The stage has been set for one of the Cleveland Browns’ biggest games in recent years. A prime-time Thursday night showdown with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers could put the Browns in sole possession of first place in their division for the first time since 2014 and just the second time in more than three decades.
With every AFC North team at 2-1, it would depend on the Cincinnati Bengals losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars, which is possible, and the Baltimore Ravens losing to the Tennessee Titans, which is highly doubtful, on Sunday. But, first things first, Cleveland has to defeat Pittsburgh at Huntington Bank Field.
With that in mind, head coach Todd Monken is making a huge promise to Browns fans, saying the team knows what’s at stake and will be ready for the challenge.
“We’re playing for first place. Holy s***! Is that cool or what? Our guys are ready to rock and roll and we’ll be good to go,” Monken said. “But appreciate the fans and we’re not perfect. We’re not coaching or playing. We’re going to fight like hell to get there, I promise.”
The last time the Browns were in sole possession of first place was Nov. 9, 2014, with the circumstances very similar to this year. After defeating the Bengals in a Thursday night division showdown, the Steelers lost to the New York Jets on Sunday. Cleveland, at 6-3, was in first place, followed by the Bengals at 5-3-1 and the Steelers at 6-4.
Before that, the Browns were last alone in first place after four or more games on Sept. 24, 1995, when they were coached by Bill Belichick, finished the season 5-11, and the franchise moved to Baltimore. Since being reinstated into the NFL in 1999, Cleveland has never won its division and has finished second just three times. In comparison, the Browns have finished last 16 times, including the past two seasons.
In just three games, Monken has started to change that narrative, thanks to comeback victories against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers. His unwavering belief in quarterback Deshaun Watson has been rewarded not only with victories but with a noticeable shift in fan support for his decision.
Now, the Browns have a chance to do something even more substantial, and it could set the tone for a potential playoff season.
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