AFC North Mid-Season Takeaways
Image from: Steelers Depot.com
Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)
The Cincinnati Bengals in my opinion are the biggest breakout team in the AFC. Most of the Bengal's success comes from the reunited LSU duo of Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. Hands down Ja'Marr Chase is my offensive rookie of the year. Ja'Marr is only one of two guys to have 500 or more receiving yards and 40 or more targets in his first six games. He joins Hall of Famer Randy Moss who meet that threshold in 1992. The Bengals spent their money well during free agency bringing in three defensive starters former Saints edge rusher Trey Hendricks, former Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton, and former Cowboys corner Chidobe Awuzie. Currently, the Bengals have recorded 19 sacks this season.
Baltimore Ravens (5-2)
After starting the season riddled with injuries the Ravens are tied for first in the AFC North. My MVP candidate Lamar Jackson is the reason for Raven's unexpected success. Lamar has been balling out so far in the season passing for 1,943 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is also dominating the ground rushing for 480 yards and 2 touchdowns. Signing running backs Latavius Murray, Le'Veon Bell, and Devonta Freeman have taken some pressure of Lamar scoring a combined 7 touchdowns. Marquise "Hollywood" Brown is once again Lamar's go-to wide receiver. Brown is currently leading the team in receiving yards with 566 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Ravens defense has kept the team in close games for the majority of the season so far. The defense has recorded a combined 15 sacks and 39 tackles for losses.
Cleveland Browns (4-3)
In my opinion, Cleveland is a fake above 500 team so far this season. Cleveland's 4 wins are coming from the Texans, Bears, Vikings, and Broncos. Keep in mind all four teams are or below 500 at the midpoint in the season. Also, Brown's 3 losses have come from the Chiefs, Cardinals, and Chargers. Baker Mayfield still has not proved to be an elite quarterback in NFL or the AFC in general. Baker has recorded 1,474 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. The offense-saving grace has been there running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Chubb and Hunt have a combined 884 yards rushing and 9 touchdowns. Browns defensive end Myles Garret is making a good resume for defensive player of the year recording 9.5 sacks and 9 tackles for loss.
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-3)
The Steelers are improving as this season goes on. The offensive line has been getting better each week opening gaps for Najee Harris and protecting Big Ben in the pocket. Receiver Dionate Johnson is proving to be Ben's go-to wideout after recording 376 yards and 3 touchdowns. Najee Harris is reveling some pressure off Ben rushing for 388 yards and 2 touchdowns. Once again, the defense is keeping the team in games until the offense figure things out. T.J Watt is showing everyone why he is the 112-million-dollar man with 7 sacks, 3 force fumbles, and 7 tackles for loss. The Steelers defense will be carrying the team to the playoffs.