AFC North: Four Bold Predictions Heading Into Season -

On the defensive side of the ball, the AFC North presents star power, mixed with underrated talent, looking to make noise.

Blessed with four potentially explosive offenses, the AFC North will put up serious numbers. Yet, those within the division, tasked with stopping them should have a say. Granted, NFL divisions tend to see parity among both sides of the ball. However, within the fiery AFC North, teams are looking forward to disrupting prolific offenses. At the same time, what bold predictions lurk?

Ossai Taking Jobs

After spending his first year on injured reserve, Ossai took the field in 2022, looking to impress. With just 332 defensive snaps. Ossai managed 3.5 sacks and ten quarterback hits, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown. In his favor, the Bengals edge rusher enters his age-23 season. That is to say that he hasn’t reached anywhere near his potential. Now, this part will become tricky. Ahead of him, Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard occupy the end spots. Hendrickson, the versatile starter that gives the Bengals’ pass rush their bite. Additionally, Hubbard, the active end that looks to harness a pass rush.

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by Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 7:01 pm

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Queen Exiled In Baltimore

From his days at LSU, people expected Patrick Queen to solidify a spot as linebacker, with speed and instincts. Now, playing in the AFC North remains a different beast entirely. At times, Queen looked tentative, arriving late to play, even whiffing completely on tackles. In fact, during his three seasons in Charm City, Queen missed thirty tackles. Alas, help in the form of Trenton Simpson. The rookie from Clemson doesn’t appear to present the timing or timidity issues that Queen does. Plus, entering the final year of his rookie deal, the Ravens declined the fifth-year option. By all indications, 2023 looks like a swan song.

Barring Injury/Moodiness, Cleveland Rocks

Granted, on paper, many teams resemble a playoff squad, capable of a deep postseason run. However, the defense of the Cleveland Browns initially looks like the division’s best. In the AFC North, few teams can effectively line up their best eleven that looks remotely better than the Browns. If you look up front, two elite rushers bookend two competent tackles. The whole spile about getting home with just four. Behind them, seven players that mix youthful exuberance, coverage and the knack of being at the right place. Yet, the proverbial fly in the ointment could be mood. Za’Darius Smith found himself leaving two teams that treated him well, but not extraordinarily. What happens if the Browns suffer a losing streak and the pass rush struggles? Outside of injury, if the Browns’ defense fails, look inward.

Levi Wallace Should Start In Pittsburgh

Patrick Peterson pulled down five interceptions in 2022. At the same time, opponents beat him for five touchdowns. Levi Wallace is five years younger, maybe doesn’t possess the same ball skills but with money on the line, do you want a corner who’s 50/50 on touchdowns and picks to cover on the outside? Pittsburgh could grab a wild card berth. If Peterson is there to mentor rookie Joey Porter II, the AFC North doesn’t feel like the proper spot. The Steelers will need to examine starting an aging cornerback with the fate of the division at hand.

Overview

The AFC North will win with good, old-fashioned defense. Historically, this division owes its prestige to defense. From Chuck Noll to Ray Lewis, low-scoring battles in cold weather made this group special. Hopefully, 2023 will be no exception. The road to the Super Bowl may travel through Kansas City, but the AFC North could provide a detour.