Category: AFC North News

Browns to play Bailey Zappe at QB vs. Ravens in Week 18

Cleveland Browns to play Bailey Zappe and at QB vs. the Baltimore Ravens in the Week 18 season finale

The Browns are heading to Baltimore, where they’ll face the Ravens on Saturday afternoon in the final regular-season game on ESPN and ABC. This will be the Browns’ second matchup against the Ravens this season. They hosted Baltimore in Week 8 at Huntington Bank Field and won 29-24.

Cleveland is 3-13 heading into Week 18 after a 20-3 loss to the Dolphins in Week 17, while the Ravens are 11-5 and lead the AFC North heading into Week 18. On Tuesday, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he’s considering playing both Bailey Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson as quarterbacks.

On Thursday, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reported that Zappe will get the start.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday that Winston (shoulder) will likely be inactive for Saturday’s game at Baltimore as the team’s emergency No. 3 quarterback.

Zappe, who was signed off Kansas City’s practice squad in October after Deshaun Watson ruptured his Achilles tendon, will be the Browns’ fourth starting quarterback this season and No. 40 since 1999.

Zappe went 4-4 in eight career starts for New England. The 25-year-old has thrown for 2,053 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Thompson-Robinson completed 24 of 47 pass attempts for 170 yards and one interception while rushing four times for 10 yards and losing a fumble in Sunday’s 20-3 loss to Miami.

Zay Flowers needs spacing, Ravens work best out of 12 & 13 personnel

Baltimore Ravens WR Zay Flowers would greatly benefit if OC Todd Monken used more 12 personnel to grant him spacing on the outside.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is nearly impossible to cover on an island with NFL defensive backs.

However, suppose offensive coordinator Todd Monken keeps crowding the boundary with two and three wide receiver sets. In that case, he limits the space Flowers has to work, allowing teams to use shell and disguise coverage effectively.  

In 21, 12, and 13 personnel, opponents have to match the Ravens with 4-3 base, 3-4, and Nickel packages to account for the run. Furthermore, with running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson posing serious ground threats, these personnel groups allow the play-action pass with Flowers to be lethal.

Sure, it’s just a broken play. One Monken can’t brag about to his expert comrades. However, the probability of these explosive plays is proven.

Flowers is averaging 14.4 yards per catch this season on just 60 receptions. Thus, sequencing in deep and intermediate throws to Flowers while prioritizing the running game in 21, 12, and 13 personnel has been adequate. Monken’s lust for a pass-heavy offense has to be seized if the Ravens want a chance late in the season. Instead, he should enjoy the bliss of sporadically getting chunk plays with Flowers. 

Report: Steelers connection could keep Ravens from releasing Diontae Johnson

It wouldn’t be a controversial stance to say that Diontae Johnson was a disaster signing for the Ravens.

It is not a hot take to say that the Baltimore Ravens’ Diontae Johnson signing has not worked out. It wouldn’t even be controversial to say that this was a disaster signing.

He’s played just one 39 offensive snaps in Baltimore, and when asked to play against the Eagles, he refused out of frustration with his lack of usage.

I’m not sure how that “logic” works exactly—being upset about not getting enough playing time but then saying no when asked to play. However, that all works. Johnson is currently suspended, and the disciplinary action has invited speculation that he could be released.

Widespread reports indicate the Ravens are/have considered it, but one potential consequence might keep the team from actually doing it. The fear is that should the Ravens cut Johnson, he could return to his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he would then provide insider info to the archrivals.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes:

Whether the Steelers would want him back is unclear, but the way some people around the league see it: The threat of him sharing Ravens offensive intel with Pittsburgh could make Baltimore hold on to him.

This doesn’t seem like the best reason to keep Johnson around, but the concerns are understandable. Overall, it’s a messy situation.

Kyle Van Noy is the Ravens nominee for the 2024 Art Rooney Sportsmanship award

Kyle Van Noy is the Ravens nominee for the 2024 Art Rooney Sportsmanship award

On Monday morning, the NFL released its 32 nominees for the tenth annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. Since its inception in 2014, each NFL team has nominated one of its players for the award, which recognizes players around the league who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field. The award honors the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Art Rooney Sr.

“Sportsmanship is the core of the game, the vanguard of public confidence, the keeper of game integrity,” said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations. “These Rooney Sportsmanship Award nominees exemplify the spirit of fair play and the values of respect, integrity, commitment to team, and resiliency at the highest level of competition.”

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy was nominated for this prestigious award. His extraordinary leadership and sportsmanship were evident throughout this season in his work on and off the field.

