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Cleveland Browns Training Camp Recap: Day 10 - Final day for fans

2025-08-04T15:59:12-04:00

Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images

Another quarterback sits out of practice with an injury.

Day 10 of Cleveland Browns training camp took place Monday. Here is our recap of the session.

Cleveland Browns Training Camp Report - Day 10 (8/4/25)

1. More QB News: The oldest quarterback of them all (Joe Flacco), who can come off the couch at any time, is apparently the only one who doesn’t get hurt. Before practice started, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that QB Dillon Gabriel would be limited at the final practice in front of fans due to hamstring tightness. Despite being limited, Gabriel still took part in some team drills.

QB Shedeur Sanders, who rested on Saturday due to shoulder tightness, returned to action. Veteran QB Kenny Pickett remained out of some drills still, but did participate in some 7-on-7s. So, we have Flacco-Gabriel practicing this past Saturday, and then Flacco-Sanders on Monday.

2. Joe Thomas is Back: It’s always great to see Joe Thomas maintain his affiliation with the Browns. He was at practice on Monday as a guest coach, hanging around the offensive linemen.

#Browns Hall of Fame left tackle Joe Thomas will be a guest coach at practice today with the O-line.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 4, 2025

3. Delpit Returns to Action: After being out since the beginning of camp with an undisclosed injury, S Grant Delpit returned to action, paired up with S Ronnie Hickman.

4. Best vs. Best: ddd

today’s 1v1 results
Jerry: 1
Denzel: 1 pic.twitter.com/krCN01mRcC
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 4, 2025

5. A Different Year: This year’s training camp had a different feel than previous years for fans, and one of the reasons might be that all the public practices were at the beginning of camp. There were fewer simulated situations in two-minute drills, for example, and no field goals that I can recall. That changed a bit today, as the team will probably move more into it over the next couple weeks.

On the first two-minute attempt (scenario: 22 seconds left, down 2, ball on opposing 41 yard line), Flacco led the Browns to a 51-yard field goal try, which K Dustin Hopkins nailed.

Dustin Hopkins game winning FG #Browns pic.twitter.com/axNwO3pc3u
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) August 4, 2025

Then, it was Sanders’ turn to lead the twos and threes. Sanders had a nice throw to WR Luke Floriea to set up a game-winning field goal by backup K Andre Szmyt.

12 to 37 with a STRIKE to setup a GW FG pic.twitter.com/A6r9KnP098
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 4, 2025

6. The Forgotten Men: While all attention has been on the Browns’ quarterback competition this camp, let’s not forget that the team’s top two picks were on defense. Jim Schwartz talked before practice about what he’s seen from both of his top rookies:

#Browns DC Jim Schwartz on top picks Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger pic.twitter.com/Ob27kfX8vF
— Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham9) August 4, 2025

7. Brownies: RB Pierre Strong, LB Mohamoud Diabate, DE Sam Kamara, and DB Anthony Kendall were not practicing. ... OL Zak Zinter walked off the field with a member of the medical staff. ... DE Myles Garrett returned to action.

On our final day of open camp, we're introducing you to Mason Grrr-aham.

We've already had so many beautiful pups find their forever homes, but there are still some good boys at the Puppy Pound, presented by @SugardaleFoods, waiting to meet you! pic.twitter.com/1FShhbnTNV
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 4, 2025

8 Next Up: The Browns will travel to Carolina on Tuesday, with a joint practice taking place Wednesday. Due to construction around Panthers training camp, they are not hosting fans for practices in 2025 or 2026.

Browns reportedly signing veteran running back

2025-08-04T14:12:51-04:00

Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images

Trayveon Williams spent six seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, primarily on special teams.

The Cleveland Browns have a busy week ahead of them as they enter the third week of training camp.

Today, the team is back on the practice field in Berea for the final session open to the public. Fans in attendance should be excited as rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is expected to practice after being sidelined on Saturday with soreness in his throwing shoulder.

Then it is off to Charlotte, where the Browns will have a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers before the two teams meet Friday night at Bank of America Stadium for their opening preseason.

