Cleveland Browns News: 2020 season proved this is a new team

Back on Sep. 13, 2020, the Cleveland Browns were embarrassed by the Baltimore Ravens in a 38-6 loss on the road. The defeat seemed to dampen an offseason full of hope for a team that was once again changing out their coaching staff and front office.

But unlike in season’s past, this Browns team didn’t let the lopsided loss define them. Instead, they went on to win 11 games in the regular season and added a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Rond.

Then, they were within striking distance of the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday. While they fell 22-17, the fact is, this team made it much farther than anyone expected after that frustrating loss in Week 1.

They also overcame so much during the season. There was the offseason that never happened, which didn’t allow Kevin Stefanski adequate time to install his scheme. That was something they overcame, but another issue was the injury bug that cost them Odell Beckham, Jr., Greedy Williams, and Grant Delpit.

As if that wasn’t enough, COVID decimated this team from Week 15 through this past weekend which even saw them have to go into their first playoff game without their head coach.

Simply put, there were a lot of reasons to expect the worst from the Browns but that wasn’t the case. That’s probably why there were fans lined up to cheer this group on when they returned home late Sunday night.

It was a bittersweet moment as the fans wanted to show their love but we all now have to realize the ride is over. But the good news is, football is back in Cleveland as this team is young and hungry — and despite their injuries and struggles on defense, they were one of the final six teams standing this season.

Now, let’s look back over some of the news from the night following their season-ending loss to the Chiefs.

Cleveland Browns News

‘Great season’: Browns fans remain hopeful amid heartbreaking playoff loss — Alex Stokes, FOX 8

"“The Cleveland Browns’ loss in the second game of the playoffs to the Kansas City Chiefs is bittersweet.”"

Stokes talks with plenty of fans who were sad about the loss but believed this season was special. So many ugly streaks ended for Cleveland and this amazing sports town once again has a winning football team to root for.

The Browns will pick No. 26 overall in the 2021 NFL draft — Jeff Risdon, Browns Wire

"“It will be the latest the Browns have been slated to make their initial selection  — draft slot before any trades — since the 1995 NFL draft. The Browns earned the No. 26 pick that year too, but traded the pick (and RB Eric Metcalf) to the Atlanta Falcons before trading again to wind up making the first pick at No. 30. They took Ohio State LB Craig Powell”"

Draft season has been the Super Bowl in Cleveland for decades, but now, they pick at the end of the round where the winners are. There can still be some solid talent to find there, but the question we all will have now is — which direction will they go?

Browns on wrong end of NFL fumble rule, fans point out potential missed call

"“Browns wide receiver Rashad Higgins caught a pass from Baker Mayfield late in the second quarter and appeared to have a path to the end zone. Higgins dove for the score but was hit by Chiefs defensive back Daniel Sorensen simultaneously. Higgins fumbled the ball into the side of the end zone.”"

This play is not why the Browns lost, and the fact is, had Rashard Higgins held onto the ball, it would have been a moot point.

Still, the missed call loomed large and in a game where Cleveland needed to be perfect, they had to ask the same of the refs — and that did not happen.