Current NFL player’s votes determine the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award winner. The winner will be announced during NFL Honors and receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice.

WATCH: First look at HBO’s Hard Knocks In-Season with the AFC North

HBO released the initial trailer for Hard Knocks In-Season with the AFC North featuring the Ravens, Bengals, Browns and Steelers

The AFC North is the most challenging division in the NFL. The season started with four potential 2024 playoff teams and tons of storylines. As HBO’s Hard Knocks takes an inside, in-season look at this historical division, fans will now have an up-close look.

For the first time since its debut, the award-winning docuseries goes behind the scenes of an entire NFL division for the first time. Warner Brothers Discovery made the announcement back in June.

HARD KNOCKS: IN SEASON WITH THE AFC NORTH will document the battle for the AFC North crown during the final six weeks of the NFL season, as well as a playoff run for the division-winner and any AFC North Wild Card teams. The 18-time Emmy®-winning series will deliver its signature all-access coverage as it follows the Mike Tomlin-coached Pittsburgh Steelers, who have never been featured on “Hard Knocks” in the history of the series, as well as coach John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens, coach Zac Taylor’s Cincinnati Bengals, and coach Kevin Stefanski’s Cleveland Browns. Quarterbacks Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson, and Justin Fields will share the “Hard Knocks” spotlight with Derrick Henry, Ja’Marr Chase, Myles Garrett, TJ Watt, and an array of other AFC North star players.

It will debut Tuesday, December 3, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and stream on Max. Subsequent Tuesdays will air through the end of the NFL regular season and continue into the NFL playoffs in January 2025. HBO released the first trailer on Tuesday, and it looks as intense as the action presents.

Baltimore was the first team featured on the original “Hard Knocks” training camp series 2001. Since then, the Bengals have appeared twice, in 2009 and 2013, and the Browns in 2018, while the Pittsburgh Steelers will be making their debut appearance. Storylines to watch will include Patrick Queen’s arrival in Pittsburgh and the renewed Steelers-Ravens rivalry.

Contract disputes in Cleveland, Deshaun Watson’s return and subsequent injury, Russell Wilson’s debut, Justin Field’s arrival, and Joe Burrow’s return are just the tip of the iceberg of storylines and interesting subplots.

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Mike Tomlin keeps outsmarting John Harbaugh, Steelers lead AFC North

Baltimore Ravens HC John Harbaugh has gotten far too comfortable allowing the Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin to walk over his team.

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh never seems to outsmart Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, especially when it matters most.

Unlike Harbaugh, Tomlin doesn’t like finesse and beauty. He leads a rugged football team, led by his powerful defense and offensive ground attack. On Sunday, Tomlin stuck to his guns, and his team forced three turnovers on the Ravens in the pivotal week 11 win.

 

Even with Baltimore ranking No. 1 in rush defense, Tomlin still ran the ball 34 times, using a committee of players to forward his attack. Tomlin even dispatched wide receiver Cordelle Patterson and reserve quarterback Justin Fields to cap off the 18-16 victory.

Harbaugh not only allowed offensive coordinator Todd Monken to neglect running back Derrick Henry from the game plan, but he also opted out of an opportunity for the onside kick with the team down two points with under 2:00 minutes to go. The most embarrassing moment in the game was the broadcast zooming in on Harbaugh as he called the aimless final timeout with under a minute to go, not realizing the Steelers had converted on 3rd and 1.

Impulsivity isn’t the leading factor compelling Ravens’ fans to scrutinize Harbaugh. Instead, Harbaugh’s unseemly contentment with coming up just short and his postured composure after losing critical games for the franchise.

Is Patrick Queen the dominant storyline for Ravens vs. Steelers on Sunday?

Even the most important storyline of the game, the AFC North division race, could take a back seat to Patrick Queen.

When the Baltimore Ravens visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, AFC North supremacy will be on the line. While this is ultimately the most important storyline of the game, it will likely take a back seat to Patrick Queen.

All the storylines in this game will probably overshadow the reality of Queen facing his former team.

Just today, the Pro Bowler revealed that the Ravens didn’t actually offer him a contract extension once his deal was up. It is likely that someone within the Ravens organization will publicly dispute that claim, but no matter what actually happened, what’s done is done.

Once Queen left for Pittsburgh in the spring, he went out of his way to say how much he preferred his new home, Baltimore. Queen even threw shade at Charm City’s trademark cuisine, saying that seafood isn’t real food.

