The AFC North is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. But every year it comes down to the Steelers and Ravens. What was once the best defensive division, has now become an explosion of offense. This year the division holds the league MVP, a living legend, a rookie phenom, and a QB looking to prove himself. But how do these quarterbacks rank?
- Baltimore Ravens- Lamar Jackson
Possibly the best QB outside of Patrick Mahomes may reside in Baltimore. Lamar Jackson leaped from being a “project quarterback” to the NFL’s unanimous MVP. Jackson made improvements in every aspect of his game. His feel to escape the pocket has always been his main threat. But in 2019 his passing, accuracy and downfield vision was second to only Mahomes.
He finished with 36 touchdown passes compared to only six interceptions. His quarterback rating of 113.3 was ranked 3rd in the league and he completed 66% of his passes. While his 3,127 yards passing was in the bottom of the league, he tacked on 1,206 rushing yards and seven more scores to led the Ravens to a 14-2 record.
- Pittsburgh Steelers- Ben Roethlisberger
The return of Big Ben is the biggest offseason acquisition for the Steelers. But the 38-year-old does have a lengthy injury history to his name. When Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2, it was obvious that the Steelers would struggle. While the team still battled for the playoffs, the play at QB was subpar.
Roethlisberger is an immediate upgrade. The Steeler great may be on his last legs, but his last full season he threw for over 5,000 passing yards with 34 touchdown tosses. As long as Big Ben has been under center, the Steelers have been Super Bowl contenders.
- Clevland Browns- Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield hit a sophomore wall. Coming into the season the Browns were seen as a dream team. But the team underachieved and Mayfield’s play nose dived after a great first year. After setting a rookie record for most touchdown passes with 27, Mayfield threw for 22 TD’s. That was compounded with 21 interceptions.
Those numbers suffered even though he was throwing to two Pro Bowl wide receivers in Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. While his passing yardage increased, his completion percentage dropped from 63.8% to under 60%. For the Browns to compete on a high level he must replace Big Ben as the second-best QB in the division.
- Cinicanti Bengals- Joe Burrow
Now that Andy Dalton is gone, the Bengals are handing the franchise to over to rookie Joe Burrow. The No. 1 overall pick resume speaks for itself. Burrow had one of the greatest College Football seasons of any QB in history. But the question remains if the system he played in was the factor of his success and not his ability. Under offensive coordinator Joe Brady (now at the Carolina Panthers) the stars on LSU offense were selected in the NFL Draft. Three offensive players were selected in the first round.
The Bengals had an underrated draft and offseason. Burrow has a solid crew of offensive weapons with AJ Green, Tyler Boyd, Joe Mixon, and draft pick Tee Higgins. But Borrow will be playing two of the top defenses in the league with an inexperienced head coach leading the way. Borrow may have talent but his first year will be rough.
