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Cleveland Browns: Several ‘firsts’ for kickoff against Chiefs highlight team’s progress

By John Suchan

Jan 17, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) runs the ball as offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) provides coverage against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward (35) during the first half in the AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) runs the ball as offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) provides coverage against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward (35) during the first half in the AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 29: Kareem Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns rushes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 29, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Browns entering the week one kickoff against the Kansas City Chiefs with several more “firsts” for their team that has already shown progress

Several firsts will take place for our Cleveland Browns when they battle the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. It’s been eight months since the Browns lost a hard-fought AFC Divisional Playoff Game battle with the Chiefs.

The Browns and their fans are anticipating a great Week 1 game. A lot has changed for the Browns organization over the last year, including locking in on a coach in Kevin Stefanski who has helped teach a new culture of success that his players have bought into.

Cleveland hasn’t won a season opener since 2004, so if the Browns were to upend the Chiefs Sunday that in itself would be a major first. That’s a big drought in wins but Stefanski and his players are set to break that unfavorable statistic very soon.

The “firsts since…” list grew a lot under the guidance of coach Stefanski in just one season. It was the first time the Browns made it to the playoffs since 2002. It was the first time the Browns won 11 regular-season games since 1994. It was the first time the Browns won a playoff game since that 1994 season.

Now, we’re beginning another season and there are more firsts worth noting as we kick off the season. All these firsts just highlight how much progress this organization has made in the last year.

Cleveland Browns firsts: A winning record

It has been 14 seasons since the Browns entered the season having come off a winning season the year before. The last time was 2007 when the Browns finished that year at 10-6 and just missed a playoff appearance under the direction of then Browns coach Romeo Crennel.

That following year, the 2008 Browns got off to a rough start beginning the season going 0-3 including an opening home opening day loss to the Dallas Cowboys. That team finished 4-12 and Crennel was fired at the close of the season.

I will go on the record and say that will not happen to these “new” Browns under Stefanski’s leadership. I can see them struggle at times, but Stefanski is such a good coach when it comes to relationship building and confidence-boosting that they won’t be losing like that 2008 team.

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