AFC North Training Camp Update

Article by Gordon Dedman

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

I’m not a great believer in taking the results of Preseason games on face value. They do serve a purpose and Quarterback Landry Jones is certainly taking full advantage of the additional reps is having with the Steelers.

Because of their Hall of Fame game, Pittsburgh will be playing five exhibition games and with an injury to their backup, Jones has taken over for most of the offensive snaps and it is paying off.

 

Last Preseason, Jones had 84 reps. So far this year, he has taken 134 and if it wasn’t for a few dropped passes, he would be shining brightly. Landry has made his mark in competing with backup Bruce Gradkowski who has now been taken off PUP (physically unable to perform.)

Jones said he is enjoying improved decision making because of the extra reps.

Cleveland Browns

The Quarterback challenge was reduced when the Browns lost Connor Shaw for the season after surgery on an injured right thumb. Head Coach Mike Pettine feels their three remaining quarterbacks are adequate for the season.

Pettine must have thought last season’s Manziel circus was behind him. Thursday night’s game against the Bills changed that. It was Johnny Manziel who earned the headlines with his contribution climaxed by a 21-yard touchdown pass that put his team ahead before they lost 10-11.

It wouldn’t be the Browns if there weren’t any distractions and they have lost a player with a four games suspension for failing the NFL’s PED policy. Maybe Ryan Seymour wasn’t going to be a starter, but additional challenges like this don’t make for a good camp.

The Browns’ surprise package, as mentioned in the last update, Terrelle Pryor (quarterback turned wide receiver) appeared to be making a good impression until an injury restricted his participation.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals backup quarterback AJ McCarron was out for nine days after suffering an injury to his rib cage. Drafted in 2014, McCarron missed the whole of last season with a shoulder injury. Now back taking snaps, McCarron is determined to make his NFL debut this Monday in Tampa “no matter what.”

 

Baltimore Ravens

Tight End Dennis Pitta will begin the 2015 season on the PUP list, meaning the veteran will not be eligible to play until week 7 at the earliest. Pitta was returning from his second hip replacement in as many years and has only started four games in that period.

Undrafted safety Nick Perry is making an impression. “He’s going to be one of those free-agent guys that are going to have a future in this league,” Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees observed.