The AFC North is no stranger to intense and competitive matchups for divisional supremacy. However, it appears Head Coach Mike Tomlin is looking to introduce another competitive aspect to the division.

As might be expected, security is typically tight at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. The parking lot is gated. A 50-foot curtain is available to shield the primary practice field. Facial-recognition software kiosks dot the facility at myriad checkpoints.

HBO released the initial trailer for Hard Knocks In-Season with the AFC North featuring the Ravens, Bengals, Browns and Steelers

In the summer, it was revealed that Hard Knocks will return this December... but this season, there's a twist. For the first time ever, Hard Knocks will follow an entire division, and they've selected a competitive bunch in the AFC North,

As Tomlin noted, each AFC North has the same challenge as far as "Hard Knocks" is concerned. Which team handles it best will undoubtedly have a leg up when it comes to having succ

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike Tomlin have always been a match made in heaven. That’s because he embodies everything the team has always been. He’s stout, savvy, defensive-minded, and utterly competitive.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, along with the rest of the AFC North, will be featured on the in-season version of Hard Knocks, which will only make the second half of their schedule even more difficult than it already is.