Cleveland Browns: 3 Early predictions for 2019
By Randy Gurzi
1. Browns end the NFL’s longest playoff drought
Entering the 2019 season, the Cleveland Browns are the unhappy owners of the longest postseason drought in the NFL. They haven’t made it into the playoffs since 2002, which came on the heels of a 9-7 season that saw backup quarterback Kelly Holcomb coming in and guiding the team to the postseason where they, unfortunately, lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers — this was despite 429 yards passing from Holcomb.
While that was their last trip to the playoffs, the Browns have had at least one other winning season since then. In 2007, they went 10-6 with quarterback Derek Anderson leading the way. That was also Joe Thomas‘ rookie campaign and only winning season. However, their 10 wins weren’t enough to get them into the NFL tournament.
Now armed with talent on both sides of the ball, Cleveland is poised to finally break that streak — which is what this final prediction says they will do. What remains to be seen is whether it will be as a wild card team or champions of the AFC North.
Next. 6 OL the Browns can still sign. dark
Either way, the Browns should rid themselves of their less than impressive drought and they will be more than happy to pass that torch to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who haven’t been to the playoffs since 2007 — assuming they don’t make it this season because if so, the New York Jets who haven’t been since 2010 could take the unwanted torch.