An entire division will be featured on Hard Knocks this year. The AFC North will be covered on the “in-season” edition of the show.
This is the first time an entire division will be featured on Hard Knocks. One of the toughest divisions in the league, it makes sense as to why they were chosen.
Intrigue Across All Four Teams
Hard Knocks will cover all four teams during the backend of the 2024 season. This includes the final six weeks, as well as the duration of any of the teams’ playoff runs.
Hard Knocks in-season will debut on December 3rd, covering the entire AFC North: pic.twitter.com/SxXl9XtvLU
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 17, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers
This is the first time they will be featured on the show. With new quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in the fold, as well as recently-extended head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers are a team to watch as they look to have another season over .500. On the defensive end, T.J. Watt will look to have another outstanding season (19 sacks in 2023) and lead the unit once again.
Baltimore Ravens
Next, we have the Baltimore Ravens, who made it all the way to the AFC Championship last season. They added superstar running Derrick Henry (1,167 yards, 12 touchdowns in 2023), who will form a solid duo with quarterback Lamar Jackson. Opposing teams will have headaches containing these two in the run game. On defense, Kyle Hamilton will be a player to watch as the young safety is a future star in the making.
Cincinnati Bengals
Then, there are the Cincinnati Bengals. After losing Joe Burrow to a torn ligament in his right wrist in week 11, they ended up missing the playoffs despite finishing 9-8. Their signal-caller is ready to go, Tee Higgins is back (for at least this season), and along with Ja’Maar Chase form a dangerous offensive trio. Replacing the traded-away Joe Mixon is Zach Moss at running back. Defensively, they’re led by Trey Hendrickson (17.5 sacks in 2023).
Cleveland Browns
Finally, we have the Cleveland Browns. All eyes will be on quarterback Deshaun Watson, who looks to return to top-10 form this season. He has plenty of weapons, including RB Nick Chubb, WR Amari Cooper, and offseason acquisition Jerry Jeudy. The Brownies finished 11-6 last year and made the postseason before falling to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round. If Watson does bounce back, the sky’s the limit, including an AFC North division title Notable names on defense include EDGE Myles Garrett (14 sacks) and cornerback Denzel Ward.
In Conclusion…
The AFC North was a great choice to be covered for the “in-season” version of Hard Knocks. Many fans will be looking forward to seeing how the season goes for all four teams.
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