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The AFC North is filled with some of the greatest rivalries in the NFL. With all of the teams possessing the talent to make the playoffs, this division is often up for grabs. Going into this season, it is no exception.
Baltimore Ravens: At this point, the Ravens are starting their last week of OTAs. OTAs are looking a little shaky for them due to the fact that most of their offensive line is not participating. Some of the starting line-up is injured and the others are veterans who they are allowed to work out on their own. However, quarterback Joe Flacco was on fire and fans should be excited. In a video posted, Flacco threw a deep pass to rookie WR Breshad Perriman which should be a step in the right direction for Perriman. At this point (like most rookies), Perriman has to earn his spot in the starting line-up. One thing that fans can look forward to is the return of Terrence Brooks who was their third-round pick last year. After a torn ACL and MCL in December, it started to look bleak for Brooks, but Brooks is already on the field. Brooks has seemed to make an almost miraculous recovery and he’s not afraid to show it since he is already out playing with starters.
Cincinnati Bengals: With the Bengals at a 0-4 record for playoffs, a lot of pressure is on Andy Dalton this season already. Fortunately Dalton is looking surprisingly good especially now that he is focused on motivating the team and being a more proactive quarterback. Dalton has wide receivers, Tyler Eifert and Marvin Jones back after both sustained injuries. Jones is looking to be a stand-out though, because he is already back in full force and is bring an edge to the offense that was missing last season. Another player who is making their comeback after injury is James Wright. The wide receiver suffered a knee injury that ended his rookie season, but Wright and OC Hue Jackson are both confident in his abilities and athleticism. Unfortunately for the Bengals, LB Vontaze Burfict is going to be out for OTAs and possibly training camp and the regular season. While it is unclear for Burfict, the Bengals have signed former Green Bay Packer, A.J. Hawk who will be a good stand-in for Burfict since Hawk is a veteran and he has the experience and raw talent.
Cleveland Browns: While most of the talk surrounding the Browns lately is about Johnny Manziel (more on him in a second), a lot of players are making an impact during OTAs. CB Justin Gilbert who was a 2014 draft pick is stepping up. After being critizied by his teammates and coaches for bad work ethic/attitude problems, Gilbert has matured and everyone is taking notice. While head coach Mike Pettine is not entirely convinced of Gilbert, he had this to say, “Just coming in here, perfecting his craft every day, and right now it’s so far so good”. The defense is certainly going to benefit from Gilbert’s maturity and Danny Shelton. While Shelton is not going to be present for OTAs due to his schooling, Shelton looks like he’s going to make an impact. Two offensive players impressing are Duke Johnson and Vince Mayle, two of the Browns draft picks. Even though Mayle had surgery on his thumb, he was still able to participate and Johnson has made a few runs that would get past a defense. The Browns are once again not very impressed with Manziel especially with his lack of work ethic and his cocky attitude and it shows since the Browns are making him a backup again. One question sure to be on Browns fans’ minds is “Can Johnny Football Make It In the NFL?”
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers have certainly had an interesting two weeks of OTAs. G Ramon Foster and LB Shayon Green got into a fight over an unknown conflict, but the fight was quickly resolved. One player who surprisingly made an appearance is Antonio Brown who is having contract issues. Even though nothing has been decided, Brown made some very positive comments: “I’ll be there at training camp. I’ll be here with my same new haircut. I’ll be smiling. I’ll be ready to go”. Brown’s presence alone should be comforting, but one thing that has plagued the fans and the franchise is Le’Veon Bell’s possible suspension. Bell was picked up for drugs and a DUI, but Bell is not letting it discourage him, “It was my mistake and I’ve got to pay the consequences for it”, Bell knows he will be punished and he will take his punishment rightfully. After the loss of DC Dick Lebeau, the defense feels like it’s getting a new look, especially with new DC Keith Butler and rookie LB Bud Dupree. Dupree recently graduated college but has wasted no time in getting out there. Even though Dupree has a lot to work on still, he has garnered nothing but praise from the veterans which is a good sign for the Steelers defense.
