Breaking the Chains

Josh Thornton

This eleven win season has been one that has broken many chains. Milestone after milestone have passed as we barreled toward the best season for a Cleveland Browns team since 1994.For the first time in 13 seasons we did not witness back-to-back losses. Yeah, the 2007 ten win season was the last time that happened. Our fanbase was able to witness an exciting offense. With 408 points scored, it’s the highest scoring Browns offense we’ve see since 1965, when the team scored 415 points… in only 14 games! 

​Keven Stefanski became the only Browns rookie coach to win 11 games since the great Paul Brown posted 12 in 1946. Helping coach get to that record, Baker Mayfield has broken some chains of his own. Mayfield became the first Browns QB to start every game in back-to-back seasons since Brian Sipe logged 4 straight, 1978 through 1981. Baker also moved into 6thall time on the Browns passing leader list, while putting himself with some good company in an impressive NFL stat… Mayfield joined Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck as the only 3 NFL QB’s to throw for 20 plus TD’s and 3500 passing yards in their first 3 seasons. I know, you’ve already heard that… but, doesn’t it sound so damn good every time you hear it? 

​The largest, most meaningful broken chain this season was not any of the ones already mentioned. Nope… that honor will go to the ending of an 18 season playoff drought. A streak that took 11 wins to break, one riddled with hurdles to overcome. The universe hasn’t made it easy. That’s okay, good things rarely are. Now, it’s time for this team to look toward higher sights. More chains to break, milestones to pass. Next up… a playoff victory.

It won’t be easy, but will hopefully highlight the resolve of these new Cleveland Browns. 

Break those chains, men. Remember… the greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.

Go Browns!