The turnover in the AFC North this offseason could be unusual. Generally, the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers were stable franchises with very little change but a lot of success. The Cincinnati Bengals were stable, without a lot of turnover, but without consistent success while the Cleveland Browns had neither stability of success.
The 2022 offseason has already been different from the past. The Ravens fired their defensive coordinator. The Steelers defensive coordinator retired. Ben Roethlisberger has likely played his last down in the NFL.
Three huge changes in a short amount of time for the two very stable franchises.
Wednesday came news that Baltimore will see another big change, just not on the scale of the others already mentioned. The team announced that their key special teams player, Anthony Levine Sr., is retiring:
Ravens special teams ace and team leader Anthony Levine Sr. announced Wednesday that he is retiring after a decade-long run in Baltimore.
The 34-year-old veteran has long been known as “Co-Cap” for his status as captain of the Ravens’ premier special teams unit. It’s been a nickname he’s carried with honor as a highly respected and highly effective player in Baltimore.
As Browns fans saw this season, special teams is often a key component in competent team play. The Green Bay Packers saw their special teams fail them in the playoffs and likely cost them their season.
As Cleveland looks to rebound after a failed 2021 season, the changes around the division will be interesting to watch. For the Ravens and Steelers, a few big ones have already happened.
