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Cleveland Browns: 5 long-term steps to AFC North contention

By Jonathan Goehring

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Corey Coleman (Baylor) is selected by the Cleveland Browns as the number fifteen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Corey Coleman (Baylor) is selected by the Cleveland Browns as the number fifteen overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 10, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin talks with head coach Hue Jackson prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin talks with head coach Hue Jackson prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /

Once the pieces are in place, fans will be encouraged. However, the process won’t be quite complete. As has been evident the past few seasons in the NFL, a talented team which lacks the winning culture within their organization may as well have no talent.

Part of the reason Haslam and Brown decided to offer Jackson a head coaching position was that they believed he was the right man to change the culture in Cleveland. Even in the midst of a historically pathetic 2016, shades of this are indeed evident. Jackson has both the  demeanor and the respect of his players to establish a winning culture in a previously dejected building in Berea.

A lot of culture is the way teams finish games. The Browns have struggled in this department for the past decade, and beyond in some cases. A team with strong leadership and the confidence that they belong on the field will solve these past woes Cleveland has had.

Next: Browns need RG3 back

Once the team has the personnel and the belief that they can be serious championship contenders, everything will come together. Regardless, the NFL is not an easy league to contend consistently in. But the Browns are beyond due. If they follow these steps, there’s a good chance 2019 is the year they take the AFC North.

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