Not content to sit idly by while the coaches and players put in the work, Cleveland’s front office has also been busy today.

First came a report that the team is planning to sign former track star and hopeful tight end Mitch Van Voreen to the 90-man roster.

#Browns signing former #Bengals running back Trayveon Williams today per a league source @AggieFootball @CEKing_Football @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 4, 2025

Then, early this afternoon, a report dropped from Houston-based NFL reporter Aaron Wilson that the club is planning to sign running back Trayveon Williams, a six-year veteran who primarily saw action on special teams with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Originally a sixth-round selection by the Bengals in the 2019 NFL Draft, the 5-foot-8 and 206-pound Williams spent six seasons with the Bengals. In 68 career games, he only had 62 carries for 307 yards and no touchdowns, while adding 15 receptions for 74 yards.

He did log 873 snaps on special teams for the Bengals, so he can be an asset in that part of the game.

Williams signed with the New England Patriots in May as a free agent, but was released on Friday.

Williams joins a running back room with veterans Jerome Ford, Pierre Strong Jr., and Toa Taua, along with rookies Dylan Sampson and Ahmani Marshall. Missing, of course, is second-round draft pick Quinshon Judkins, who remains unsigned and away from the team while dealing with a domestic violence and battery charge.

If Williams can get up to speed quickly, there may be an opportunity for him to get on the field against the Panthers, as the Browns are likely not going to play their top-line players much, if at all.

Report: Browns bringing in former college track star, turned tight end

2025-08-04T12:51:34-04:00

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Mitch Van Vooreen was a track star and hurdler at Marquette

The Cleveland Browns constant turnover on their roster continues and is likely to continue until the team gets down to its initial 53-man roster. The tight end position has been a place of concern for the Browns roster, with TE David Njoku having “figured it out” at the top, but a lot of questions after that.

Rookie TE Harold Fannin Jr. has a lot of people excited, but it is tough for rookies at the position, despite his similarities to Brock Bowers, who excelled in Year 1. TE Blake Whiteheart has grown into the position and tries to use his speed to his advantage while learning by blocking DE Myles Garrett.

Cleveland also brought in TE Sal Cannella from the UFL with Brenden Bates also on the roster.

According to a report from Jeff Risdon, the Browns are adding Mitch Van Vooren to the roster as well:

The Browns are signing TE Mitch Van Vooren to the 90-man roster, per source. Undrafted rookie from St. Norbert was a track star at Marquette before going back to football.
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) August 4, 2025

As noted by NBC Sports, Van Vooreen’s track resume is impressive:

An undrafted rookie, Van Vooren was a track runner and hurdler at Marquette, setting a program record in the 400-meter hurdles. But he elected to play football, transferring to St. Norbert College for his last two years at that level.

Van Vooreen was at rookie minicamp on a tryout basis earlier this offseason before being signed by the Seattle Seahawks back in June.

According to St. Norbert’s website, Vooren was impactful during his time there:

Career: Played in 22 games, catching 65 passes for 1,045 yards and 13 touchdowns. In his time with the Green Knights, St. Norbert went 15-7 and finished second in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference in 2023 and 2024. In his final career game, helped the Green Knights win their first-ever bowl game with a 20-14 win over Monmouth in the Cousins Subs Lakefront Bowl. Was named first-team All-NACC in 2024 and was an honorable-mention choice in 2023.

2024: Named a first-team All- NACC selection, totaling 33 receptions and 510 yards with 10 touchdowns in 11 games.

With a roster in transition, no surprise to see GM Andrew Berry trying to uncover diamonds in the rough during training camp.

National perspective on why Browns offense might not look good early in training camp

2025-08-04T12:29:28-04:00

Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images

The QB competition is one reason but the Browns defense is another

The Cleveland Browns head into their final fan-attended practice of their 2025 training camp with many of the same questions as they had heading into it. QB Shedeur Sanders has been the talk of camp and has embraced his role and pressure well. QB Joe Flacco took the first assignment of “QB1” when QB Kenny Pickett was injured, while QB Dillon Gabriel, as a third-round pick, has the most investment from the team.

