Training camp is a time of uncertainty for most NFL teams. Whether that be a new quarterback, coach or other factor, this is the time for teams to figure it out before September.
With that being said, here’s the biggest headline for each AFC North team heading into training camp:
Pittsburgh Steelers: Can Kenny Pickett take that next step?
2022 first-round QB Kenny Pickett had all the ups and downs expected from a rookie QB. He had some games where he looked like he could be the next franchise QB in Pittsburgh, and then he had some games that it may look otherwise. Either way, 2023 is as important as it gets for Pickett. Posting just seven touchdowns while throwing nine interceptions wasn’t exactly ideal for the former Pitt QB, but once again, he was a rookie.
The pieces are there for Pickett. George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, Allen Robinson, and Pat Freiermuth are more than enough weapons for him to work with. The Steelers will also most likely have a top-five defense, so it all comes down to Pickett to determine whether or not the Steelers make the playoffs in 2023 (no pressure, kid).
Cleveland Browns: Which Deshaun Watson are we getting?
Following his 11-game suspension, Deshaun Watson had an underwhelming 2022 season. Granted, he hadn’t played in over a year, but Watson looked nothing like the All-Pro that Cleveland expected when they traded three first-round picks for him and gave him $230 million guaranteed. The Browns gave Watson some more firepower by trading for Elijah Moore, but none of that matters if Watson can’t return to his old form.
The AFC is so competitive that you need great QB play to win anything of substance. As always, they’re going to have a great run game with Nick Chubb, so if Watson can look like he used to, Cleveland can be pretty good. If not, then they won’t do anything this season.
Cincinnati Bengals: Can they finally win the big one?
There aren’t many huge question marks on the Bengals’ roster. They’re incredibly talented and have most positions figured out. Sure, the offensive line isn’t great, but they added Orlando Brown Jr. at LT. The biggest question is: can Cincinnati finally win a Super Bowl? They are, without a doubt, a top-five team in the NFL, so what’s stopping them? One culprit is their defense.
Even though they performed well during the regular season, they gave up the second most points of any team in the playoffs. The offense certainly won’t be an issue with Joe Burrow and company, so it’s about whether they can put it all together when they need to in January and be playing in early February.
Baltimore Ravens: What will the offense look like under new OC Todd Monken?
The Ravens added a ton of pieces to their offense. Odell Beckham Jr and Zay Flowers were the most notable additions to support Lamar Jackson, but Baltimore also replaced their offensive coordinator. Former Georgia Bulldogs OC Todd Monken will be the new play caller in Baltimore, and we have zero idea what this offense will look like.
There’s no doubt it will still revolve around Lamar’s ability to use his legs, but they will also let him throw more than he has in any season prior. With all these weapons, it’ll be exciting to see what Jackson can do and whether Monken can truly unleash him as a dual-threat MVP-type QB.
