AFC NORTH CHANGING OF THE GUARD

[Fan_in_Kettering]

The Cincinnati Bengals took a long walk off a short pier after Paul Brown died in 1991 and it took over a decade to recover. People don't realize how spoiled Cincinnati was with Paul at the help whether as coach or owner. I was there throughout the 1990s and you know what? That is in the past. It's history, and dwelling on the Bengals' lack of success 20 years ago doesn't mean jack squat in 2016.

Since 2009 I give Mike Brown credit for loosening the reins and giving Marvin Lewis more power over draft selections, free agent pickups, and hiring assistant coaches. The Bengals have been on a historical run of playoff appearances which cannot be ignored. Rest assured the one-and-done streak will be soon be over.