3 offseason moves by AFC North rivals that made Steelers fans grin from ear to ear
Cincinnati's defense took a blow after losing both of their starting safeties
Most have acknowledged that the Bengals are the best team in the AFC North, and it seems like they should win the division for a third year in a row. They have the best quarterback among the four teams in their division and one of the most talented rosters in the AFC. They will make the playoffs again and should challenge for another Super Bowl run even with the personnel turnover they saw this offseason.
The Steelers have struggled to beat Cincinnati since Joe Burrow has become their starting quarterback. It will take a near-perfect performance by the black and gold to overcome the jungle cats of Cincinnati. The bad thing for everyone else in the division is the Bengals strengthened their offense, the good news is their defense took a slight hit.
Both Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates III left town via free agency to cash in. That might not seem significant, but it is. Losing both starting safeties is like losing two partners that decide to split off and join a company somewhere else. They will have a new tandem this season, and that new duo will not be as good as their past players.
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It looks like a potential duo of Dax Hill and Nick Scott will play a significant role as safeties for this defense. Hill had a small role in his rookie year and has a lot left to prove as a full-time safety for this club. Nick Scott was a nice discount replacement for Bell, but he will not have the same impact. This could be the point of weakness for the Bengals in the upcoming season.