We’re in agreement: Mike Tomlin is one of the best coaches in the NFL.

The man nearly led a Duck Hodges-quarterbacked club to the playoffs. He knows how to muck a game up and will forever ensure his team’s in the playoff mix.

But when it comes to the quarterback position, this is the plan? I was critical of the pivot back in the spring — Russell Wilson just may be expired milk — because, frankly, you get what you pay for at this position. There’s a reason Justin Fields came so cheap, a reason the Denver Broncos are paying Wilson so much not to be their QB1.

Does Tomlin see something others do not? His defense should be loaded once again.

Nobody should be shocked if Joe Burrow goes scorched earth this season, too.

To make sense of the entire AFC North, let’s bring on a podcasting pro: Dave Dameshek. You may remember “Sheky” from his NFL Network days and make sure you add his excellent Minus Three podcast to your library. Dave’s also a fantastic regular guest on the The Adam Carolla Show.

Audio and video of our conversation is above, and you can access the show everywhere you pod, including Apple and Spotify.

Go Long is your home for longform this 2024 NFL season:

Miss a divisional preview this past month?

* AFC West: Michael MacCambridge and the art of the three-peat

* AFC South: It’s Stefon Diggs Time in Houston

* NFC East: They Might Be Giants

* AFC East: Buffalo’s WR gamble, Dolphins stand by Tua & Rodgers (finally) takes NYC

* NFC North: Why the Lions and Packers should think Super Bowl

* AFC West: Will Arizona sneak up on everyone?

2024 NFL Season Preview features:

* David Long Jr., and the beast within

* ‘Undeniable:’ Christian Kirk will attack this defining moment

* ‘We’ll get it done:’ The Buffalo Bills enter the great unknown at wide receiver

* Jordan Love will be an all-time great

* ‘All game long:’ Will Anderson Jr., The Terminator, is the Houston Texans' foundation

* ‘Let’s be bold:’ Inside Press Taylor’s office

* INTO THIN AIR, Why It’s (Nearly) Impossible to Win Three Straight Super Bowls (three parts)

* One Giant Leap: Our series detailing the New York Giants’ total reconstruction (three parts)

* Rasul Douglas is playing a different game

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