Can Bengals, Ravens challenge Steelers in AFC North?
The AFC North has been something of a three-way race over the past 15 years. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals have talent turns at the top, with the trio combing for four Super Bowl appearances over that span.
Going into this season, only Pittsburgh is widely expected to be a true contender. The Steelers won the division last year chiefly due to a Week 16 win over Baltimore, and are picked by most pundits to repeat. Pittsburgh is also believed to be the main challenger to the New England Patriots, who are gunning for their third Super Bowl title in four seasons.
So with the Cleveland Browns in Year 256 of their rebuilding program, can the Ravens or Bengals step up to cause problems for the black and gold?
History would suggest that at least one o these teams becomes an issue. Baltimore finished 8-8 last year, but there have been some real roadblocks popping up in recent months for the Ravens. All-Pro inside linebacker Zach Orr was forced to retire with a dangerous spine condition, while tight end Dennis Pitta, who led the team with 86 receptions, was also forced to quite the game because of a bad hip. Pitta’s lost is especially tough to take following the retirement of Steve Smith Sr. The team also lost center Jeremy Zuttah (released) and right tackle Ricky Wagner in free agency.
Slot corner Tavon Young went down in OTAs with a torn ACL, while running back Kenneth Dixon tore his meniscus. Both are out for the season, along with tight end Crockett Gilmore. Throughout the summer, it has been Ryan Mallett under center instead of Joe Flacco, who has been dealing with a back injury. Flacco is practicing now and is believed to be the starter in Week 1 at Cincinnati, but that is certainly a situation worth monitoring.
With all of those problems, it is tough to see the Ravens making a real push, leaving the Bengals with that responsibility.
Cincinnati had a better offseason than its rival, adding wide receiver John Ross and running back Joe Mixon in the draft. Perhaps as importantly, the Bengals also selected defensive end Jordan Willis in the middle rounds, a youngster who looks to make an immediate impact.
The Bengals aren’t without concern, though. Cincinnati did lose both guard Kevin Zeitler and left tackle Andrew Whitworth in free agency, leaving the offensive line as the weakest group on the team. Ross is also expected to miss at least the season-opener, something that has to be worrisome about a special talent that dealt with ample injuries in college at the University of Washington.
Still, the Bengals have the requisite talent, especially defensively, to be a problem for the Steelers in the North. Look for Cincinnati to fight it out through December with its long-time rival, and if it falls short, a wild card berth wouldn’t be out of the question.
