. The Bengal’s wide receivers combined for 4, 806 total yards led by Chase. He contributed 1,455 total yards, on an 18-yard average per play and had 13 total touchdowns. Another key factor for the Bengal’s offense is that they added offensive line help for a pretty bad unit. Lastly, according to stat-muse, the Bengal’s offense averaged 27.1 ppg(7th), pass yards per game were 282.7 (7th) and had an average of 102.5 rush yards per game (23rd).
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns made the biggest splash this past off-season and come in at number 2. Trading for Amari Cooper and then Deshaun Watson changed the trajectory of this team for a long time coming. Therefore, the offense has been massively upgraded. Already having one of the best run games in the league the only thing missing was the play at quarterback. Coupled with the improved quarterback, the Browns also come in with a projected top 3 offensive line in the NFL. In the last few seasons, the Cleveland Browns have impressed on paper but better players at the right positions should help. In other words last the team finished 3rd in the AFC North with a record of 8-9. The team averaged 20.5 ppg (20th), 212.9 pass yards a game (27th), and 145.4 rush yards per game (4th).
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are always one of the best and toughest teams in the league. Forth the Ravens bring along the most dynamic quarterback in Lamar Jackson and his ability to be a game changer whenever he has the ball in his hands. Along with dynamic quarterback play, Baltimore has a top-tier run game that they can use. Top back JK Dobbins missed all of last season because of an injury, getting him back will add a major boost to the offense. However, the Ravens have one of the best tight ends in the game in Mark Andrews. Jackson’s top target, Mark Andrews is a game changer in his own right. Most importantly the Ravens finished 8-9 and 4th in the AFC North a season ago. Meanwhile last season they averaged 22.8 ppg (17th), 251 pass yards per game (13th), and 145.8 rush yards per game (3rd).
Pittsburgh Steelers
This will be the first season in a very long time that the Pittsburgh Steelers will be with Ben Roethlisberger as their starting quarterback. Therefore, this season and maybe beyond will be a transition period for the Steelers to figure out what’s next at the position. In fairness, the team did draft 1st round pick Kenny Pickett and believes he will be the starter one day. Meanwhile, they also signed Mitchell Trubisky this past off-season too. Having two new young QBs the Steelers are in unfamiliar territory. Nonetheless last season the Steelers averaged 20.2 ppg (21st), 236.3 pass yards a game (15th), and 93.1 rush yards a game (29th).
Conclusion
The AFC North is one of the best divisions in football. It is made up of teams that play a particular style of football and wants that to be their brand. For the Bengals, the future is bright offensively with the pairing of Chase and Burrow. However, the Cleveland Browns are trying to have something to say about it. Deshaun Watson and Amari Cooper playing together very well could rival the Bengals two. The Ravens will have a great offense because Lamar is the quarterback. Finally the Steelers. Certainly, they will put the best product out on the field, and for that reason, you can not count out this Team. Not sure of the quarterback yet, they always find a way.
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