A Three-Decade Divisional Drought: Will the Browns finally win the AFC North?

(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

The Cleveland Browns will be seeking their first divisional title since 1989 as they prep for this new season of 2023. That’s 34 years ago when the Browns last won a divisional crown. That was in the old AFC Central and included the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Houston Oilers.

Now the Browns are in the AFC North which includes the Baltimore Ravens, Bengals, and Steelers. Two years ago, the Browns did make it into the playoffs as a wildcard team, and they beat their divisional foe Steelers who won the division that year.

1989 was a long time ago. The Browns were led by Bernie Kosar as they managed to win the division and then played their nemesis Denver Broncos a third time in an AFC Championship game. Cleveland hadn’t beaten the Broncos in their previous attempts back in 1986 and 1987. This go around was no different as they lost again. The consolation prize was at least the Broncos got crushed 55-10 by the San Francisco 49ers who were led by Joe Montana and wide receiver Jerry Rice

So, what do the Browns need to do to win the divisional title in this day and age? It starts with beating the teams in their division. In recent years, the team has done a better job of beating those teams. They’ve had a really good record of 5-1 against the Cincinnati Bengals on Browns coach Kevin Stefanski’s watch. Cleveland has still struggled against the Steelers. However, they did split with them a year ago. They also split with the Ravens last year.

We are all hoping that the Browns win one before we all die, as in the Super Bowl, but the more practical and crucial step is winning the division.

The Browns have weapons on offense that include quarterback  Deshaun Watson, running back Nick Chubb, and wide receiver Amari Cooper.

They now have more weapons on defense, including defensive end Myles Garrett, safety Juan Thornhill, and cornerback Denzel Ward. They’ve added veterans like Dalvin Tomlinson and Za’Darius Smith too. Cleveland also hired a new defensive coordinator and a former coach Jim Schwartz to try his best to mold this group into a defensive juggernaut.

We’ve seen teams in this AFC North Division go from last to first. Most recently the Bengals went to the Super Bowl two seasons ago after being in the seller of the division for several years.

It is hard to believe that it has been 34 years that the Browns haven’t won a divisional title. That’s a lifetime for some younger Cleveland fans. These fans haven’t seen a winning program, as some of us who are older have.

I, at least have the memories of the Browns winning all those games in the late 80s and early 90s and I got to attend those playoff games. It would be great to see those kinds of games again, and I’m sure the young fanbase would become rejuvenated if that happened.

So, Browns, it’s on you and your commitment and focus this season to go out and win the divisional title. We’ll be cheering for you so do the work and bring home a divisional title and then maybe we can talk Super Bowl!