Post by Pittsburgh Steelers (Malachi) on Sept 11, 2022 20:11:50 GMT -5
Mel Blount Division Preview: The Mel Blount division has seen 2 different division winners with the Steelers winning year 1 and the Titans winning year 2. The division is a combined 0-4 in the playoffs through 2 seasons. The Steelers are the one team that has made it both years and the only team to have a winning record both seasons. Can Nate defend the division crown this season, can Malachi and the Steelers reclaim that spot from 2020, or can the Ravens or Browns crack into that top spot for their first division title?
Baltimore Ravens (Dave): 2021 Record: 4-9
For Dave and the Ravens, 2021 was a very disappointing season and on the very opposite end of what happened in 2020. After going 8-4 in year 1, the team went 4-9 in 2021 and looked nothing like they did year 1. With Dalvin Cook and David Montgomery both missing time last season, that hurt this Ravens team and was a very obvious contributing factor to their struggles. As Dave tries to reclimb the division and conference standings he will rely on both Cook and Montgomery to stay healthy, because if they do, they will create one of the top RB duo’s in the league. Trey Sermon being the only depth at the position currently will be a slight issue for Dave though. With Hockenson at TE, that spot will be in a good spot most every single week for the Ravens, and Dave will hope Harrison Bryant can carve out a role in the Browns offense now that Austin Hooper is out of town. Jared Goff and Desmond Ridder create an interesting pairing at QB for the Ravens. Goff is down to his last year on his contract, so the plan I would guess is for Ridder to be the QB for the Ravens after this year, but if he is able to take the reins this season in Atlanta, it will be a massive boost for Dave and his goals for the season. To be honest coming into 2022 I am not sure what to make of the WR group for Dave this season, I think there is potential and talent there, but how successful they will be is still somewhat a mystery. Courtland Sutton is the safest bet, but with Russell Wilson in town the chemistry there needs to be tested in game, Christian Kirk landed in Jacksonville on a massive contract and will have clear pressure to perform from week 1 there, Garrett Wilson is a rookie and the Jets will have multiple QBs this season with Zach Wilson out to open the season, then there is Bryan Edwards and D’Wayne Eskridge that are behind stud WRs so their target share won’t be massive. Like the WR room on offense, the LB group on defense has talent, but has question marks heading into the season as the top 3 guys are all on new squads in the NFL this season. Rashaan Evans moves from Tennessee to Atlanta, Myles Jack moves from Jacksonville to Pittsburgh, and Khalil Mack moves from Chicago to the Chargers. Can all 3 land on their feet and continue to lead this group and defense as a whole? If not, the depth of rookies Leo Chenal and David Ojabo and free agent Blake Martinez leave a lot to be desired there. The key unit on this side will be the DL with a quartet of play makers there. Brian Burns is a menace, Jonathan Allen is consistent, and Jadeveon Clowney can pop off any given week. Joe Tryon is still growing in the league, but has the upside to break out this season in Tampa Bay so the DL will put points up every week. With only 2 guys currently on the roster at DB, those being Chauncy Gardner-Johnson and Ronnie Harrison. With no depth behind those 2, Dave will either go with 1 DB on 2 separate weeks or will need to sign a player or 2 to cover the DB spot every week this season. By finishing 4th last season in the division, the Ravens have that advantage over the teams above them, Tennessee and Pittsburgh, but will it be enough to get back to the 2020 form and be in the playoff race?
