AFC North Power Rankings Week 7: Russ cooks, Watson’s tenure is potentially over

Bengals hoping to catch up with Ravens and Steelers

Week 7 in the AFC North has wrapped up. The Pittsburgh Steelers made a quarterback change and it surprisingly worked out, the Cincinnati Bengals won the battle of Ohio over the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens continue to look like the class of the division.

A lot to discuss, let’s get into it.

1. Baltimore Ravens

If the season ended today, Lamar wins back to back MVP

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

They told Russ to cook and he didn’t burn down the kitchen

3. Cincinnati Bengals

3-4, but they aren’t where they need to be.

4. Cleveland Browns

Nick Chubb scored, I am leaving here with something.

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin makes QB change, and it works out

When Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin chose to make a quarterback change by replacing quarterback Justin Fields with Russell Wilson, many questioned the thought process made by Tomlin. “Why would the Steelers make a quarterback change when the team is winning?”

As mentioned last week, Fields didn’t pass the ball particularly well for the past couple weeks so it didn’t surprise many that Tomlin would consider a change at the quarterback spot. Turns out, Tomlin knew what he was doing.

At first, it looked bleak as the Steelers offense sputtered at times but thanks to the New York Jets making mistakes, the Steelers were able to capitalize and the offense got its footing:

Wilson might not have the rushing upside that Fields possess but is a better passer. Wilson’s best trait is the deep ball and it’s still there (barely) but the mobility isn’t. Pittsburgh’s passing offense looked competent and the weapons contributed. Are the Steelers contenders with Wilson under center? No, but Mike Tomlin left this “bar” during his postgame presser:

Bengals win but questions remain, Watson tears Achilles

In this latest Battle of Ohio, it was the Cincinnati Bengals coming away with the victory. Make no mistake, the Bengals did their best to give this game away but they found a way.

Offensively, Cincinnati got success in the passing game but mainly did their damage with the over routes (mainly dig routes). Quarterback Joe Burrow played well while wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase had their occasional splash plays, Higgins eclipsed 80+ yards receiving.

The running game for the Bengals was bottled up but the defense came away with crucial turnovers to get the win. Head coach Zac Taylor almost gave the game way with some head-scratching decisions and the team poorly executed but it’s another sloppy win that the Bengals will take.

Let’s discuss the Cleveland Browns. No, specifically Quarterback Deshaun Watson. Late in the 2nd quarter, while the Browns were driving down the field Watson suffered a non-contact injury. Watching the replay, he ruptured his Achilles and his season was likely over.

The reaction however is something I want to discuss.

Some people cheered when Watson got hurt, while others boo’d. Regardless of how you feel about Watson off the field, it’s never okay to wish injury upon him. The players were obviously upset by the fans cheering at the injury and somehow fans were even more angry at the players for defending Watson.

Players are going to defend their teammates, that’s just how it is but fans were already on upset with Watson due to his poor play on the field. Watson’s career could be over after this but the overall situation was just unfortunate.

Ravens crush Buccaneers, Lamar’s MVP case strengthens

It’s not a hot take, but the Baltimore Ravens are clearly the best team in the AFC North. The gap between them and the other 3 teams in the division isn’t particularly close.

Offensively, the unit seems to be getting more and more comfortable with each other. If the season ended today, quarterback Lamar Jackson would win his third MVP. Jackson’s passing has evolved and if you can’t realize it, I don’t know what to tell you. Running back Derrick Henry adds another layer to their running game, he takes pressure off Jackson due to his ability to wear down defenses:

Defensively, the Ravens do have their issues to work out and with cornerback Marlon Humphrey potentially being out for a while, their secondary (which was already a weakness) gets thinner. The unit gave up 30+ points but the held the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense in check for most of the game after the unit got off to a rough start.

As it looks right now, the AFC North runs through Baltimore.

How would you rank the AFC North after Week 7?