NFL Network host makes strong statement about the AFC North
There are plenty of folks in the national media who think the Cincinnati Bengals won't repeat as AFC North division champs in 2022, but NFL Network host Peter Schrager isn't one of those people. In fact, Schrager feels very strongly about the Bengals in 2022. Schrager said on Monday that he thinks Cincinnati is the […]
There are plenty of folks in the national media who think the Cincinnati Bengals won't repeat as AFC North division champs in 2022, but NFL Network host Peter Schrager isn't one of those people.
In fact, Schrager feels very strongly about the Bengals in 2022.
Schrager said on Monday that he thinks Cincinnati is the team to beat in the AFC North this season.
"The Bengals are the team to beat in the AFC North until they're beaten," said Schrager. "Last year, they absolutely demolished the Ravens in two games and one of them was with Lamar [Jackson]."
"This is a team that went into Tennessee and beat the No. 1 seed. [They] went into Kansas City and beat the defending conference champions," added Schrager. "And they went to the Super Bowl and were a drive short of winning that game. And they added to their roster."
"I love what the Ravens and Browns, and even the Steelers, have done to tinker with their rosters — they're all going to be competitors. But until someone dethrones the Bengals, let's give respect where respect is due. We've disrespected them too many times over the last decade. This Bengals team deserves our attention and I'm going to say they are the AFC North favorites going into this season."
It's hard to argue against Schrager's comments. I don't think the Bengals are going to run away with the division by mid-season — the other teams in the division have good rosters and will be tough teams to beat. But the Bengals have something special in Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. There aren't many teams in the NFL that have a quarterback/wide receiver combo that's as dynamic as those two.
With an improved offensive line, the Bengals should be even better in 2022 than they were in 2021. And that could mean back-to-back AFC North division titles for the first time in franchise history.
Featured image via Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