The Browns offense has looked sluggish at times so far in camp. Some may have to do with the QB competition, but DE Myles Garrett and the defense also play a role. As OC Tommy Rees noted, OT Dawand Jones benefits from going against Garrett and Cleveland’s very good defense:

Browns OC Tommy Rees on progression of LT Dawand Jones and going against Myles Garrett. pic.twitter.com/LsVOIOpXb4
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) August 4, 2025

According to Daniel Jeremiah, offenses are almost always behind defenses early in training camp:

Preseason PSA- just about every defense is ahead of every offense at this point in training camp.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) August 4, 2025

Two big keys for the Browns will develop soon: How do they look against other teams and does the offense improve as training camp continues?

It might be helpful if HC Kevin Stefanski is able to name a starter or at least assign a majority of the first team reps to just one quarterback. Offenses tend to struggle early in camp due to the vital timing nature of plays. Whether it is double team or pulling blocks from the offensive line, timing blocks with the run play or receivers and quarterbacks being on the same page on routes, repetition tends to bring things up to speed.

Rotating quarterbacks could slow that process down some.

For now, besides on teams with bad defenses, the offenses should be behind. Growth is required in preseason action and as camp moves on. If not, concern should grow.

Browns QB Shedeur Sanders embracing pressure of first NFL training camp

2025-08-04T11:51:52-04:00

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Rookie sits down with Cleveland legend Bernie Kosar to discuss how things are going as Sanders transitions to the NFL.

The Cleveland Browns have had a horrible time of it when it comes to finding a quarterback over the past 25 years.

It appeared for a brief moment that the decades-long search had concluded in 2018 when the team selected Baker Mayfield with the No. 1 overall selection in that year’s NFL Draft. But that came to a bad end after Mayfield suffered a shoulder injury in 2021, which ultimately led the Browns to trade him to the Carolina Panthers, and then they took a “big swing-and-miss” by trading for Deshaun Watson.

Four years later, Mayfield is stacking division titles with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the Browns are back in the quarterback market with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders all vying for a roster spot this summer.

Sanders recently sat down with Browns legend Bernie Kosar, the last Cleveland quarterback to have sustained success with the team, for a chat about quarterback mechanics, life as an NFL rookie, and Sanders’ approach to football.

A few highlights include:

Sanders emphasized taking each day of training camp as it comes and focusing on consistent improvement. He said he approaches every situation with calm and confidence, describing pressure as something he embraces and is comfortable dealing with.
When asked about his composure in the pocket, Sanders attributed it to his comfort with pressure and a mindset shaped by life’s challenges. He said being under pressure feels “normal and helps him stay focused.
Sanders said he enjoys reading blitz coverage, noting that he focuses on speeding up his decision-making and getting the ball out quickly.
While acknowledging he’s not getting as many reps as he’s used to, Sanders is keeping a positive outlook, views each day as the next part of the journey, and focuses on doing his part the right way.
Sanders received a lot of criticism before the draft, but said he values remaining true to himself and being genuine on and off the field. He doesn’t feel the need to “fake” anything and sees giving back to his teammates and the community as a natural part of who he is.

This was by no means an in-depth interview, but it still provided a nice moment for Sanders to discuss how things have been going so far as the Browns enter a busy week that includes a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, and the two teams opening their preseason schedule on Friday night in Charlotte.

Sheduer Sanders injury update as Browns prepare for training camp practice Monday

2025-08-04T09:25:37-04:00

Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images

Shedeur Sanders joined Kenny Pickett on the sidelines Saturday with an injury

Like most teams, the Cleveland Browns have faced their fair share of injuries and other ailments during the start of their 2025 training camp. The roster has seen a load of changes, mostly on the backend, while most of the focus has been on the Browns quarterback competition.

Early in training camp, it seemed like Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel had a real shot at winning the starting job, but HC Kevin Stefanski made it clear that all four QBs, including Shedeur Sanders, were in the running. When Pickett got hurt, Stefanski named Flacco the leader in the clubhouse, creating a clear pecking order.

