Josh Thornton

As the clock ticked down to all zeros I found myself in a position I have never been in over the last 2 decades. I had just witnessed a Browns team overcome mistakes and grind out another win late. They scored over 30… for the 4th game in a row, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished in over 40 years. Trust me; it is more painful typing that than saying it. They also moved to 4-1 on the season. That would be yet another feat that has eluded this organization for over a quarter century. How about a 4 game winning streak? Yeah, you guessed it, first one in a while. They hit all these marks while beating a quality Colts team. The quintessential “measuring stick” game…. and the Browns won! Check another box.

​As we navigate this 2020 season I expect many more of the“first since” type of moments. I mean, when you have been as bad as we have for so long, the opportunities to break the chains of old become plentiful. But it’s not just the duration of bad football that is making this possible. Oh no… it’s much more than that. 

​How many times have we seen the browns blow leads and not have the ability to come back? How many times have we suffered through multiple turnover games that broke the will of the team? How many times have we seen penalty riddled, undisciplined Browns teams just flat out quit? I’ll tell you … too damn many. Not this team though. Not with this coach. It is actually different this time.

​Game management, focus and the determination to not be “those Browns” are at an all-time high. Plays are being made when they need to be made. Players know their assignments… well, most players… I won’t call anyone out specifically though…. *cough* Sendejo… oops. All joking aside, this is a team unlike any other we have seen in the expansion era. Yes, even unlike the team that went 10-6 in 2007. No disrespect to the Crennel squad but this team has more. This team has… it.

​It’s time to change the narrative permeating from the fan base. I know the decade’s long struggle has left most of us scarred and broken. Jaded is a term I throw around most when referencing some of the fans. I get it… but the time has come to change that. The time has come to embrace your new Cleveland Browns for the team they are and the team they are becoming. Let it flow over you and wash away the sins of past. Drink it in folks because it is real. These Browns truly aren’t the same old Browns.

If you are waiting for the 2020 Browns to do enough to wash away 2 decades of suck… you’ll be waiting for a very, very long time my friend.

Me, however…  I’m going to enjoy my team of big hairy American winning machines.

Go Browns!