On the heels of these remarks, Ravens defensive back Marlon Humphrey said on his podcast that Queen should be wary that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Queen then posted a video of himself watering a green patch of grass on social media.

Shortly thereafter, newly signed free agent Derrick Henry discussed just how much he loved Maryland seafood, in a manner that made it seem like he was clapping back at Queen.

All the banter gave us something to write and talk about during June, which is notoriously the slowest news month on the NFL calendar. He said/he said/he said/he said it continued in August with Queen’s former running mate, Roquan Smith, boldly putting him on notice for the two games this upcoming season.

Later in September, when Justice Hill signed his new contract extension, he made sure to include a “grass is greener” remark.

Have I got all that?

And, of course, this is just what was said out in public. Who knows what some of the other guys inside the Ravens’ locker room are thinking about this game against their former mate?

At this point, Queen is like Eminem in this rivalry—who hasn’t he had beef with?

Also, who could think that seafood isn’t real food?

Blasphemous!

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin pushes back on comparing rookie QB Jayden Daniels to Lamar Jackson: ‘That’s a multi-time MVP’

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin pushes back on comparing rookie QB Jayden Daniels to Lamar Jackson: ‘That’s a multi-time MVP’

The 7-3 Baltimore Ravens will face their arch-rivals, the 7-2 Pittsburgh Steelers, in Week 11, with first place in the AFC North on the line.

After the Steelers defeated the Washington Commanders in Week 10, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the similarities between Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

“Man, be real slow comparing people to Lamar Jackson,” Tomlin said. “That’s a multi-time MVP. That’s Mr. Jackson. We’ll see Mr. Jackson in a few days.“

Daniels is in the middle of an incredible rookie campaign, but Jackson is currently on pace to win his third MVP award while producing one of the best seasons ever seen at the quarterback position. Funnily enough, Tomlin is one of the few coaches to have success against Jackson throughout his career, although the two have met far fewer times than you may think, given Jackson’s time in the league.

Despite being in the same division, Jackson has only played in six games against Pittsburgh, winning only two while throwing four and seven touchdowns. Jackson was let down by his pass catchers in a Week 5 17-10 loss to the Steelers last season but has otherwise not played his best football against Tomlin’s squad.

Jackson has the chance to get the monkey off his back this Sunday, but Pittsburgh’s defense, led by superstar edge rusher T.J. Watt, will look to do what no other team has been able to so far: slow down the NFL’s best offense.

WATCH: Motivated Joe Burrow wants Bengals ready for ‘Big One’ vs Ravens on Thursday night

Motivated Joe Burrow wants Bengals ready for the ‘Big One’ vs Ravens on Thursday night

Joe Burrow called this past Sunday’s game against Las Vegas a ‘must-win” for Cincinnati, and the Bengals quarterback led the way with five touchdowns in a 41-24 over the Raiders in Week 9.

In the win, according to ESPN Research, Burrow became the first player in franchise history to have multiple games of five or more passing touchdowns in a single season.

After the 41-24 win over the Raiders on Sunday, Burrow had this message for his team.

“Get your f—ing bodies right, get your minds right. It’s a big one on Thursday.”

Even with the win, the Bengals still have a losing record (4-5) heading into a showdown against the Ravens (6-3) on Amazon Prime’s Thursday Night Football.

Baltimore won the first matchup in Week 5, 41-38.   At one point in the fourth quarter of that loss to the Ravens,

At one point in the fourth quarter, Burrow was 27-for-34 for 353 yards and five touchdown passes, while former college teammate Ja’Marr Chase had nine catches for 174 yards and two scores.

Burrow finished 30-39 passing for 392 yards, five touchdowns, and one costly interception. His MVP counterpart, Lamar Jackson, was 26-42 passing for 348 yards and four touchdowns. Jackson also had 12 carries for 56 yards on the day.

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AFC North News: Steelers set to make a change at QB position

The Steelers plan to give Russell Wilson first-team reps in practice this week, putting him in line to make his season debut and start Sunday night against the Jets

The Steelers are 4-2, tied atop the AFC North with the Baltimore Ravens. Even with the early regular season success, head coach Mike Tomlin appears set to make a change at the quarterback position.

Tom Pelissero reports that Russell Wilson will get first-team reps in practice this week, putting him in line to start against the New York Jets on NBC’s Sunday Night Football.

Fields only threw for only 145 yards in the Steelers’ 32-13 win over the Raiders on Sunday, opening up the door for Wilson to add a downfield passing aspect to a team currently being led by its top-ranked defensive unit.

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