5 reasons why the Cleveland Browns can succeed in the AFC North

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 18: Emmanuel Ogbah
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 18: Emmanuel Ogbah /
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4. The Ravens are stuck in quicksand.

Though the Ravens are always stiff competitors within the division, the team isn’t looking like it’s going in any particular direction any time soon.

The roster has seen its fair share of injuries, lately. Already in the early goings of the upcoming season, the Ravens are sure to miss running back Kenneth Dixon, tight end Crockett Gillmore, and guard Nico Siragusa. 

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Quarterback Joe Flacco and receiver Breshad Perriman are also among the injured during this off season though their injuries are expected to be minor.

The Ravens have lacked a special player or attribute on their team to put them over the top. The question regarding if Flacco is really an ‘elite’ quarterback will live on but the fact is that there isn’t much of anything elite about this team, and there isn’t even that strong case for Flacco any longer.

After winning the Super Bowl is 2012, Flacco is 29-32 as a starter.

One thing that has kept the Ravens afloat is their defense. The Ravens’ defense has been ranked inside the top 12 every season since 2013. That seems to be one of the primary reasons why the Browns have had a tough time besting them in years’ past.

Defense alone may keep the Ravens sticking to mediocrity at best but that may be their ceiling as injuries and lack of real firepower is holding them back. If the Browns can realize this opportunity, there is a good chance they can take advantage in the near future.