2013 AFC North Ranking by Unit: Quarterbacks
Jan 1, 2012; Cincinnati, OH USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, left, is hugged by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, right, at Paul Brown Stadium. The Ravens won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Mike and Mike in the Morning previewed the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals this morning as we shared here on FoS. As the pre-season has begun, and the regular season is creeping up, FoS will be sharing a division preview Unit by Unit of each of the 4 teams. While position ranking could be fun, doing so for each of the 25 positions, including Kicker, Punter and Return Specialist is a little tedious and does not help take a bigger picture into account. Also with the Bengals in a 43 Defense, and the other teams in a 34 variation, Front 7s are more important then splitting up DLine and Linebackers. These reviews will include the following units:
Quarterbacks (8/12/13) Backfield (8/13/13) Pass Catchers (8/14/13)
Offensive Line(8/15/13) Front 7s (8/16/13) Defensive Backs (8/17/13)
Today we will start with the most important position on the field, Quarterback. In today’s NFL it seems having a high quality QB, as well as a coach that knows how to use him, is necessary for playoff success. The AFC North has a skew of experience at the QB position, backups will not be taken in to consideration here. Ben Rothlisberger is the experienced veteran Super Bowl Champion, Joe Flacco is a young veteran Super Bowl Champion, Andy Dalton is a young QB with something to still prove and Brandon Weeden is an inexperienced, but older player.
Ranking:
- Ben Rothlisberger – Pittsburgh Steelers – Rothlisberger has been a mainstay in the AFC North for years. Coming out of little Miami of Ohio, Rothlisberger took the Steelers to the Super Bowl in 2005, 2008 and 2010. Rothlisberger’s unique physical build and playing style has made him a rough QB for opposing teams. “Big Ben’s” style also has led him to be sidelined quite often with injuries and could be considered a “old 31” coming into this season. Rothlisberger has endured changing Offensive Coordinators throughout his stay in Pittsburgh and has shown some reluctance with Todd Haley’s current short passing game. A young, and hopefully improving, offensive line and a reinvigorated run game should reduce the pressure on Ben’s shoulders.
- Joe Flacco – Baltimore Ravens – Flacco was the star of the 2012 NFL Playoffs, leading the Ravens to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Flacco turned that spectacular off-season into, at the time, the largest NFL contract ever. The narrative of Flacco’s game would of been significantly different, and his bank account alot lighter, if the Denver Broncos’ safety played the receiver a few yards deeper. Ravens fans, some made at Flacco being ranked behind the Steelers QB, may have called for Flacco to not be resigned, spoke out in anger over any kind of large contract and called for the drafting of a young QB to compete with “Joe Cool.” As it is Flacco is always cool under pressure and is a Super Bowl champion. How Flacco fairs after losing security blanket Anquan Boldin, and as the Ravens transitions from a defense first team to a more balanced team, will be interesting.
- Andy Dalton – Cincinnati Bengals – Dalton has led his Bengals to the playoffs his first 2 years in the league out of TCU. Dalton’s heady and steady play allowed the Bengals to find success in the regular season but were beaten in the playoffs first round each time by the Houston Texans. Like Flacco, the narrative of Dalton will be defined by playoff success. Though he is a second round pick fans expectations of Dalton, and the Bengals, have soared after 2 straight playoff runs. With an outstanding wide receiver in AJ Green and a pair of 1st round TEs in Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert, Dalton has the weapons to get it done. Offensive line play and the running game are question marks around Dalton, but are solid enough for him to succeed. Dalton’s arm strength and decision making will decide whether he, and his team, climb up the ranks when it matters most.
- Brandon Weeden – Cleveland Browns – Weeden is a far 4th in these rankings. In his first year in the league, and as a starter, the old rookie struggled under then head coach Pat Shurmer and his West Coast Offense. New HC Rob Chudzinski brought in renowned Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner and his down the field passing game. This year will be a make or break year for Weeden. Will he be able to succeed in a offense similar to the one he deployed in college to much success? Can he stop getting his passes batted down at the line of scrimmage? Will he be good enough for the new regime, or will the turn to another QB in the draft next year? For Weeden his powerful arm and quick release should help him succeed from Turner’s shotgun. The health of Trent Richardson, the continued growth of receivers Josh Gordon and Greg Little and a solid offensive line should all give him opportunity to grow and learn. Will it be enough?
What did we miss? How would you rank these 4? Did we “disrespect” your team? Tell us what you think.