On December 28, 2023, the Cleveland Browns defeated the New York Jets by a score of 37-20.  This victory clinched the second playoff berth for the Cleveland Browns in four seasons.  After resting starters in the final week of the season, the Browns finished 2023 with a 11-6 record. A team that was once considered a joke is now considered a perennial playoff contender. The question is when did it start to turnaround for the Cleveland Browns?

First the organization hit rock bottom with a two-year run from 2016-2017 with a 1-31 record. This may be the start of the turnaround for the Browns. In the 2017 draft the team’s first overall pick was used on Texas A & M DE Myles Garrett, later in the first round University of Miami TE David Njoku was picked by the Browns. In 2018, with the fourth pick in the draft the Browns selected Ohio State CB Denzel Ward and in the second round they drafted Georgia RB Nick Chubb. Each of these players are pro bowl level talent and if their careers continue their current trajectory. One day they very well could be enshrined in Canton Ohio. The beginning of the Cleveland Browns fortunes changing was with these two drafts. The solidifying of it was when continuity of head coach and front office finally happened.

In 2020 both Head Coach Kevin Stefanski and General Manager Andrew Berry were hired by Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslem. He stated that he wanted the coach and gm to be in sync and work together. And that is exactly what they have done entering their fifth season with the organization. Their record for the last four years is 38-31. The team is going into 2024 with high expectations in a tough division. Expectations of a deep playoff or Super Bowl run is new to modern Cleveland Browns fans. Maybe it can be the new standard for Cleveland Browns fans of the future?