Cleveland Browns: 3 pleasant surprises at quarter-mark of season
By Cory Kinnan
The Cleveland Browns are the biggest surprise around the NFL
The Cleveland Browns are miraculously sitting at 3-1 entering a Week 5 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. Three wins straight, the Browns have taken down the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Football Team, and now Dallas Cowboys. We have now hit the quarter-mark of the season, providing a good enough sample size to do some reflection as well.
In order to hit a 3-1 record, the Browns have had to get some significant contributions from surprising names along the way. Here, we will explore those on the team who have contributed to the team, and in a way that may have been unexpected.
As the Browns look to continue their winning ways, here are three names who are off to a great start in Cleveland despite not having a noticeable name prior.
Honorable Mention: HC Kevin Stefanski
Coming into the season, the hire of Kevin Stefanski was scrutinized due to him being the “analytics guy” pick. However, most people who hate analytics don’t really understand them anyway, and the early returns on Stefanski have been extremely positive.
Outside of the Week 1 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the playcalling by Stefanski has been smooth with his identity completely apparent. He may have gotten way too conservative this past week against the Cowboys as well, allowing them to climb back into the game, but the difference in coaching from 2019 to this year is night and day.
Props to owner Jimmy Haslam for finally listening to Paul DePodesta, props to DePodesta for landing the guy he wanted last year anyway. Regardless, this coaching staff, led by Stefanski, has the Browns rolling with their first 3-1 record in 19 years.