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In this episode, we talk about:
* Baltimore Ravens: An analysis of Lamar Jackson and their receiving corps, plus how their revamped defense plans to counter the Bengals' high-flying offense.
* Cincinnati Bengals: A close look at Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, addressing their offensive line concerns and the critical importance of developing a consistent run game.
* AFC North Rivalry: Why the Ravens-Bengals matchup is becoming one of the best rivalries in football.
* NFL Trends: The broader discussion on the value of running the ball in today's pass-happy league.
* Plus coverage on the Steelers and Browns situations heading into the 2025 season.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction & The Allure of the AFC North
0:48 - Baltimore Ravens: Question Marks at Wide Receiver?
2:15 - Lamar Jackson's Development & Supporting Cast
4:49 - Ravens' Secondary Reinforcements & Defensive Strategy
6:30 - Containing Burrow, Chase & Higgins: Ravens' Defensive Plan
9:25 - Cincinnati Bengals: Offensive Line & Run Game Concerns
11:00 - Bengals' Coaching Philosophy on the Run Game
13:32 - Bengals' Historical Physicality & Scheme Adaptation
14:50 - Joe Burrow's Preferences & The Shotgun Dilemma
16:07 - Why the Run Game Still Matters in a Passing League
16:56 - The Intense Ravens-Bengals Rivalry
17:38 - Bengals' Defensive Challenges & Al Golden's Role
19:03 - Evolution of Bengals' Defense After Lou Anarumo
22:55 - Outlook for Bengals' Secondary & Defensive Line
25:17 - Lessons from the Kansas City Chiefs' Roster Building
26:05 - Cleveland Browns Defense: Concerns & Adjustments
31:08 - The Cleveland Browns' Quarterback Conundrum
33:18 - Evaluating Kevin Stefanski's Coaching Legacy
36:26 - Pittsburgh Steelers Offense: QB & Coordinator Outlook
39:10 - Justin Fields' Fit with Steelers
41:20 - AFC North Power Rankings & Playoff Projections
44:13 - Concluding Remarks & Where to Find Joe Goodberry
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