For fans of the Cleveland Browns who wanted the team to get in the playoffs, they kind of got their wish. Because the playoffs start this afternoon for Kevin Stefanski’s crew at First Energy Stadium against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Win, and the Browns advance to the post-season. Lose, and it would take a lot of circumstances for Cleveland to play next weekend in a post-season game.
And make no mistake, it would be a disappointment if the team doesn’t make the playoffs. If you look in a prism before the season started, no question fans and the organization would have been pleased with a 10-6 season, their first winning season since 2007.
That would have been a huge step forward, and after treading water for many years, people would be happy with the improvement.
However, after starting the season at 10-4 following a workmanlike performance against the Giants, the Browns were the top wild card and had a shot at the AFC North title. To not qualify after that should be a disappointment to everyone.
And to go through a season not being able to claim a win against the top dogs in the division, the Steelers and Ravens, would be equally demoralizing.
Stefanski didn’t make excuses for last week’s loss to the Jets even though his offensive line was riddled with injuries and his wide receiver room was basically eliminated by the coronavirus, and we love that about him.
Notice that none of the Browns players used that as a reason for the loss either. That is another example of how they have bought in to the coach’s guidance.
He isn’t using the latest cases to have cropped up in the organization to alter his focus for today’s game. He will expect the players who will participate to do their job and bring home the win and a spot in the playoffs.
Stefanski has been battling with missing key players all season long, and really hasn’t missed a beat. Nick Chubb, one of the NFL’s best running backs missed almost five games with a knee injury, the team went 3-2 in those games.
Myles Garrett, a candidate for defensive player of the year missed two games with COVID-19. Cleveland won both games.
Denzel Ward, who will miss today’s contest with COVID-19, and missed three games with a calf injury and the Browns went 2-1 in those games.
Wyatt Teller, who many feel has been the best guard in the NFL this season (despite not making the Pro Bowl), may have been the most important piece to the offense this season. Cleveland is just 1-3 in the four games he has not played.
Fortunately, he is supposed to be back in the lineup this afternoon.
Yes, the Browns have players out for this game, but their opponents will be sitting out some key players because they have clinched a playoff spot and because of the schedule changes the league had to make because of the virus, really haven’t had a week off all season.
But reserves want to make a mark in the league, so the Browns cannot take anything for granted. They have to go out and play, and they have to go out and win. There cannot be another result.
For most of the teams who have won ten or more games, the NFL playoffs start next week. That’s not the case for the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland Sports Perspective 