AFC North Roundup: Fairchild’s Focus, Browns’ Coaching Search, and Steelers’ QB Picture
Let’s take a spin around the AFC North, where one rookie lineman is quietly building something special in Cincinnati, the Browns are eyeing a Ravens assistant for a key offensive role, and the Steelers are navigating a quarterback situation that’s anything but settled.
Cincinnati Bengals: Dylan Fairchild’s Quiet Rise and Sharpened Focus
Dylan Fairchild may not have made the All-Rookie team, but don’t mistake that for a lack of impact. The Bengals’ rookie left guard stepped into a starting role and held his own in the trenches - no small feat for a first-year player in one of the league’s most pass-heavy offenses.
Fairchild isn’t chasing headlines, and he’s certainly not chasing comparisons.
“I believe comparison is the thief of joy,” Fairchild said. “I just look at myself and try to see how good I can be.
I can’t control all those other guys and how good they are. Of course, that’s the level I want.
But I can play like a Pro Bowler. I can play like an All-Pro.
At the end of the day, I don’t make decisions. I just keep playing.
Control what I can control.”
That’s the kind of mindset coaches love - especially in the offensive line room, where consistency and self-discipline are everything. Fairchild has his eyes set on improvement, and he’s already zeroed in on the next step: mastering the fundamentals.
“Doubling down on all our fundamentals. Pass and run,” he said.
“Coach Peters has done a great job this year teaching us those fundamentals. Breaking down for every single guy, breaking down what he wants and what our specific set of fundamentals are.”
Fairchild knows the work starts with his hands - striking, timing, combinations - and understanding when to use which technique. He’s talking about building a “tool belt,” and that’s exactly what separates good linemen from great ones: knowing which tool to use in which moment.
“True mastery of anything is sharpening those tools where you can use any one of them at any time, and that’s kind of where I want to be.”
He’s also clearly enjoying life in Cincinnati’s offense - a unit that loves to air it out.
“We have a high-powered offense, and we have a niche for passing the ball,” Fairchild said with a grin. “And I love it.
I like video games. I play Madden.
I love throwing go balls.”
Fairchild may not be the flashiest name on the roster, but he’s laying the foundation - literally - for what this Bengals offense can become. And if his offseason focus is any indication, he’s just getting started.
Cleveland Browns: Eyeing a Rising Offensive Mind
The Browns are doing their homework as they look to bolster their offensive coaching staff. According to reports, Cleveland has requested to interview Ravens offensive assistant Danny Breyer for their pass game coordinator position.
Breyer is a name that’s been gaining traction in coaching circles, and the Browns’ interest signals a desire to inject some fresh ideas into their aerial attack. With the AFC North becoming increasingly competitive - and with quarterback play at a premium - any edge in the passing game could prove pivotal.
Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Questions and McCarthy’s Plan
In Pittsburgh, the quarterback situation remains one of the biggest storylines heading into the offseason. Head coach Mike McCarthy, recently brought in to stabilize and develop the offense, was asked about the possibility of Aaron Rodgers returning for another season.
“That’s nice the way he asked that,” McCarthy said with a laugh. “I mean definitely.
I don’t see why you wouldn’t. … I have spoken to Aaron, and so that’s really where we are there, but I was able to sit back and watch the games and watch most of the Pittsburgh games on TV and I thought he was a great asset for the team.”
Rodgers brought a veteran presence to the Steelers, and his return would certainly give the offense a boost. But if he doesn’t come back, McCarthy isn’t short on intrigue at the position.
“I’m really excited about Will Howard,” McCarthy said. “He’s someone that I thought really came on there at Ohio State.
I’m anxious to work with him. It’d be great to have Aaron back.
But Will and Mason [Rudolph], I’m really, really excited to get started with those guys.”
McCarthy’s reputation for developing quarterbacks is well established, and he’s bringing that experience to a Steelers team that’s still searching for its long-term answer under center.
“The quarterback position, to me, is a huge challenge because you don’t have the individual time that the other positions have,” McCarthy said. “But really finding time, being efficient with your workload capacity and making sure those guys get the fundamental training. So just never really deviating from the old school way that has worked for decades.”
Old school fundamentals, new school talent - that’s the formula McCarthy is betting on. Whether it’s Rodgers, Howard, or Rudolph taking the reins, the Steelers’ quarterback room is going to be one to watch this offseason.
Final Word
In a division where every inch matters, the Bengals are building from the inside out, the Browns are seeking schematic evolution, and the Steelers are navigating a quarterback crossroads. It’s early in the offseason, but the groundwork is already being laid - and come fall, these moves may be what separates contenders from the rest of the pack.