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Biggest Offseason Question For Each AFC North Team

By Eric Robinson

Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 28, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis looks on in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis looks on in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Cincinnati Bengals: How hot is the seat for head coach Marvin Lewis?

Broiling. Sweltering. Blistering. You catch my drift?

Lewis is now entering season number 15 and although he has 118 wins and five seasons of double-digit victories, he is also 0-7 during his tenure in the playoffs with each loss coming in the Wild Card round. Impressively, he has avoided the dreaded axe of unemployment.

Going into this season, Lewis has a talented team before him. The Bengals suffered a number of key injuries on both sides of the ball that ultimately led them to a 6-9-1 campaign in 2016. The team also lost a few key names in free agency this offseason that presented a few questions that will need to be answered. Losing two solid pieces in left tackle Andrew Whitworth and guard Kevin Zeitler presents two holes that Lewis and the staff will have to focus heavily on this offseason.

Even if the team is greatly healthy and winning nine, 10, or 11 games, the playoff woes of the past is what many will bring to the center of attention. In order for Lewis to possibly make it to 2018 as head coach, not only will the Bengals have to make the playoffs but Lewis will have to get over that hump of seeing an early playoff exit.

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