Sanders joined Pickett on the sidelines Saturday with what was described as a sore shoulder. With just one practice in Berea this week, the final one fans can attend this year, before heading over to Carolina, Sanders is expected back on the field Monday, according to Mary Kay Cabot:

Shedeur Sanders expected to be full-go in practice on Day 10 of #Browns camp today after being shut down with arm soreness on Saturday: -----> https://t.co/P9AaOBYiU9
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 4, 2025

Two days off to rest a shoulder that has gotten a ton of extra work, with Sanders getting on the field early and staying late, should be helpful, but is something that needs to be monitored going forward.

5 Browns games that should have put them in the Super Bowl

2025-08-04T08:41:12-04:00

Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Despite winning eight titles, the narrative is that Browns have never been to a Super Bowl, 5 games explain why

Most folks believe the NFL title game began with the Super Bowl. That isn’t true.

Although the NFL began in 1920, it didn’t have a league title game until 1933. From 1933 to 1969, to become the NFL champs, a club first had to win the “NFL Championship Game.”

Super Bowl 4 was the first game to be officially coined the “Super Bowl.” The first three installments were entitled the “AFL-NFL Championship Game.” This game pitted the champions of the American Football League (AFL) against the champions of the National Football League (NFL).

The AFL began in 1960 and was an NFL rival league. The two leagues were completely separate until they decided to merge into one league beginning in 1970. Beginning in 1966, preseason games were shared, the college draft became a common draft, and a grand championship game would be held.

The NFL won the first two while the younger league captured the second two games. That final game in 1969 became known officially as the “Super Bowl” and has been the name of the league championship game ever since. Then the first three “AFL-NFL Championship Games” were renamed Super Bowls 1-3.

Browns head coach Paul Brown after Cleveland won the 1949 AAFC Championship Game

The Cleveland Browns are ranked tied for sixth for the most pro football championships with eight titles. The franchise has won four All-America Football Conference (AAFC) titles and four NFL crowns. As far as NFL-only clubs, the Browns are tied for third with the New York Football Giants behind the Green Bay Packers (13) and Chicago Bears (9).

Many folks don’t consider any NFL title game pre-Super Bowl era to be official since those title games weren’t played under the guise of being a “Super Bowl.” To them, it does not matter that the NFL has had a champion since its inception in 1920 through 1965. Since none of those winners played in a Super Bowl, they don’t either count or don’t matter.

If it’s not a Super Bowl win, then it isn’t of any significance, as though it never happened.

Which isn’t true.

The Super Bowl is simply the new name for the league championship game. If the NFL were to rename this game, such as after Super Bowl 100, would all the Super Bowl winners suddenly lose their titles and significance? Of course not.

Indeed, it is true that the Browns have never participated in a league championship game called the Super Bowl.

But Cleveland had their chances.

To be factual, they had lots of opportunities and for one reason or another, they blew it and lost games that they should have won. And these were some excellent Browns teams with Pro Bowl players and a great coaching staff. There is no telling how many Super Bowls Cleveland would’ve, could’ve, should’ve participated in if this or that had happened instead. Winning a Super Bowl may have been a different story, but at least they had opportunities to participate in the big game.

Here at Dawgs By Nature, we’ve assembled a crew of excellent writers who are die-hard Browns fans who have gathered to tell it like it is – for better or worse.

Let’s take a look at five games during the Super Bowl era that the Browns lost that would have catapulted them into an actual Super Bowl.

1969 NFL Championship Game

Cleveland Browns vs. Minnesota Vikings

1969 Browns:

10-3-1, Century Division champions

Head coach: Blanton Collier

1969 Browns playoff history:

Eastern Conference Championship Game @ Dallas: Defeated Dallas Cowboys (11-2-1) 38-14

NFL Championship Game @ Minneapolis: Lost to Minnesota Vikings (12-2-0) 27-7

Kenny MacDonald

Ottawa Browns Backers

Link: Ottawa Browns Backers Facebook Page

1969 – What If the Browns Had Just Gotten Rolling?

