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 received their first up-close look at the Ravens and Steelers chase for a division title on Tuesday night.
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 and 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.
We’re looking at takeaways and observations from episode one.
Mike Tomlin is must see TV
Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin walks off the field after the victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
The opening segment lasted about two minutes and featured all four AFC North coaches. Very quickly, it was evident that Mike Tomlin has the charisma and swag to command any room in any division.
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Lingering rivalries
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 11: Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals flies through the air after being hit by safety Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Paycor Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Episode one highlighted the intense AFC North rivalries, including the dislike between Minkah Fitzpatrick (Steelers) and Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals).
Joe Burrow purchased a BatMobile
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) walks for the locker room after the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 13 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. The Steelers won 44-38.
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An episode of Hard Knocks highlighted Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow purchasing his own Batmobile.
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Lamar Jackson enthusiasm about Saquon Barkley leaping over a player
Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) while running with the ball during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The reigning MVP is a walking highlight reel, but Jackson couldn’t help himself when describing Saquon Barkley’s leap over a Jaguars defender.
Jameis Winston gets his moment
Nov 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) throws the ball during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
After 20 minutes of AFC North nostalgia involving the Ravens, Steelers, and Bengals, the scene shifted to Cleveland and quarterback Jameis Winston, who watched the film and walked through plays barefooted while playing out the scenarios in the film room.
Mike Tomlin’s importance
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches warm up for a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Tomlin talked George Pickens through a turnover in the 44-38 win, with this message to his wife receiver on the sidelines after the Bengals pick-six.
“I need you to stay with me. This sh*t ain’t going to decide the outcome of the game. Look at me. You alright?”
The Steelers wide receiver responded with a touchdown of his own is a major reason why the Pittsburgh head coach has never had a losing season.
Steelers-centric episode 1
Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) prepares for the snap against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
The AFC North is a four team division, but Tuesday’s episode 1 focused mainly on the Steelers, and Bengals with some Browns and Joe Burrow sprinkled in. Whether it’s the Ravens not wanting to participate or just episode 1 being about Mike Tomlin, Ravens fans watching for Lamar Jackson, or Derrick Henry will be extremely disappointed.
Justin Tucker lowlights
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 01: Justin Tucker #9 of the Baltimore Ravens kicks a field goal during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Baltimore’s 24-19 loss to the Eagles got some shine at the end of episode 1, and it focused on Justin Tucker’s two missed field goals.
