It took a lot, but the Pittsburgh Steelers won the AFC North last year. Most people didn’t expect that, as the Baltimore Ravens were the favorites. Also, the Cincinnati Bengals got some love because they have Joe Burrow under center. However, the Steelers defeated both teams for the division title. While some of that was due to injuries, Ben Roethlisberger still thinks Pittsburgh is the AFC North team with the best chance at winning a Super Bowl next. Former Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith has an issue with that statement, though.

“Ben [Roethlisberger] is just making [shit] up,” Smith wrote Monday on Twitter. “Ain’t no way he truly believes Pittsburgh is ahead of Baltimore or Cincy.”

Part of Smith’s shock likely revolves around the Steelers’ quarterback situation. They currently have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard under contract. Aaron Rodgers could return, but that’s not guaranteed.

Meanwhile, the Bengals and Ravens have two of the NFL’s best quarterbacks in Burrow and Lamar Jackson. Both are true franchise signal-callers who elevate their respective franchises. Pittsburgh would love to have someone on their level under center.

However, the Steelers’ quarterback dilemma hasn’t stopped them from winning games. It’s been a problem for several years, but they still haven’t finished with a losing record. In fact, they’ve made the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, something neither the Bengals nor Ravens have done.

Quarterback is the most important position in the game, but it’s not everything. The Bengals’ defense has serious problems, as does the Ravens’. New Baltimore head coach Jesse Minter could change that, but this is his first time leading an NFL team, making it tough to say what the Ravens will look like.

The Steelers have their own flaws and a new head coach, but they could be positioned to be as consistent as they have been for the last two decades. Mike McCarthy has been a head coach for two other NFL teams. He should give Pittsburgh a high floor.

Also, McCarthy has a good history of developing quarterbacks. If he can help the Steelers find their next franchise signal caller soon, then that should vault them near the top of the AFC. They’ve already been winning games despite poor quarterback play. It’s not outrageous to suggest that they could be the next AFC North team to win a Super Bowl.