“Iron sharpens iron” is an old saying that highlights how competition can bring out the best in one another and push you to continue improving. That is exactly what John Harbaugh feels he and his Baltimore Ravens have when it comes to the AFC North and its rival teams. Harbaugh went as far as declaring the AFC North the NFL’s best division.
In a division where a 5-3 record has you tied for last place, Harbaugh may be onto something. The 7-2 Ravens are pacing the division and boast the NFL’s highest point differential, yet have been unable to get a firm grasp on the division due to the success of other teams within the division.
The Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals all have a 5-3 record heading into Week 10 and remain firmly in the mix for the divisional crown despite the Ravens dominant play in recent weeks.
During a press conference earlier this week, Harbaugh stated “There’s no doubt it’s the best division…” about the AFC North. The Ravens have a chance to widen the divisional gap in Week 10 with a matchup against the Cleveland Browns, who have arguably the NFL’s best defense. Harbaugh is not taking the Browns or any of his divisional opponents lightly and he knows the divisional title is at stake.
“We respect these teams… They all understand it, and everybody knows what’s going to happen when we all play each other,” Harbaugh added.
While a win over the Browns in Week 10 won’t clinch the division, it will go a long way toward ensuring Harbaugh and the Ravens are crowned AFC North divisional champions in 2023.
