AFC North Preview with Alex Bleuel


AFC North Preview with Alex Bleuel


In this episode, Alex Bleuel and I preview the AFC North. Last year, the Cincinnati Bengals won the AFC North. The Pittsburgh Steelers finished second. The Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns finished third and fourth respectively. First, we start with the reigning AFC champions, the Cincinnati Bengals. Alex likes what the Bengals have done to protect Joe Burrow. Not only do the Bengals have a dominant trio of receivers in Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. Cincy added free agents La'el Collins and Alex Cappa to a line, which allowed 55 sacks last season. Despite the additions, I am worried about Cincy's lack of a pass-blocking offensive line, and whether the Bengals can break the Super Bowl jinx after the LA Rams beat the Bengals in February. Alex looks at Cincy's brutual end of its 2022 season. We then move onto the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh always plays with a very strong defense. I love T.J. Watt pass-rushing skills. In 2021, Watt tied Michael Strahan's sack record with 22.5. The big question is which quarterback will replace legendary Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who retired after 18 seasons. Mitchell Trubisky and Pitt rookie Kenny Pickett will battle to replace Big Ben. The Ravens are next in the discussion. Lamar Jackson is the main discussion point for the Ravens. Over his four year career, Jackson has amazed the NFL with his rushing and key passing. In 2021, Jackson dealt with injuries and an incosistent season. Onto the Browns, we discuss which quarterback will start with Deshaun Watson likely suspended. 2018 No. 1 pick Baker Mayfield seems to have played his last game for the team. We also look at Myles Garrett and Amari Cooper's impact after a trade from the Dallas Cowboys. Alex gives The Big D a fun NFC North question over long-time Steeler wide receiver Hines Ward. In conclusion, We agree the Bengals are the favorites to win the AFC North in 2022.