Digest

This episode of The Athletic Football Show continues the discussion of the AFC North, focusing on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The hosts, Robert Mays and Stephen Rees, analyze the Steelers' offensive and defensive strengths and weaknesses, highlighting key players and personnel decisions. They discuss the potential of wide receiver George Pickens, the impact of rookie defensive tackle Keanu Benton, and the importance of a dominant front seven. The hosts also express concerns about the Steelers' quarterback situation and the lack of a reliable number one receiver. The episode concludes with a discussion of the Steelers' defensive scheme and the potential for a strong season.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the Athletic Football Show and the topic of the episode: lingering questions from the 2023 season about the AFC North.

00:00:08

AFC North Lingering Questions

This Chapter begins the discussion of lingering questions about the AFC North, starting with the Ravens. The hosts discuss the Ravens' offensive evolution under Todd Monken and the potential for improvement in year two.

00:21:23

Cincinnati Bengals

This Chapter focuses on the Cincinnati Bengals, specifically their offensive evolution and the question of how to expand Joe Burrow's margin for error. The hosts discuss the Bengals' reliance on explosive plays and the potential for a more balanced offense.

00:32:15

Cleveland Browns

This Chapter delves into the Cleveland Browns, focusing on Deshaun Watson's late-season performance and the question of whether he can be a top-half quarterback. The hosts discuss Watson's comfort level in the pocket and the Browns' offensive structure.

00:48:59

Pittsburgh Steelers

This Chapter examines the Pittsburgh Steelers, specifically the question of how good the team can be outside of the quarterback position. The hosts discuss the Steelers' impressive record despite their quarterback struggles and the potential for a high ceiling with a competent quarterback.

01:03:45

Steelers' Offensive Ceiling

This Chapter focuses on the Steelers' offensive ceiling, discussing the potential of wide receiver George Pickens and the need for another reliable receiver. The hosts debate Pickens's route running ability and his potential as a number one receiver. They also discuss the Steelers' offensive scheme and the need for a more balanced approach.

01:05:55

Steelers' Defensive Strengths

This Chapter focuses on the Steelers' defensive strengths, highlighting the potential of rookie defensive tackle Keanu Benton and the importance of a dominant front seven. The hosts discuss the Steelers' defensive scheme and the potential for a strong season. They also express concerns about the Steelers' secondary and the lack of a proven nickel option.

01:08:58

Conclusion

This Chapter concludes the episode with a summary of the Steelers' strengths and weaknesses and a discussion of the team's potential for the upcoming season. The hosts express their excitement for the Steelers' defense and their concerns about the quarterback position and the offensive coordinator.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the biggest question about the Ravens' offense heading into the 2024 season?

  The biggest question is how the offense will evolve in year two under Todd Monken. The hosts believe that the offense has the potential to be even better than it was in 2023, but they are concerned about the offensive line and the lack of a true deep threat receiver.

• What is the biggest question about the Bengals' offense heading into the 2024 season?

  The biggest question is how the Bengals will expand Joe Burrow's margin for error. The hosts believe that the Bengals need to find a way to create more explosive plays, especially on early downs, and that they need to convince Burrow to be more comfortable playing under center.

• What is the biggest question about the Browns' offense heading into the 2024 season?

  The biggest question is whether Deshaun Watson can be a top-half quarterback in the NFL. The hosts are encouraged by Watson's late-season performance, but they are concerned about his comfort level in the pocket and his down-to-down consistency.

• What is the biggest question about the Steelers' offense heading into the 2024 season?

  The biggest question is what the Steelers' ceiling is with a competent quarterback. The hosts believe that the Steelers have a strong supporting cast on both sides of the ball, but they are concerned about the fit between their offensive scheme and the quarterbacks they have on the roster.

• What is the biggest question about the Browns' defense heading into the 2024 season?

  The biggest question is whether the Browns' defense can be successful against high-level offenses. The hosts believe that the Browns' defense is vulnerable to explosive plays and that they need to find a way to be more versatile in their coverage schemes.

• What is the biggest question about the Ravens' defense heading into the 2024 season?

  The biggest question is whether the Ravens can maintain their defensive dominance without key players like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams. The hosts believe that the Ravens have a strong defensive foundation, but they are concerned about the depth of the secondary.

• What is the biggest question about the Bengals' defense heading into the 2024 season?

  The biggest question is whether the Bengals can improve their pass defense. The hosts believe that the Bengals' secondary is a major weakness and that they need to find a way to get more consistent play from their young defensive backs.

• What is the biggest question about the Steelers' defense heading into the 2024 season?

  The biggest question is whether the Steelers can continue to be a dominant run-stopping defense. The hosts believe that the Steelers have a strong front seven, but they are concerned about the depth of the defensive line.

• What is the biggest question about the Steelers' offensive ceiling?

  The biggest question is whether George Pickens can develop into a reliable number one receiver. The hosts believe that Pickens has the potential to be a star, but they are concerned about his route running ability and his consistency.

• What is the biggest question about the Steelers' defense?

  The biggest question is whether the Steelers can maintain their defensive dominance without key players like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward. The hosts believe that the Steelers have a strong defensive foundation, but they are concerned about the depth of the defensive line and the secondary.

Show Notes