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

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CINCINNATI, OH – JANUARY 1: Head Coach Marvin Lewis of the Cincinnati Bengals watches a replay as his team takes on the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

3. The Bengals‘ door to playoff success is coming to a close after missed opportunities.

It’s no secret that the Bengals struggle when playoff season comes around. This team is always filled with top-level potential, yet with each passing season brings another postseason disappointment.

The Bengals have made the playoffs in six of the last eight seasons. All of which did not produce a playoff win.

The Bengals lost some notable personnel that look to have derailed the team’s consistent regular season success. Prior to last season, the team finished with nine or more wins in every season since 2011. Last season, the Bengals only produced six wins.

Receivers Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones were let go as unrestricted free agents before last season. This left the receiving corps looking extremely bare. Former offensive coordinator and current Browns head coach Hue Jackson was among the departing members in 2016.

A.J. Green was the sole remainder and was certainly depended on as much. It came as no surprise that the Bengals ended up on the short end of the stick when Green went down with injury which left the offense at a loss for receiving options.

The Bengals’ descent from consistent success leaves an opening in the division that is waiting to be filled. Though the Bengals are still far from being a push-over, the Browns would be wise to notice this opportunity.

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