The Baltimore Ravens
The offseason had many Baltimore fans on edge watching the Lamar Jackson contract drama unfold. All hope seemed lost when Jackson demanded a trade, but the NFL Draft rolled around and the situation was resolved. In the end, Jackson received a five year contract worth $260,000,000. The Ravens also acquired WR Zay Flowers in the draft. Flowers is an explosive playmaker who will mesh well with recently signed free agent Odell Beckham Jr. On the other end, defense is a big unknown coming into the 2023 season. Roquan Smith was a solid pickup at the trade deadline, and Trenton Simpson was a steal as a versatile linebacker in the third round. But Marlon Humphrey is coming off another serious injury, and they no longer have Marcus Peters.
The Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh entered a new era in 2022, aka, the first season since 2004 without Ben Roethlisberger under center. In the 2022 Draft, the Steelers selected Kenny Pickett at the 20th spot. Pickett showed flashes of brilliance but perhaps not enough to cement himself as a franchise QB. Much of Pittsburgh’s success will lean on his development this year. However, Pickett will not be without help. Pro Bowlers Najee Harris and Dionte Johnson are both healthy heading into the season. Offensive depth includes rising stars Pat Friermuth and George Pickens and worthy veteran addition, Allen Robinson ll. Pittsburgh has always prided themselves on defense, and 2023 will be no exception. Both TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith had double digit sacks off the EDGE in 2022, while S Minkah Fitzpatrick showed why he is one of the league’s best. Veteran Patrick Peterson will be a great mentor to rookie Joey Porter Jr, and nose tackle Keanu Benton will make try to make his mark early. There may be playoffs in the future of the Steel City.
The Cleveland Browns
Cleveland is in what I can only describe as football limbo. The Deshaun Watson situation alienated much of the media and fanbase, and when Watson played rather poorly, those voices were amplified. Jacoby Brissett, who was brought in a placeholder for Watson, outplayed Watson in his tenure as the starter. Brissett is now in Washington, and all the pressure is now on Watson to prove his worth. Cleveland gave up much capital, financial and draft alike for Watson. If this gamble doesn’t pay off for Cleveland, there will be severe consequences. However, Watson is not without support. Nick Chubb has been an elite running back since he entered the league in 2018, and Amari Cooper is still a top-end target. On the defensive side, Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward should continue their dominance. The questions lie on the DEPTH of the defense. With Jadeveon Clowney and John Johnson gone, others will need to step up. Can Cleveland overcome these obstacles, or will they crumble under the pressure?
The Cincinnati Bengals
Cincy has the tools to win a championship in 2023, but do they know how to use them? Joe Burrow is an MVP-caliber QB, and Joe Mixon and Ja’marr Chase are both top five at their respective positions. Likewise Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are exceptional secondary receivers, while the jury is still out on new acquisition Irv Smith Jr. Cincy’s championship potential, like the Ravens, lies on the defensive side of the ball. Jesse Bates is gone and Daxton Hill will be his replacement. Hill struggled mightily in his limited action as a rookie. However, Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson are solid pass rushers, and Cincy hopes that rookie Myles Murphy will take the group over the top. Cincy has made many runs at the Super Bowl, including being only a drive away in 2022. Could this be the year that the Lombardi finds itself in the Skyline City?
