Tough AFC North Will Continue to Challenge Cleveland Browns

Since returning to Cleveland in 1999, the Browns have gone a combined 54-106 (.337) over 10 seasons.  As bad as that has been, the Browns have been even worse within their own division, going a combined 16-44 (.266) against AFC North opponents.

Unfortunately, the expansion Browns returned to a division that produced the Super Bowl champion three times over those last 10 seasons (the 2001 Ravens, 2006 Steelers, and 2009 Steelers).  However, the Browns have done little to help themselves and can't blame all of their struggles on their circumstances.

The AFC North is a division that is won in the trenches, and only recently did the Browns make improving in this area a priority.  Additionally, their improvement on the line has come at the expense of their skill positions, in which their defensive secondary and offensive backfield lack depth in athletic playmakers.

However, I believe that athletic playmakers at the skill positions are a luxury in the AFC North, not a necessity.  An example is Joshua Cribbs, who's not the fastest guy on the field (SI.com reports 4.61 40 time), but is clearly a tough explosive player with a knack for the big play.

The necessity for success in the AFC North continues to be controlling the line of scrimmage, and the Browns improvement in this area should also improve their success within the AFC North.

The Browns will also have success this season if they find ways to win the close games.  The success of the 2007 Browns comes from their 8-4 record in games decided by 10 points or fewer.  Last season, the Browns were 3-6 in games decided by 10 points or fewer.  These were all winnable games that were lost in the fourth quarter.

Now, let's look at the rest of the division and how it stacks up against the Browns.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Last Season: 12-4 (Super Bowl Champions)

Against Browns Since '99: 17-3, swept last season (won last 11 meetings)

Season Outlook: The defending Super Bowl Champion Steelers are expected to have another successful season.  They are returning 20 of 22 starters from last year's team, and could compete for another championship this season.

Significant Players: QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Hines Ward, TE Heath Miller, DT Casey Hampton, LB James Harrison, S Troy Polamalu

How Browns Match Up: The Steelers questionable offensive line should give the Browns an opportunity for success.  However, their weak secondary will give the Steelers athletic passing attack an opportunity to take over the game

The Browns' offense will need to manage the game and avoid mistakes, occasionally taking a shot down the field at the Steelers secondary.  The Browns also need to capitalize on their advantage over the Steelers' weak special teams, which have consistently given up big plays.

What To Watch For: The Browns ability to apply pressure on Roethlisberger will be crucial.

Baltimore Ravens

Last Season: 11-5 (Lost in AFC Championship)

Against Browns Since '99: 15-5, swept last season

Season Outlook: The Ravens will look to improve on their surprising success last season, when they missed the Super Bowl by one game.  They are expected to compete for the AFC North title, despite the departure of Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan.

Significant Players: DT Haloti Ngata, LB Ray Lewis, LB Terrell Suggs, S Ed Reed

How Browns Match Up: The Ravens' weak passing attack doesn't have the speed and athletic ability to torch the Browns secondary the way that the Steelers do.  The Ravens will keep the ball on the ground, and Shaun "Big Baby" Rogers will have a big day stuffing the line of scrimmage.

The Browns offense will again need to avoid turnovers, and simply manage the game.  Beyond Ed Reed, the Ravens secondary can and should be challenged by the Browns passing attack.  There is little indication that the Browns running game will have any measure of success against the Ravens front 7.

What To Watch For: The time of possession and Shaun Rogers's ability to stop the run, because the Ravens running game tries to control the clock and keep the opposing defense on the field.

Cincinnati Bengals

Last Season: 4-11-1

Against Browns Since '99: 12-8, split last season

Season Outlook: The Bengals are coming off of a disappointing season, but there is a sense of optimism in Cincinnati.  The additions of DT Tank Johnson, S Roy Williams, and Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer should fuel an improving defense.

Significant Players: QB Carson Palmer, WR Chad Ochocinco, WR Laveranues Coles

How Browns Match Up: The Bengals passing attack has a quarterback and multiple athletic receivers who have the talent and ability to challenge the Browns weak secondary.  However, their offensive line is likely the weakest in the division and should give the Browns apply pressure on Palmer.

The Browns offense matches up well against the Bengals defense, which isn't loaded with the playmakers that the Steelers and Ravens have.  The Browns offense should have its greatest success within the division against the Bengals defense.

What to Watch For: The Browns pass rush and ability to take the pressure off of their secondary.