Proving a growing theory can give Ravens AFC North (and some jinx-ending bragging rights)
Proving a growing theory can give Ravens AFC North (and some jinx-ending bragging rights) Another AFC North title would give the Ravens divisional superiority and a bragging rights over their rivals.
This isn't an exaggeration. It has been hard not to watch Hard Knocks again while passing the time ahead of another Baltimore Ravens season. Truthfully, this would have been the fourth or fifth viewing. HBO's long-running behind-the-scenes peek into NFL training camps finally evolved, and it's about time.
Season one in 2001 featured the Ravens. As time passed, things became predictable. There are only so many times the cameras can follow some rookie we don't know before he's cut in the third or fourth episode, but In Season with the AFC North was the cure for all that ailed us. Here we are, dealing with something all too familiar: the expectations of another shot at glory.
Another race for the AFC North begins.
The dates have danced in our heads so often that we have them memorized. Baltimore's OTA offseason workouts run from May 27-29. They pick up on June 3rd and continue through June 5-6 and June 9-12. Mandatory Minicamp runs from June 17-19.
In addition to keeping up with all things Baltimore Ravens, one eye stays on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Everyone has also kept tabs on the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns. Here's what we've learned (or retaught ourselves).
The Steelers don't have a QB and seem content to do all they can to lose the AFC North by the end of the summer. The Cleveland Browns have too many QBs, and the rookie might become a distraction if they aren't careful.
The Bengals have become 'The Bungles' again. They seemingly don't want to pay anyone except their quarterback and wide receivers, leading many to a consensus when the topic of conversation turns to what's expected from this race for the division title.
The Ravens seem to be everyone's favorite to win the AFC North, and if they do, they'll make history.
Ask around. Check out any sportsbook. Take a poll on social media. Most NFL pundits agree.
The Ravens are the favorites to win the AFC North this season. Doing so will accomplish a feat not seen since the AFC Central was transformed into a four-team division 23 years ago.
The Pittsburgh Steelers won the Central Division from 1974 to 79. Cleveland won three straight titles in the mid-eighties (1985-87). The Steelers again took the crown from 1994-97, but since pro football's realignment ahead of the 2002 regular season, no AFC North team has won three divisional titles.
Baltimore took the crown in 2023 and 2024. They have larger goals than beating up on the Steelers, Browns, and Bungles this season, but if this is to be a historic campaign, one that hopefully ends with a third Lombardi Trophy win, claiming bragging rights over their rivals would make another championship that much sweeter
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