The 2018-2019 NFL season has started, and with it, different teams are attempting to forget the past, one of these being the Cleveland Browns. Over the course of last season, the Browns won zero games, ending with a record of 0-16.
The Cleveland Browns picked up a good amount of athletes during the 2018 NFL draft. These include Baker Mayfield, quarterback, Denzel Ward, cornerback, and Austin Corbett, tackle. Cleveland hopes that these recruits can help their team succeed in any way possible.
“I think they have picked up some pretty solid players, and I think Baker Mayfield is going to be a great NFL quarterback,” said Patrick Cannon, sophomore.
The Browns were already able to improve on their record from last year, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-21 in week one. Adding to the satisfaction of ending a long losing streak, the Browns beat the New York Jets by a final score of 21-17 during week 3. This was their first win since December of 2016. At that time, President Obama was still in office. In the past weeks, the Browns have improved their record, now 2-3-1.
“Although they did break their losing streak, I don’t believe they have a good chance in their upcoming games. Maybe they’ll do good in the future though,” says William Shearin, sophomore.
In the Browns first win in over a year, Tyrod Taylor, starting QB, left the game with a head injury. Rookie Baker Mayfield entered the game and thrived under the pressure of his first regular season NFL game. At the time of his entrance, the Jets were leading 14-0, but the lead was quickly decreased as Baker Mayfield led his offense down the offense for a field goal, completing three of four passes for 47 yards.
“Baker had a pretty solid game in his first appearance, and he brought his whole team back in to the game. If he keeps it up I think he could become an elite quarterback for a while,” said Cannon.
The Browns are aiming to make the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2002, during which they lost in the Wild Card game to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Wild Card game is between the best two teams that do not win their divisions. To make the playoffs though, they will have to get through the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, and the Baltimore Ravens, the three other teams in their division (AFC North). If they can’t get through their divisions opponents, the wild card is another option.
“It’s not the only win we’re going to celebrate,” said Mayfield, quarterback, after the Browns first win against the Jets.
