Dropping the Same Old Browns – Pregame Scribbles label, Terry Pluto

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Write in my notebook as the Browns prepare to face Pittsburgh, a victory that puts Cleveland in the playoffs:

1. Is it fair to put all of the Browns’ previous failures on this team in this game? Of course not. The board, coaches and players are aware that the team has not been in the playoffs since the 2002 season. And they heard about all the agonizing losses in the 1980s. But they had nothing to do with all that heartbreak. soccer.

2. Coach Kevin Stefanski said: “I get fans. Got it. I love our fans and I want them to be excited about it, but it’s really my job to get this team ready to play, and that includes really ignoring the noise. “

3. Stefanski reminds me of Jim Tressel, the former football coach from Youngstown and Ohio. He believes in keeping emotions in check. Your personality doesn’t falter under pressure. He is a person that others can count on not to panic. Tressel has modeled this for years. Stefanski showed some of the same characteristics, and that could serve him and the Browns well on Sunday.

4. Myles Garrett is the captain of the Browns in this game. He asked for the honor earlier this year. Not only because it is the Steelers, although that is a factor given its history with the team and QB Mason Rudolph. But also, “I knew it would be a great game for us, even at the beginning (in the season).”

5. Garrett also made an interesting point about Baker Mayfield and himself. Both were chosen first in the draft, Garrett in 2017 and Mayfield in 2018. Garrett signed an extensive contract extension, keeping it under the control of the team during the 2026 season. Garrett said: “Me and Baker are hungry for this (the playoffs). We will try to make that happen. “

6. Jarvis Landry on Garrett, who is the Browns Prize nominee Walter Payton for all his community work: “He touched the wound for us. He’s our leader. He’s a guy that so many guys on this team respect … If anyone is a Cleveland Brown, it’s Myles Garrett. He deserves this moment in his career for the things he has done for this city and throughout his career here for being able to represent this team by leaving and being the captain of this game ”.

7. In Garrett’s first season (2017), the Browns were at 0-16. He played for four main coaches: Hue Jackson, Gregg Williams, Freddie Kitchens and Stefanski. Joel Bitonio is the senior Brown, being chosen by Ray Farmer in 2014. Rashard Higgins and Cody Parkey were on the 2016 team (1-15). Parkey stayed with the Browns only that season, until returning in 2020.

8. Bitonio about winning and reaching the playoffs: “You put your heart and soul and unfortunately your blood and sweat and tears to play for this team. They gave you everything. They took care of my family and all that stuff. You put so much into it and you get a lot out of it. But the ultimate goal is to win Super Bowls. That’s what the guys play for. You want to win the championship and have a chance to compete for those titles. Our next step is to win this game to have a chance. “

9. Lineworkers and role players must obtain most of their satisfaction with victory. They are rarely noticed, unless they make a mistake. They tend to be some of the most altruistic players on the team. The Browns are 10-5 this season. Before that, they had a 24-71-1 record in Bitonio’s career.

10. Some final words from Jarvis Landry: “I feel the weight of that (no playoffs since 2002). That’s why it’s so important to me … All of our dreams and goals are aligned to be able to play those meaningful games, make it to the playoffs and win championships here in Cleveland. I think the weight is not just on my shoulders, but on everyone’s shoulders. I think everyone really, really wants it. “

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New Browns masks on sale: this is where you can buy Cleveland Browns-themed facial covers for coronavirus protection for adults and youth, including a single mask ($ 14.99) and a pack of 3 ($ 24.99) . All NFL proceeds donated to the CDC Foundation.