That was quite a fun week of AFC North football. We have a team in Cincinnati hitting their stride, a Cleveland team that got a nice win for the backup quarterback, a Pittsburgh team that might have found its future, and then that team in Baltimore. Well, maybe it wasn’t all great, but we had fun regardless.
The Bengals are here
When stocks like Gamestop and AMC exploded a few years ago or Dogecoin became a thing, getting in on the action early was pivotal. Once you missed the boat, it was too late. That’s the spot we are in with the Bengals right now. They are clicking and appear to be on the verge of taking over the AFC North. You’ve been warned. Cincinnati is here, the Super Bowl hangover is gone, and they shouldn’t be taken lightly. Last week was Titans’ respect week and this Bengals team went into Nashville and made us look like fools. This week they get Ja’Marr Chase back from injury and then it might actually be curtains for this division. Zac Taylor’s team is in a great spot to get the upset and then next week we’ll be writing that the boat is so far off shore that you won’t even be able to swim long enough to catch up.
The Ravens might be in trouble
Personally, I’m tired of the Ravens nonsense. They have talent but can’t score. They have a good team that’s record should be better. They have an easy schedule that is giving them a hard time. Right now the Ravens’ offense is much better on Twitter than it is on the field when gamedays roll around. The answer to the problem isn’t quite clear, but it will get late really fast for Baltimore if they can’t turn it around soon. The AFC is too unforgiving for that.
Tip of the cap to Jacoby Brissett
Shoutout to Jacoby Brissett for his 2022 season. Barring something unforeseen at the moment, it will be that other guy taking over for Cleveland under center starting this week. Brissett has been a pro’s pro in the face of countless adversity for the Browns this season. Think about it. Someone broke into their stadium, damaged the field, at least cosmetically, and that wasn’t even the worst of it. Don’t forget that a skunk was spotted in the stands as well, while the game was going on. It’s probably symbolic of how much this organization stinks, but Brissett did everything in his power to rid Brownie the Elf’s team of it all. Even though it didn’t work, he deserves all the praise that comes his way. Thank you for these 12 weeks, Jacoby. Hopefully you’ll get your chance again sometime soon.
Watch out for those Steelers
Mike Tomlin’s incredible streak of never having a losing season in Pittsburgh is in serious jeopardy now, but don’t let that distract you from the real thing going on in the Steel City. They might have something in this Kenny Pickett guy. Yes, the Steelers might have to experience for one season before their quarterback develops enough to help them win games. Give it an offseason and, at this rate, Tomlin’s group might sneak back into the playoffs next season. The AFC might be tough, but keeping these Steelers down for long might be even tougher.