Predicted Division Finish: 3rd
Cleveland Browns (Josh): 2021 Record: 5-8
The LHL Browns are starting to look like the NFL Browns, but instead of a turnstile at QB, it has been at ownership. Josh marks the 7th different owner of the Browns in 2 seasons to this point as we head into the 3rd season. Josh comes in for the 2022 season and will try to bring some stability to the franchise. Josh inherits a young team here and adds young talent to it with the rookie draft by way of Skyy Moore, Malik Willis (who is older than the rookie drafted last season Trevor Lawrence), Khalil Shakir, and Derek Stingley. This Browns team finished 4th year 1 and 3rd in year 2, so can Josh keep the team trending up and finish 2nd this season and potentially be in the playoff picture? The Browns will be one of a few teams that feel good about the TE spot this season thanks to Dallas Goedert being the main guy there and Evan Engram being his backup. I will give WR the nod as the 2nd best unit on the offense with rookie Skyy Moore, Kadarius Toney, Deonte Harris, Tutu Atwell, and rookie Khalil Shakir making up a young group with none older than 24. Trevor Lawrence and Malik Willis make for a very intriguing duo at WR. Two QBs drafted by different owners, so I think Josh is hoping one shows why he should be the guy this season, while the other plays well enough to be able to get flipped next off-season. The last group to talk about on offense is the RBs and the group is led by guys that have players likely in front of them to open the season. Michael Carter, Boston Scott, Jamaal Williams, and Kene Nwangwu all are either RB2 or RB3 at best on their respective squads, so Josh needs one or 2 to be used in a significant way on their teams despite that fact. It looks like the Browns have the defense set up to try and keep this team afloat this season. It won’t likely be a top unit in the league, but has some big point totals for upside. The DL will have Myles Garrett, Quinnen Williams, and Kwity Paye to give the defense one of the top trios at DL this season. Between LB and DB, it is close for which will be the 2nd best unit here, but we will talk about the DBs as Micah Hyde, Brandon Jones, Stephon Gilmore, rookie Derek Stingley, and Juan Thornhill give this team a strong unit with much needed depth for a long season. At LB, Shaquil Barrett, Haason Reddick, Quincy Williams, Lorenzo Carter, and Jaelan Phillips will be a solid group that should be consistent week in, week out. If Dont’a Hightower is on the roster, but is yet to find a home for the season, so he could add some depth depending on his landing spot. With a 3rd place finish, the Browns will have a little tougher schedule this season than they had last season, so could that play a factor on if they progress or regress this coming season.
Predicted Division Finish: 4th
Pittsburgh Steelers (Malachi): 2021 Record: 7-6
Through 2 seasons, the Steelers are one of the few teams that have made the playoffs both seasons so far. Unlike in 2020 where the Steelers were the #1 AFC seed, they made the playoffs as a wild card team at 7-6 and missed winning the division by scoring less points than the Titans overall. Both seasons have ended in the same fashion for the Steelers as they have lost their first playoff matchup both seasons. The offseason saw offensive weapons Nick Chubb and George Kittle get traded away for big packages each, so what will the Steelers make of the returns in those deals? With a new look offense, the Steelers will rely on a WR core of Diontae Johnson, Kedrick Bourne, Nick Westrbook-Ikhine, Byron Pringle, and the rookie duo of Chris Olave and George Pickens. A young group that has upside, but will need a couple of the guys behind Diontae to break out this season. Justin Fields mans the QB spot this season for the Steelers and the hope there is that he progresses well in season two and doesn't hit a sophomore slump like some QBs do. At TE, it will be a pair of former teammates this season. Albert O still in Denver with Russell Wilson and Noah Fant in Seattle with Geno Smith/Drew Lock. Both at the age of 24, can one have a breakout top 10 TE season? Miles Sanders takes the role of lead RB here with Williams duo, Darrel and Damien, backing Sanders up. If Sanders plays well it will be a solid position, but depth behind him will be a question. Defense looks set up to be one of the best in the league this season and it starts at DL with Cam Heyward joining the unit and having Sebastian Joseph-Day, Carlos Dunlap, and rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux to set up a strong unit. Like DL, DB saw a big addition with Marcus Maye joining the fray and creating a strong group of Marcus Maye, Jordan Whitehead, Jevon Holland, and rookie Jalen Pitre. The LB group also has 2 players that finished top 10 last season in Cole Holcomb and Kyzir White, with young depth of Devin Bush, Willie Gay, Monty Rice, and another depth piece of Alex Singleton. Can the defense live up to it’s potential and lead this team to a playoff spot or division win? Finishing 2nd last season, but having the same record as Tennessee could be a big factor on if the Steelers can reclaim the division title this season.
