The Cleveland Browns haven’t been a wining organization for more than a decade, but the franchise appears ready to finally break through.
A team with playoff aspirations (some are even talking Super Bowl), the Browns have done an outstanding job of revamping the talent pool heading into the 2019 season. Much of that is thanks to the incredible work of general manager John Dorsey, who put his faith in Baker Mayfield, pulled off a trade for Odell Beckham Jr., and made sweeping changes to the entire roster.
If Cleveland does live up to expectations this year, the franchise has a chance to snap four notable droughts (h/t NFL Research).
- Winning campaign: 11-season drought (2007)
- Playoff appearance: 16-season drought (2002)
- Playoff win: 21-season drought (1994)
- Division title: 26-season drought (1989)
The Browns absolutely have the talent to put all four droughts to an end this season. The AFC North is a huge question mark, but on paper Cleveland has the best roster in the division.
Whether the Browns do live up to expectations and finally do break out with a strong campaign will have a lot to do with rookie head coach Freddie Kitchens. If he is able to keep the players focused and playing together throughout the long season, they have a chance.