Have dramatic and unexpected occurrences flip-flopped the fate of the AFC North? Who will sit atop the heavily-competitive division in 2019?
The Steelers. Patrons of the rough, blue-collar city of Pittsburgh and a perennial playoff team. For the past 14 years, Pittsburgh has been a serious contender for the Super Bowl, remaining at or above a .500 record since 2004. Possessing one of the most lethal offensive attacks and a stout, experienced defensive corps, the Steelers were thought to have locked down the division for the next 3-5 years. But, like all good things, the Steelers lofty position atop the AFC North is suddenly crumbling. The ascent of wildly talented rookie quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield have laid claim to the land once ruled by Ben Roethlisberger, taking with it the AFC North title. The loss of serious talent in the last 2 years (including Ryan Shazier, Mike Mitchell, and James Harrison), namely Leveon Bell, and soon to be Antonio Brown, will plunge the once-triumphant team to the depths of the division.
Despite picking up the slack for the lack of running game, Ben Roethlisberger’s age is a factor in the demise of the Steelers as he himself has toyed with retirement for the past few years. James Connor was able to put up huge numbers, but quite clearly did not have the same impact that Bell posed, both as a runner and a receiver. Now, with the advent of Antonio Brown’s drama queen spectacle, the Steelers are in hot water. Antonio Brown served not only as a lethal deep threat for the Steelers but also was imperative in opening up targets for the rest of the defense and even the run game. Mike Tomlin clearly does not have a grip on the locker situation, as both the antics of Bell and Brown have polarized and divided the team, messing with the team’s unity and morale. The loss of both Brown and Bell in consecutive years, arguably the best at their respective positions, will have its toll on the once-fatal offense.
If history has taught us anything, it’s that the fall of one empire results in the rise of another. Greece fell and Rome arose from the ashes. Rome tumbled and the Byzantine appeared from the rubble. The Steelers will fall and, like Romulus and Remus (the legendary founders of the Roman Empire), Jackson and Mayfield will ascend from the debris. Mayfield showed just a sliver of his true potential in his rookie campaign, leading the notoriously miserable Browns to a 7-8-1 record (5 of their losses were within 7 points or less). Mayfield portrayed his laser accuracy, a fearless attitude in his throws, and courageous leadership in his rookie campaign, all while surpassing the rookie TD record (despite missing 3 games).
Jackson, on the other hand, commandeered one of the most efficient run games in the league, averaging over 200 yards rushing under his tenure. Since taking over for veteran QB Joe Flacco, Jackson turned the team around from a 4-5 team (and the epitome of mediocre) to a well-oiled, ground and pound offense that bleeds the clock. His presence seemed to energize the city of Baltimore and propelled the Ravens to a division title and a playoff berth. Both Mayfield and Jackson showcased scary potential, indicating a bright and competitive future for the AFC North. It’s evident that the division winner will come from one of these two teams in the near future.
Do you agree or disagree with my take? Drop a comment on why or why not you, and where you think Antonio Brown will land in 2019
This article was dedicated to Yiannis Dais
DISCLAIMER: I AM IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH THE NFL, AND NEITHER DO I OWN ANY OF THE IMAGES.
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