The winner went on to play the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl IV, which was called the “AFL-NFL Championship Game.”

In 1969, our beloved Brownies were back in the NFL Championship Game. They were facing a Vikings team that had destroyed them earlier that season, 51–3.

Photo by James Drake/Getty Images

1969 NFL Championship Game

The Purple People Eaters, anchored by four All-Pros on the defensive line, were a nightmare for any quarterback. But the Browns had a smart game plan: swing passes to running backs, misdirection draws, and play-action shots to keep the defense honest. The key, though, was survival. On the road, you always have to weather the storm, and you must answer early scores.

Sure enough, the Vikings struck first. On the Browns’ opening drive, facing third-and-nine from their own 43-yard line, quarterback Bill Nelsen forced a throw to TE Milt Morin over the middle. The pass fell incomplete —what if he hit WR Gary Collins to the wide side right? Maybe they are in field goal range. Sometimes a small spark is all it takes to get rolling, especially in a cold-weather grinder like this one. Instead, it was a missed moment that set the tone.

Next offensive series, the Browns defense got the Vikes on a third-and-nine deep in their own territory. Time to get the ball back and score, but Vikings quarterback Joe Kapp dropped back and Browns cornerback Erich Barnes slipped in coverage on All-Pro wideout Gene Washington. Yikes 14-0 on a walk-in TD. Whether it was the cold or the cleats (broadcast audio even hinted the Browns might not have been wearing the right shoes), ask the question: What if Barnes didn’t slip? What if the Browns had CB Ben Davis, who had eight interceptions the year before, but was now out with a torn ACL?

Still, teams have come back from that deficit — but the window slammed shut when RB Leroy Kelly, one of the Browns’ all-time greats, fumbled on Cleveland’s next drive. What if Kelly didn’t fumble?

Photo by James Drake/Getty Images

After that, the Browns never got close again. The game ended 27–7, and with it, Cleveland’s last real shot at a Super Bowl berth in the pre-merger era. They wouldn’t return to a conference championship until 1986. Maybe better cleats, a safer third-down call, or a tighter grip on the football. And while it’s a long shot with this game, that’s all it might’ve taken to rewrite history for a Cleveland Browns Super Bowl appearance.

Or maybe a couple of bottles of Dortmunder Gold and a hot tub time machine.

1972 Divisional Playoffs

Cleveland Browns vs. Miami Dolphins

1972 Browns:

10-4-0, AFC Central Division runner-up

Head coach: Nick Skorich

1972 Browns playoff history:

AFC Divisional Round @ Miami: Lost to Dolphins (14-0-0) 20-14

Howie Smith

Susquehanna Valley Browns Backers

Link: Susquehanna Valley Browns Backers Facebook Page

1972 – Could the Browns beat the unbeaten?

This marked the end of a nine-year span in which the Browns made the playoffs seven times; it would be the Browns’ last playoff appearance until 1980.

This season, Cleveland won nine of their final 10 games. Playing in the AFC Divisional Round on December 24, 1972, against a Dolphins team that would go 17–0-0 and win the Super Bowl, the Browns lost 20–14 after blowing a 14–13 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

Set Number: X17345

On their way to a perfect season, Miami hosted the Wild-Card Browns on Christmas Eve. The Browns owned Dolphins’ head coach Don Shula until this fateful day. Consensus was that the Browns needed to play error-free football to win. They did not, but the game was close.

The Browns were able to stay in it, thanks to a stout first-half run defense that held the best rushing attack in the NFL to 12 yards. The offensive line gave Browns QB Mike Phipps time to ATTEMPT to throw. RB Bo Scott averaged nearly six yards per tote in rushing for 94 yards – double his average output – and added four catches for 30 yards. He WAS the Cleveland offense.

What specific plays led to this defeat?

1 – Browns kicker Don Cockroft’s first punt was blocked and returned for a TD.
2 – To start the second quarter, WR Frank Pitts beat a Miami defender on an endzone flag route and dropped a perfectly-placed pass. On the very next play, Phipps immediately missed his receiver for his second interception.
3 – On the final drive, Phipps again connected with a Miami defender for interception #5, ending what could have been an upset of the only team to ever go undefeated/untied in the NFL.

