AFC NorthS Early Season Shock: Offensive Line Instability
Entering the 2024 season, the AFC North was widely anticipated to be a division defined by strong defenses adn established quarterback play. However, the most surprising storyline through the first three weeks has been the rapidly developing crisis on the offensive lines of multiple teams, notably the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns.
The Ravens, despite overall competitiveness, are facing notable concerns regarding their aging offensive line. All four of their most experienced linemen are over 30 and will be eligible for free agency in early 2026, creating a looming long-term problem. This issue has been exacerbated by a questionable draft strategy; their sole offensive line pick in 2024, Zak Zinter, has been a healthy scratch for all three games.
The Browns’ situation is even more acute. Dawand Jones, initially the left tackle, lost his starting position after just two games and later suffered a season-ending knee injury in the third.This has created an “emergency” for an offense already facing limitations, and represents a considerable problem for the team’s future.Analysts note the Browns did not draft any offensive linemen this year, compounding the issue.
This instability along the lines is impacting the teams’ potential for deep playoff runs. One analyst pointed out that without improvements to their lines, and specifically a consistent pass rush, the Ravens may struggle to overcome teams like the buffalo Bills, boasting an elite quarterback and offensive line, in the pursuit of an AFC Championship.
The division’s analysts are offering varied predictions for upcoming games, but the underlying theme is a recognition of the offensive line challenges. While opinions differ on individual matchups – including games between the Vikings and Steelers in Dublin, the Browns versus the Lions, and the Ravens against the Chiefs - the vulnerability of these offensive lines is a recurring factor in assessing team prospects.The Bengals’ road game against the Broncos is also viewed as a arduous test,with analysts acknowledging their recent turnover issues but suggesting they won’t repeat that performance consistently.
(Top photo: Michael Owens / Getty Images)
