One reason each team can win Super Bowl 53

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 13: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts as Tom Brady No. 12 looks on before the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 1: Offensive lineman Andre Smith No. 71 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on from the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 1, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Bengals defeated the Steelers 16-10. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Bengals: Leaning on the defensive side of the ball

The Bengals have been in postseason limbo and are without a win in playoffs since 1990. Despite rumors of his departure, long-time head coach Marvin Lewis is back on a two-year contract despite the dismay of Bengals fans. But if this team wants to top the Steelers in the AFC North and make a run in the playoffs, they’re going to have to lean on the defensive side of the ball.

This is uncharacteristic for the Bengals. The offense has regularly been the winning catalyst behind Andy Dalton and a number of receiving weapons. Tyler Eifert is injury prone, A.J. Green isn’t getting younger and Dalton has plateaued. Despite drafting a talented running back in Joe Mixon the Bengals offense finished second last in rushing yards per game and 27th in passing yards.

The defensive side of the ball is where the promising talent lies. Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins control the trenches up front while Vontaze Burfict is a dynamic defensive player when he’s not creating controversy on the field. Carl Lawson had a fantastic rookie season with eight sacks while the secondary was a top ten unit against the pass.

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Defense can still win in today’s NFL and we saw that in the 2017 postseason. Even with offensive struggles, three out of top four teams made conference championship weekend with an average or backup quarterback. If the Bengals are going to overcome the playoff hump, the defense is going to have to lead the way.