Predicted Division Finish: 1st
Tennessee Titans (Nate): 2021 Record: 7-6
Nate came into 2021 trying to turn things around after a disappointing 2020 season, that was partly due to injuries stacking up including Saquon missing a good chunk of time. Despite trading away Saquon near the deadline in 2021 and having a decent lead in the division, the Titans did just that and went from 3rd in the division to winning it thanks to scoring more points than the Steelers on the season. It was a quick exit for the Titans in their first postseason experience as they lost round 1 to the Raiders. Nate didn’t make any big changes to the roster this season, but he does get to see Etienne now that he will play this year so that should be a boost to the offense. Nate will be aiming to retain the top spot in the division this season and with arguably the best fantasy and real life QB on his team that is a good start to the offense, we are of course talking about Josh Allen here. At WR, the Titans will miss Calvin Ridley during his suspension, but the team still has Tee Higgins, Elijah Moore, Sterling Shepard, rookies Jahan Dotson and Romeo Doubs, Dyami Brown, and free agent Dede Westbrook to give him alot of options to play this season. With Etienne being able to play this season he and Antonio Gibson will be useful at RB, but it will depend heavily on how much their respective offenses decide to use them this season. Khalil Herbert could be a surprise this season for the Titans as well and Darrius Guice is still on the roster as well. Like QB, the TE spot could be the best player at the position this season with Mark Andrews manning that spot, then Logan Thomas is a very capable backup behind Andrews to give Nate comfort at that position. With so many players on the offensive side of things, the defense will naturally be much thinner in terms of depth and that is the case for the Titans with 3 DL, 3 LBs, and 4 DBs on the roster. At DL there is talent with Joey Bosa, Montez Sweat and JJ Watt though and that is a good base for this defense. The deepest position is DB currently, but Landon Collins is still a FA so there really are only 3 active DBs and those 3 are Vonn Bell and rookies Sauce Gardner and Percy Butler. The LB position will run out Dre Greenlaw, Bobby Okereke, and rookie Christian Harris (who is currently on the IR). The lack of depth on the defensive side of things could become an issue in the race for the division. Another factor that could play a big role in if Nate repeats as division champ is playing the gauntlet of division winners, all of whom had at least 2 more wins last season than the Titans.
Predicted Division Finish: 2nd
Baltimore Ravens (Dave): 2021 Record: 4-9
For Dave and the Ravens, 2021 was a very disappointing season and on the very opposite end of what happened in 2020. After going 8-4 in year 1, the team went 4-9 in 2021 and looked nothing like they did year 1. With Dalvin Cook and David Montgomery both missing time last season, that hurt this Ravens team and was a very obvious contributing factor to their struggles. As Dave tries to reclimb the division and conference standings he will rely on both Cook and Montgomery to stay healthy, because if they do, they will create one of the top RB duo’s in the league. Trey Sermon being the only depth at the position currently will be a slight issue for Dave though. With Hockenson at TE, that spot will be in a good spot most every single week for the Ravens, and Dave will hope Harrison Bryant can carve out a role in the Browns offense now that Austin Hooper is out of town. Jared Goff and Desmond Ridder create an interesting pairing at QB for the Ravens. Goff is down to his last year on his contract, so the plan I would guess is for Ridder to be the QB for the Ravens after this year, but if he is able to take the reins this season in Atlanta, it will be a massive boost for Dave and his goals for the season. To be honest coming into 2022 I am not sure what to make of the WR group for Dave this season, I think there is potential and talent there, but how successful they will be is still somewhat a mystery. Courtland Sutton is the safest bet, but with Russell Wilson in town the chemistry there needs to be tested in game, Christian Kirk landed in Jacksonville on a massive contract and will have clear pressure to perform from week 1 there, Garrett Wilson is a rookie and the Jets will have multiple QBs this season with Zach Wilson out to open the season, then there is Bryan Edwards and D’Wayne Eskridge that are behind stud WRs so their target share won’t be massive. Like the WR room on offense, the LB group on defense has talent, but has question marks heading into the season as the top 3 guys are all on new squads in the NFL this season. Rashaan Evans moves from Tennessee to Atlanta, Myles Jack moves from Jacksonville to Pittsburgh, and Khalil Mack moves from Chicago to the Chargers. Can all 3 land on their feet and continue to lead this group and defense as a whole? If not, the depth of rookies Leo Chenal and David Ojabo and free agent Blake Martinez leave a lot to be desired there. The key unit on this side will be the DL with a quartet of play makers there. Brian Burns is a menace, Jonathan Allen is consistent, and Jadeveon Clowney can pop off any given week. Joe Tryon is still growing in the league, but has the upside to break out this season in Tampa Bay so the DL will put points up every week. With only 2 guys currently on the roster at DB, those being Chauncy Gardner-Johnson and Ronnie Harrison. With no depth behind those 2, Dave will either go with 1 DB on 2 separate weeks or will need to sign a player or 2 to cover the DB spot every week this season. By finishing 4th last season in the division, the Ravens have that advantage over the teams above them, Tennessee and Pittsburgh, but will it be enough to get back to the 2020 form and be in the playoff race?
