The Pittsburgh Steelers don't consider themselves the rightful owners of the AFC North throne for no reason. That is a position they are used to claiming. Since 2002, the Steelers have won nine division titles, with the most recent not too far in the rearview mirror (2020). That consistency means something to the franchise, and it means all the more when you think about the division that they are competing in year in and year out. The AFC North is a unique animal, demanding grit and strength where other teams falter. So, how is the division shaping up ahead of the 2023 season?
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Steelers retired running back Jerome Bettis (#36) celebrates the 2005 Super Bowl championship over the Seattle Seahawks
Steelers Are Embattled In A Packed Division
Winning your division is one of the top priorities for any NFL team, but it just means a little more when it's the AFC North being fought over. Epic battles between the Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens are alive and well in the minds of NFL fans and, in 2023, it seems like each team has its own storyline that leads them to the crown. According to Jeffri Chadiha, a columnist for NFL.com, the AFC North stands above all other divisions in the league because of the realistic hopes each team has for success.
"The North is king this year because every team has a real shot to reach the postseason."
When you really think about it, no matter who you cheer for, there is truth in Chadiha's take on the division race. Even the Cleveland Browns may end up surprising people if their controversial Deshaun Watson experiment ends up panning out. With all the questions surrounding the issue-laden quarterback, the Browns have a great deal of investment that is relying on Watson returning to the form that made him a sensation with the Houston Texans. Chadiha is wary of writing Cleveland off, no matter how much of an uphill battle they may have before them.
"The Cleveland Browns are just as intriguing. Two straight losing seasons shouldn't obscure the fact that plenty of talent remains for a team that made the playoffs in 2020. They'll also have quarterback Deshaun Watson for a full season and a defense that should prosper under new coordinator Jim Schwartz."
Again, every single positive surrounding the 2023 Cleveland offense is contingent on Watson not being the rusty, half-able self that we saw in his performance at the end of the 2022 season. It could all become moot by Watson leading the Browns to an early and surprising start, but just because it is a possibility doesn't mean it's probable.
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Steelers AFC North rival Cleveland Browns are in for an uphill battle in 2023
Steelers Looking Up At Two Divisional Foes
The Steelers have had a near-perfect offseason and preseason so far in 2023 and all that's left is to do it all again when it counts. Despite being one of the more improved teams over the 2023 offseason, Chadiha sees two other teams as the true frontrunners. However, one wonders how much of that is purely based on the Baltimore Ravens past successes rather than their current situation.
"If you want to talk about the favorites to win this division, we're once again choosing between Baltimore and Cincinnati."
For many who cover the league, the Cincinnati Bengals are the ones to take the AFC North, if not the entire AFC itself. It's hard to look past the superstar duo that is Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, but one early wrinkle that may derail the early Bengals train is the calf injury that Burrow is currently battling. The immediate reaction was mostly positive, but as the 2023 season opener looms, Burrow is still trying to come back from the lingering injury.
If Burrow is hampered at all, or worse, if he misses games, can the rest of the Bengals team overcome that kind of a loss? As we saw with the Steelers in 2022 with TJ Watt's injury, that kind of player missing time can truly become a problem. Chadiha also recognizes the impact that it could have to the Bengals if Burrow's calf becomes something that stretches into the middle part of the season.
"The Bengals are praying the calf strain that has sidelined quarterback Joe Burrow since early in training camp doesn't linger into the regular season."
In Baltimore, it's all about Lamar Jackson. The additions on offense, like Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr., are talented pieces, but they can't shoulder a team like Jackson is hoping to do in 2023. Injuries have held Jackson back from being consistent lately, and as much as he protests the label of him being injury-prone, the truth is in the tape. It will take a bit of luck and a big improvement from the offensive line for Jackson to stay upright and healthy in 2023, and if that happens, then the Ravens can perhaps challenge the Bengals.
"The Ravens are eager to prove that quarterback Lamar Jackson can take his game to another level in an offense that is expected to feature a more dynamic passing attack."
The days of the Ravens having the best shutdown defense in the NFL may be in the past, but they wanted Jackson back for a reason. With some offensive toys to play with, 2023 could be the one that signals the shift from injury-prone to NFL elite.
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Steelers Division Rival Baltimore Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson wants to put the injury-prone label behind him in 2023
Steelers Have High Hopes For A Division Title In 2023
If you're a Steelers fan, you know that people either love the Steelers or hate them; there's usually no middle ground. It's been an offseason where even the haters are having a hard time poking holes in what the franchise has done. The slew of talent brought in through the draft and free agency meant improvements across the board. Young quarterback, Kenny Pickett, is looking to make the sophomore leap in 2023. With a ridiculously talented receiver group, the offense should be miles better than 2022.
"The Pittsburgh Steelers might be the worst squad on paper, but their preseason buzz is real. Quarterback Kenny Pickett is maturing quickly in his second season, the defense still has an assortment of playmakers and Mike Tomlin can coach his butt off."
It's hard to argue with that. With a head coach like Mike Tomlin and a wonderful blend of veteran experience and rookie energy, the 2023 Steelers could be on the verge of greatness. It all begins and ends with the division, though, and you can be sure that they will be in the AFC North mix when the later stages of the season arrive. In such a packed division with so much talent, the Steelers want to stand out and once again return to the consistent division titles they used to enjoy.
After all, is that really so hard to imagine?
Will the Steelers win the AFC North in 2023? Let us know in the comments below!
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