NFL Analyst Pegs Bengals' AFC North Rival as 'Darkhorse' Super Bowl Contender

This wouldn't be ideal for Cincinnati.

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals are hoping to move up in the standings after finishing last in the AFC North in each of the past three seasons. 

Some believe they could leapfrog the Steelers, who won the division in 2020, despite struggling down the stretch last season. 

Former NFL wide receiver and scout Bucky Brooks isn't one of those people. In fact, he believes Pittsburgh is a "darkhorse Super Bowl contender."

"My darkhorse in the AFC would be the Pittsburgh Steelers,"

Brooks said on the Move the Sticks podcast

. "I feel like people have just kinda poured dirt on the Steelers, despite the fact that their defense is legit. I know that Ben Roethlisberger is older and I know that they faded down the stretch last year, I think people have to realize they were still a 12-4 team a year ago. And Najee Harris is a dramatic and significant upgrade at running back from what they had last year.

"Anytime you're the Pittsburgh Steelers and you play the kinda defense that they play, they should always be in the conversation because that defense will get them to 10 or 11 wins. Ben Roethlisberger's guile and winning ways could get them to 12 or 13 and if you put that team in the tournament and if Najee Harris emerges as a big time player, put money on the Pittsburgh Steelers being one of those teams that we talk about in the final four."

Burying the Steelers is dangerous, especially since Mike Tomlin has never had a losing record since taking over as head coach in 2007. They have an elite defense and solid weapons. If their offensive line is competent and Roethlisberger plays like a top-15 quarterback, then there's no reason why they shouldn't be in the hunt for a playoff spot this season. 

Listen to Brooks' full comments on the podcast below. 

Make sure you bookmark AllBengals for the latest training camp news, including exclusive interviews, highlights and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Bengals Fear Joseph Ossai May Have Suffered a Broken Wrist

Snap Count Breakdown From Bengals' Win Over Buccaneers

Evans, Patrick Take Advantage of Opportunity in Debut

Postgame Observations: Bengals Beat Bucs 19-14 in Preseason Opener

Watch: Joseph Ossai and Trey Hendrickson Sack Tom Brady

NFL Insider: The Bengals Are Going to be One of the Most Exciting Teams in the NFL

Film Room: How Taylor & Pollack Can Use Wide Zone to Beat Modern Defenses

Look: Bengals 2021 Jersey Schedule Revealed

The Bengals Don't Have Any Margin For Error When it Comes to Bates' Future

Watch: Ja'Marr Chase, Jessie Bates Make Big Plays During Practice

Jessie Bates Gives Blunt Answer When Asked About New Contract

Three Bengals That Have Flashed Their Potential This Week

Joe Burrow Feeling Comfortable in Pocket After Slow Start

Watch: Highlights of Burrow, the OL and Secondary

Joe Burrow on AFC North: "We're Coming to Challenge the Division"

Elizabeth Blackburn: "We Have High Expectations" This Season

Report: Jessie Bates and Bengals Not Close to Long-Term Agreement

Duke Tobin on Jackson Carman: "He's Gotta Get Himself in Peak Shape"

Duke Tobin Not Concerned About Ja'Marr Chase Despite Talk of Slow Start

Ricardo Allen: Joe Burrow Reminds Me of Matt Ryan

Bengals Depth Chart Instant Reaction: Jordan Starting, Carman on 3rd Team

LOOK: Bengals Release First Official Depth Chart of 2021

Auden Tate is off to an Impressive Start

Zac Taylor Offers Up Big-Time Praise for D'Ante Smith

Joe Burrow Won't Play in Bengals' First Preseason Game

Joe Burrow Keeping Expectations in Check as Recovery Continues

Joe Mixon Bullish on Bengals' Offense: "Everybody Should Be Excited"

A look at Frank Pollack's Wide Zone Scheme and How it Will Impact Joe Mixon

The Bengals Don't Seem Worried About Their Lack of Depth at Offensive Tackle

Watch: Highlights From Wednesday's Practice Include Battle in the Trenches

Vonn Bell Praises Bengals' Defense, Likes What He's Seen From Ja'Marr Chase

Watch: Joe Burrow Connects With Ja'Marr Chase Deep Downfield

Mike Hilton Offers Up Big-Time Praise for Jessie Bates

Camp Notes: Joe Burrow and the Offense Continues to Struggle

Watch Practice Highlights of Jessie Bates, Ja'Marr Chase and More

Bengals Legend: Joe Burrow is "Better Than I Ever Was"

Watch: Video Breakdown from Bengals Training Camp

Watch Highlights from Day 4 of Bengals Training Camp

Watch Highlights from Day 3 of Bengals Training Camp

Film Breakdown: Why Ja'Marr Chase Has a Chance to be Special

Jessie Bates "Super Eager" to Agree to Contract Extension With Bengals

Joe Burrow Wants to Play in Preseason Games

Zero Dark Thirty: Joe Burrow Exits Social Media For Duration of Training Camp

Day One: Three Observations From Bengals Training Camp Practice

Mike Brown Bullish on O-Line: They're Going to "Surprise People"

A Breakdown of the Bengals Toughest Games on the 2021 Schedule

Ken Anderson Has Big-Time Praise for Joe Burrow

Film Breakdown: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly for Left Tackle Jonah Williams

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly From Vonn Bell's First Season in Stripes

Film Breakdown: DJ Reader Should Be an Impact Player for the Bengals

Join the Faces of Who Dey Nation for Thursday Night Football

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on AllBengals all the time!

Subscribe to the AllBengals YouTube channel
Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like and follow AllBengals on Facebook