Predicted Division Finish: 3rd
Cleveland Browns (Josh): 2021 Record: 5-8
The LHL Browns are starting to look like the NFL Browns, but instead of a turnstile at QB, it has been at ownership. Josh marks the 7th different owner of the Browns in 2 seasons to this point as we head into the 3rd season. Josh comes in for the 2022 season and will try to bring some stability to the franchise. Josh inherits a young team here and adds young talent to it with the rookie draft by way of Skyy Moore, Malik Willis (who is older than the rookie drafted last season Trevor Lawrence), Khalil Shakir, and Derek Stingley. This Browns team finished 4th year 1 and 3rd in year 2, so can Josh keep the team trending up and finish 2nd this season and potentially be in the playoff picture? The Browns will be one of a few teams that feel good about the TE spot this season thanks to Dallas Goedert being the main guy there and Evan Engram being his backup. I will give WR the nod as the 2nd best unit on the offense with rookie Skyy Moore, Kadarius Toney, Deonte Harris, Tutu Atwell, and rookie Khalil Shakir making up a young group with none older than 24. Trevor Lawrence and Malik Willis make for a very intriguing duo at WR. Two QBs drafted by different owners, so I think Josh is hoping one shows why he should be the guy this season, while the other plays well enough to be able to get flipped next off-season. The last group to talk about on offense is the RBs and the group is led by guys that have players likely in front of them to open the season. Michael Carter, Boston Scott, Jamaal Williams, and Kene Nwangwu all are either RB2 or RB3 at best on their respective squads, so Josh needs one or 2 to be used in a significant way on their teams despite that fact. It looks like the Browns have the defense set up to try and keep this team afloat this season. It won’t likely be a top unit in the league, but has some big point totals for upside. The DL will have Myles Garrett, Quinnen Williams, and Kwity Paye to give the defense one of the top trios at DL this season. Between LB and DB, it is close for which will be the 2nd best unit here, but we will talk about the DBs as Micah Hyde, Brandon Jones, Stephon Gilmore, rookie Derek Stingley, and Juan Thornhill give this team a strong unit with much needed depth for a long season. At LB, Shaquil Barrett, Haason Reddick, Quincy Williams, Lorenzo Carter, and Jaelan Phillips will be a solid group that should be consistent week in, week out. If Dont’a Hightower is on the roster, but is yet to find a home for the season, so he could add some depth depending on his landing spot. With a 3rd place finish, the Browns will have a little tougher schedule this season than they had last season, so could that play a factor on if they progress or regress this coming season.
