Each week during the NFL season, I will be running through the top storylines from within the AFC North and giving my brief opinion on each matter that is discussed. Once the season gets into full swing, we oftentimes overlook many prevalent stories around the league, as we narrow our focus solely on our beloved Steelers. Hopefully this weekly piece will provide insight on the important topics in the AFC North and educate each reader on what to expect for each AFC North team moving forward.

With much to discuss and minimal time to discuss it, let’s dive right in!

Ravens shock Lions in offensive outburst

Baltimore came out of the gate working on all cylinders, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. After several weeks of deficiencies in the red zone, Baltimore put all concerns with the offense to rest, at least temporarily. After pounding the Lions 38-6, Lamar Jackson and company look to build upon their impressive performance in Week 8 against a banged up Cardinals team. With the trade deadline fast approaching, rumors are swirling about the Ravens being buyers. One name tied to the Ravens amidst the rumors is Titans running back Derrick Henry. Henry would be a perfect fit for Baltimore’s power running scheme, and he would complete an offense that already possesses rookie standout Zay Flowers and veteran tight end Mark Andrews.

Ben Roethlisberger gives warning to Mike Tomlin

The Steelers are coming off perhaps their most complete game of the season, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 24-17. While second-year wideout George Pickens has continued to impress, he has also been open about his dissatisfaction with the offense. Pickens has emerged as a true number one receiver in the NFL, but his target share is definitely not as high as a typical star receiver. On the flip side, he is also quite open about his excitement after big plays, and sometimes to a fault. This past week, Pickens committed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that could have been costly. Fortunately, the penalty did not hurt the Steelers, but former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger still was not pleased about what he saw. Here is what he said on his most recent “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger” episode:

“We probably need to talk at some point about the negative plays by receivers in terms of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. George Pickens is an absolute animal. He’s a game-changer. He’s a difference-maker. You gotta get under control before it gets out of control, and you lose it forever.”

Roethlisberger is most definitely qualified to speak on this, as he had to deal with Antonio Brown’s shenanigans just a few short years ago.

Watson injured again, Browns pull out a victory

Deshaun Watson has certainly not been what anybody expected in Cleveland, and a nagging shoulder injury is definitely not helping his case. However, the Browns have overcome a series of significant injuries, winning yet another close game on Sunday against the Colts. Jerome Ford, who has been the primary replacement for Nick Chubb, is now dealing with an injury of his own, but Kareem Hunt showed on Sunday that he still has enough left in the tank to be a difference maker. It may be P.J. Walker and Kareem Hunt in the backfield for the Browns this Sunday, but if they can continue to dominate in the trenches, they will be a tough team to face.

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