In the world of the AFC North, there's a lot more going on than meets the eye. Let's dive into some of the intriguing developments and the stories behind them.
The Bengals' Blindside Battle
Protecting Joe Burrow, the Bengals' franchise quarterback, is a top priority, but the team's preseason opener against the Detroit Lions revealed some concerns. Burrow, who played just two series, was sacked once and took an additional hit while throwing. The culprit? Left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who was beaten on both plays.
Head Coach Zac Taylor has stepped up to defend Brown, citing his leadership and motivation. Taylor believes Brown will step up his game, especially considering his track record as a starting right tackle with the Ravens and his subsequent move to the Chiefs. Brown's ability to protect Burrow's blindside is a key factor in the Bengals' success, especially with Burrow's health being a critical element in their playoff hopes.
A Quarterback Competition in Cleveland
In Cleveland, the Browns are in the midst of a quarterback battle between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. Head Coach Todd Monken has yet to decide on a starter for the regular season, but Sanders will get his chance to shine this week against the Buffalo Bills.
Monken wants to see continued improvement from both players, and the competition remains close. Watson, who started the preseason opener, led two scoring drives but also lost a fumble. Sanders, on the other hand, completed 6 of 11 passes for 79 yards but threw an interception. This week's joint practice with the Bills will be a crucial opportunity for both quarterbacks to showcase their skills and make their case for the starting job.
Pittsburgh's Promising Young Guns
The Steelers, with Aaron Rodgers as their starter, are evaluating their quarterback depth chart. Rookies Drew Allar and second-year player Will Howard have impressed in their first NFL action.
Allar, who replaced veteran Mason Rudolph, completed 10 of 13 attempts for an impressive 153 yards and two passing touchdowns, along with a rushing touchdown. Howard, who missed the 2025 preseason due to injury, also looked sharp, completing 7 of 9 passes for 86 yards and leading a successful two-minute scoring drive. Head Coach Mike McCarthy praised both players for their poise and confidence.
The Steelers may have tough decisions to make regarding their quarterback depth chart, but the performance of these young players bodes well for the future.
Deeper Analysis
These preseason developments offer a glimpse into the strategies and challenges facing these AFC North teams. While the focus is often on the star players, it's the supporting cast and their ability to execute that can make or break a season. The Bengals' reliance on Brown to protect Burrow's blindside is a prime example of this dynamic. Similarly, the quarterback battles in Cleveland and Pittsburgh showcase the importance of depth and competition.
Conclusion
As we head into the regular season, these preseason performances provide a fascinating insight into the AFC North. It's a league where every player, from the star quarterback to the backup tackle, has a crucial role to play. The outcome of these positional battles and the performance of key players will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the 2026 season. It's an exciting time for football fans, and I, for one, can't wait to see how these stories unfold.