But what really caused this defeat and propelled this franchise on a never-ending run of futility and ineptitude - THE TRADE.

Phipps went 9 for 23 for a mere 131 yards and FIVE picks, while former Brown now Dolphins WR Paul Warfield had 91 yards from scrimmage, and set up the winning TD. And when you thought it couldn’t possibly get worse, Cleveland owner Art Modell grabbed WR Homer Jones to replace Warfield, in exchange for DT Jim Kanicki and RB Ron Johnson, who earned All-Pro running back honors twice for the Giants.

Oh… almost forgot …Jones played ONE season for Cleveland. What the Hell were they thinking?

1986 AFC Championship Game

Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos

1986 Browns:

12-4-0, AFC Central Division champions

Head coach: Marty Schottenheimer

1986 Browns playoff history:

Wild Card Round - bye

Divisional Playoff Round @ Cleveland: Defeated New York Jets (10-6-0) 23-20 in double overtime

AFC Championship Game @ Cleveland: Lost to Broncos (11-5-0) 23-20 in overtime

Mike Wilkes

Bearded Browns Podcast

Link: Bearded Browns Podcast

1986 – Just one more defensive stop

It was Cleveland, Ohio, on January 11, 1987. The air was heavy with anticipation. Municipal Stadium was a frozen coliseum of noise and nerves. Browns fans, long-starved for a Super Bowl, believed this was finally their year. Led by QB Bernie Kosar and a ferocious defense, Cleveland stood just 98 yards away from the promised land.

Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images

Midway through the fourth quarter, the Browns were clinging to a 20–13 lead. The Denver Broncos had just muffed a kickoff return and were pinned at their own two-yard line. Most of the 80,000 home fans roared with the belief that this was the moment their Browns would punch a ticket to their first Super Bowl.

But standing under center for the Broncos was a young quarterback, John Elway, already known for his rocket arm and icy confidence. What happened next would become legend.

Snap after snap, Elway dodged Cleveland’s pressure. He zipped a pass to RB Sammy Winder, scrambled for a first down, and hit WR Steve Watson on a crossing route. The clock ticked. The crowd, once deafening, grew quiet. Anxiety hung like fog.

Then, on third-and-18 from his own 48, Elway launched a bullet to WR Mark Jackson across the middle. First down. Time was running out.

With 39 seconds left, on third-and-one at the five-yard line, Elway took the snap, dropped back, and fired a perfect strike—Jackson again. Touchdown. 98 yards. Game tied.

Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images

Kicker Rich Karlis #3 of the Broncos celebrates after kicking a 33-yard field goal in overtime to defeat the Browns

Stunned silence swept through the stadium. The unthinkable had happened. “The Drive” was born.

In overtime, the Browns had a chance. But Denver’s defense held, and the Broncos got the ball back. Kicker Rich Karlis lined up for a 33-yard field goal and struck it clean. It sailed just inside the upright. Broncos 23, Browns 20.

The heartbreak was complete.

Back in the locker room, Kosar sat quietly, pads still on. His teammates stared into the void, knowing how close they had come. Cleveland had seen the Super Bowl dream slip through frozen fingers.

It wasn’t just a loss; it was a wound that would scar a city. But for the rest of the nation, a legend had been written.

And for Browns fans, “The Drive” became a name never to be spoken without pain.

1987 AFC Championship Game

Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos

1987 Browns:

10-5-0, AFC Central Division champions

Head coach: Marty Schottenheimer

1987 Browns playoff history:

Wild Card Round - bye

Divisional Playoff Round @ Cleveland: Defeated Indianapolis Colts (9-6-0) 38-21

AFC Championship Game @ Denver: Lost to Broncos (10-4-1) 38-33

Mike Baab

Browns center 1982-1987

1987 – One moment, one mistake, one more missed Super Bowl

Even though we had a better record in 1986, this 1987 team was much better. Our offense scored the third most points in the league. We had the most effective offensive line in the NFL.

