After a long drought, the Cleveland Browns finally broke out in 2020 with 11 wins and a divisional round appearance. How did the Browns finally break their playoff curse?
2020 record: 11-5
- Division record: 4-3*
- Record against teams with winning records: 4-4*
*Playoffs included*
Kevin Stefanski was the jolt that Cleveland needed, as the Browns made the playoffs for the first time since 2002. It did take some time for Cleveland to truly find their grove. While they started off 5-2, both of their losses came against Pittsburgh and Baltimore by a combined score of 76-13.
However, the following meetings with the Steelers and Ravens were far different from the early season blowouts. The Browns and Ravens played a classic MNF game where the Ravens won on a walk-off field goal.
Finally, the Browns would go onto win two more games against the Steelers, headlined by their first road playoff win since 1969.
Team Ranks:
| Total Offense | 16th (5913 yards) |
| Passing Offense | 24th (3539 yards) |
| Rushing Offense | 3rd (2374 yards) |
| Total Defense | 17th (5735 yards allowed) |
| Passing Defense | 22nd (3962 yards allowed) |
| Rushing Defense | 9th (1773 yards allowed) |
| PPG | 14th (25.5) |
| PPG Allowed | 21st (26.2) |
| Offensive Line Ranks | |
| PFF | 1st |
| Football Outsiders (Adjusted run yards) | 6th (4.79) |
| Football Outsiders (Adjusted sack rate) | 16th (6.5%) |
| 2020 Offense Play Selection |
| Pass – 51.6% |
| Rush – 48.4% |
| PFF Top 5 Graded Players in 2020 |
| 1. Wyatt Teller G (92.3) |
| 2. Nick Chubb RB (88.3) |
| 3. Myles Garrett DE (86.0) |
| 4. Baker Mayfield QB (85.7) |
| 5. Joel Bitonio G (85.5) |
Leading Passer: Baker Mayfield
- 3,563 passing yards
- 26 passing touchdowns
- 8 interceptions (had 21 in 2019)
Leading Rusher: Nick Chubb
- 1,067 rushing yards
- 12 touchdowns
- 5.6 YPC
Leading Receiver: Jarvis Landry
- 72 receptions
- 840 receiving yards
- 3 touchdowns
Defensive MVP: Myles Garrett
- 12 sacks
- 4 forced fumbles
- 12 QB hurries
What doomed them in the playoffs?
Chad Henne? After Patrick Mahomes went down with an ankle injury, the Browns were in position to make a comeback against KC’s veteran backup QB. They had a 5 point deficit with the Chiefs opting to go for a major 4th down that weighed the balance of their season.
Story of the season: Run game breaks out as one of the best in the NFL
Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable effort in Cleveland to build up the trenches and bring in dynamic backs. 2020 was the first season in which this philosophy came to fruition.
The Browns rushing attack finished 3rd in the league in yards, 5th in YPC, and 5th in rushing touchdowns. This was despite Nick Chubb missing 6 games with a MCL injury. In his absence, Kareem Hunt stepped up and provided value between the tackles while also being a legit receiving threat.
But, these great running backs can’t get to their destinations without a great offensive line leading the way. This offensive line featured a pro bowler in Joel Bitonio and a 1st team All-Pro in Jack Conklin. Wyatt Teller was also graded as the top player on the Cleveland roster according to Pro Football Focus.
The Browns finally stepped out of mediocrity into a path in which they have limitless potential. And that potential will be achieved based on how far this run game can carry them.
What did you think of the Browns’ performance in 2020? Let me know on Twitter @James_Costanz.
