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AFC North division round-up: August 2019 edition

By Richard Bradshaw

LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 29: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on against the Washington Redskins during the second half of a preseason game at FedExField on August 29, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 29: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on against the Washington Redskins during the second half of a preseason game at FedExField on August 29, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Quarterback Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to throw a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of a preseason game at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 25: Quarterback Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to throw a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of a preseason game at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Pittsburgh Steelers:

The biggest threat to anyone in the AFC North is now, and always will be, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are a threat to the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers are a threat to the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers are a threat to the Cincinnati Bengals… As long as the Steelers remain in the AFC North, they will be a menace to each of these teams.

This has been proven time and time again, as evident by the team failing to have a losing record under future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Whelp, in case you were hoping they’d decline when Big Ben finally hangs it up, you might be kept waiting.

That’s because his heir apparent, Mason Rudolph, has looked sharp all preseason long. Coupled with his college bestie in wide receiver James Washington, the duo was lights out. The future looks bright thanks to the big performances of these two.

But in the present, Steelers fans can look forward to the team’s new triplets in Roethlisberger, JuJu Smit-Schuster, and James Conner. JJSS and Conner made the Pro Bowl in 2018, while Roethlisberger tossed over 5,000-yards, good enough to lead the NFL. These three, along with perhaps the NFL’s best offensive line, are hoping to guide the team back to the AFC North crown.

Next. Baltimore Ravens schedule: Predictions for each game. dark

Their first big test will come Sunday night against the reigning champs in the New England Patriots. The Pats have a stingy defense and a dominant run game that will test Pittsburgh all night long. With a retooled defense and a dynamic offense, football fans alike will be looking forward to this showdown and what the AFC as a whole has to offer in 2019.

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