Photo by John Betancourt/Getty Images

The year before, we thought we had the game because we were in Cleveland. But when Puzz (Dave Puzzuoli) sacked him, we thought we had it. And then Elway was just Elway. He made three or four fabulous plays on that drive; nobody in the world could make but him. He had a third-and-18 and threw it across the field and got 19 yards.

We were a very dedicated running team. We could run it down your throat, and we had Bernie. Everybody on the team was having their best season in their life. And we were a team that absolutely loved each other.

In the 1987 AFC Championship, we came back from a 21–3 deficit. They went up 38–31 with six minutes to play. Bernie made some good plays, and we drove the field to get inside the 10-yard line with about six minutes left. Earnest (Byner) took the handoff and scooted to the left. We thought he was going to score. A defensive back named Jeremiah Castille managed to strip him of the ball. I will never forget that player’s name because he had never made a play in his life before that play, and never made a play after that play, and was out of football a year later. Probably the only play he ever made.

Photo by John Betancourt/Getty Images

It was just a lucky angle, just as Earnest was turning to go up the field towards the end zone. Earnest still hasn’t recovered from that play. Earnest had a huge status on the team for trying so hard, being committed, and a great contributing player.

We had a reunion in 2016 about the 30 years of that ’86 team. It was amazing how many guys stood and apologized that it was their fault they didn’t go to the Super Bowl that year.

2020 Divisional Playoffs

Cleveland Browns vs. Kansas City Chiefs

2020 Browns:

11-5-0, AFC North Division third place

Head coach: Kevin Stefanski

2020 Browns playoff history:

Wild Card Round @ Pittsburgh: Defeated Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4-0) 48-37

Divisional Playoff Round @ Kansas City: Lost to Chiefs (14-2-0) 22-17

Kristy Acuti

BFO: Browns Fans Only Facebook fanpage, Cleveland 13, TMDE, FirstTeam

Link: BFO

2020 – One no-call, that’s all

The one that got away - or stolen from us - we could say.

The Browns already put the hurt on QB Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers 48-37, in their stadium. Now, it was QB Pat Mahome’s turn to go down.

Set Number: X163794 TK1

While most of the game didn’t go as well as the week before, Browns QB Baker Mayfield knew he had to hang in there, and all the players were in place. This was the team that every Browns fan on the face of the earth had been hoping and praying for their entire lives. This was the team; if any team was going to get us there, this was that team.

The referees, of course, had other plans.

Some fans have called for the call to be abolished, as it should. There was a clear helmet-to-helmet hit on WR Rashard Higgins and the final minutes of the game as the Browns were driving towards the end zone. The ball came out of his hands, went into and out of the end zone, and now, the Chiefs’ ball.

The play was over. The game may have well been over as well. Our dream of making it to the Super Bowl was over. The Chiefs ended up in the Super Bowl, losing to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-9.

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The officials took it away from us. No helmet-to-helmet was called. Higgins was watching the Tweedy birds over his head for a while all of Browns Nation was losing their minds. How is this possible? How were we this close, and this blatant call, not be called?? Browns’ curse? Refs and the NFL just hate us?

Who knows, but I get goosebumps thinking about what could have been and dreaming of one season that we actually do get in that end zone, we win the AFC Championship, and go to the Super Bowl. The whole world will celebrate with us (at least in my head), and the Browns will have the BIGGEST World Championship parade in the universe. They deserve it more than any sports team out there.

Can you guess this Browns punter in today’s in-5 trivia game?

2025-08-04T07:00:00-04:00

Think you can figure out which Browns player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Hey, Cleveland Browns fans! We’re back for another day of the Dawgs By Nature in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

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Dawgs By Nature in-5 instructions

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Browns player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS this week. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it. The game appears in slot #3 of the DBN layout each day this week and as noted above, will appear in this article exclusively. Additionally, there is a more general version of this at SBNation.com, which features a variety of random players that do not necessarily have Eagles history.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!