Predicted Division Finish: 4th
Pittsburgh Steelers (Malachi): 2021 Record: 7-6
Through 2 seasons, the Steelers are one of the few teams that have made the playoffs both seasons so far. Unlike in 2020 where the Steelers were the #1 AFC seed, they made the playoffs as a wild card team at 7-6 and missed winning the division by scoring less points than the Titans overall. Both seasons have ended in the same fashion for the Steelers as they have lost their first playoff matchup both seasons. The offseason saw offensive weapons Nick Chubb and George Kittle get traded away for big packages each, so what will the Steelers make of the returns in those deals? With a new look offense, the Steelers will rely on a WR core of Diontae Johnson, Kedrick Bourne, Nick Westrbook-Ikhine, Byron Pringle, and the rookie duo of Chris Olave and George Pickens. A young group that has upside, but will need a couple of the guys behind Diontae to break out this season. Justin Fields mans the QB spot this season for the Steelers and the hope there is that he progresses well in season two and doesn't hit a sophomore slump like some QBs do. At TE, it will be a pair of former teammates this season. Albert O still in Denver with Russell Wilson and Noah Fant in Seattle with Geno Smith/Drew Lock. Both at the age of 24, can one have a breakout top 10 TE season? Miles Sanders takes the role of lead RB here with Williams duo, Darrel and Damien, backing Sanders up. If Sanders plays well it will be a solid position, but depth behind him will be a question. Defense looks set up to be one of the best in the league this season and it starts at DL with Cam Heyward joining the unit and having Sebastian Joseph-Day, Carlos Dunlap, and rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux to set up a strong unit. Like DL, DB saw a big addition with Marcus Maye joining the fray and creating a strong group of Marcus Maye, Jordan Whitehead, Jevon Holland, and rookie Jalen Pitre. The LB group also has 2 players that finished top 10 last season in Cole Holcomb and Kyzir White, with young depth of Devin Bush, Willie Gay, Monty Rice, and another depth piece of Alex Singleton. Can the defense live up to it’s potential and lead this team to a playoff spot or division win? Finishing 2nd last season, but having the same record as Tennessee could be a big factor on if the Steelers can reclaim the division title this season.
Predicted Division Finish: 1st
Tennessee Titans (Nate): 2021 Record: 7-6
Nate came into 2021 trying to turn things around after a disappointing 2020 season, that was partly due to injuries stacking up including Saquon missing a good chunk of time. Despite trading away Saquon near the deadline in 2021 and having a decent lead in the division, the Titans did just that and went from 3rd in the division to winning it thanks to scoring more points than the Steelers on the season. It was a quick exit for the Titans in their first postseason experience as they lost round 1 to the Raiders. Nate didn’t make any big changes to the roster this season, but he does get to see Etienne now that he will play this year so that should be a boost to the offense. Nate will be aiming to retain the top spot in the division this season and with arguably the best fantasy and real life QB on his team that is a good start to the offense, we are of course talking about Josh Allen here. At WR, the Titans will miss Calvin Ridley during his suspension, but the team still has Tee Higgins, Elijah Moore, Sterling Shepard, rookies Jahan Dotson and Romeo Doubs, Dyami Brown, and free agent Dede Westbrook to give him alot of options to play this season. With Etienne being able to play this season he and Antonio Gibson will be useful at RB, but it will depend heavily on how much their respective offenses decide to use them this season. Khalil Herbert could be a surprise this season for the Titans as well and Darrius Guice is still on the roster as well. Like QB, the TE spot could be the best player at the position this season with Mark Andrews manning that spot, then Logan Thomas is a very capable backup behind Andrews to give Nate comfort at that position. With so many players on the offensive side of things, the defense will naturally be much thinner in terms of depth and that is the case for the Titans with 3 DL, 3 LBs, and 4 DBs on the roster. At DL there is talent with Joey Bosa, Montez Sweat and JJ Watt though and that is a good base for this defense. The deepest position is DB currently, but Landon Collins is still a FA so there really are only 3 active DBs and those 3 are Vonn Bell and rookies Sauce Gardner and Percy Butler. The LB position will run out Dre Greenlaw, Bobby Okereke, and rookie Christian Harris (who is currently on the IR). The lack of depth on the defensive side of things could become an issue in the race for the division. Another factor that could play a big role in if Nate repeats as division champ is playing the gauntlet of division winners, all of whom had at least 2 more wins last season than the Titans.
Predicted Division Finish: 2nd
