The NFL Playoffs will not include the Cleveland Browns as they are officially eliminated. Since the Tennessee Titans defeated the Washington Redskins, the Browns are no longer able to clinch a playoff berth. There was a chance they could make the playoffs; unlikely but possible.
Although they are eliminated from the post-season, they still have an opportunity to make history. There are about two or more achievements they can accomplish as individuals and a team to make history. They have already made history before the season ended by two of their players being selected to the 2018 Pro Bowl.
Cleveland Browns Eliminated From Playoffs But Still Can Make History
Browns Players Earn Trip to Pro Bowl 2018
Despite not making the NFL Playoffs two players from the Browns earned a trip to the 2018 Pro Bowl. Both players are on defence. Defensive end Myles Garrett, in his second year, and cornerback Denzel Ward earned the trip. This is impressive and shows that Cleveland is improving. They made it a point to have a stout defence and the results are showing.
Additionally, their offence is improving thanks to their number-one overall draft pick in 2018, quarterback Baker Mayfield. He did not make the Pro Bowl but has had a rookie season that has exceeded expectations so far.
Baker Mayfield Should Gather Offensive Rookie of the Year Consideration.
If the Browns can defeat the Baltimore Ravens and spoil their playoff aspirations, Cleveland will have its first winning season since the 2007/2008 season. They ended with winning record and missed the playoffs that year. Mayfield has accomplished many achievements with this team, individually, and as a team player.
Mayfield led the Browns to their first win of this season and so far, has led them to seven wins overall. After Cleveland fired former head coach Hue Jackson and other coaching personnel, the Browns started to win games.
Furthermore, they even won games against good teams. Not everyone is used to seeing Cleveland accomplish that. They even had a chance at making a run for the NFL playoffs. Mayfield has thrown for 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for 3,349 yards. He is 1,651 yards away from reaching 5,000 passing yards in a single season.
This is an impressive statistic and places him with Peyton Manning and Drew Brees. Mayfield has a solid defence around him and is playing aside teammates and coaches who want to win and change the culture of Cleveland. They can accomplish that feat this year by spoiling the Ravens playoffs and ending with a victory. They will have earned eight wins on the season.
Cleveland Browns Exit the 2018 NFL Season Looking Dangerous.
In Cleveland, the culture is changing and for the positive. The results of the culture change are noticeable as well. First, the Browns had a chance at the post-season. Next, they have a chance at having a winning record. Thirdly, two players on defense made the 2018 Pro Bowl. Then rookies Mayfield, Nick Chubb, and Denzel Ward, the Browns top three draft picks, have exceeded expectations.
The three have earned talks of winning offensive and defensive rookies of the year. Chubb has an opportunity to reach a 1,000 yard rushing on the season. The last Browns player to approach this total was Isaiah Crowell with 952 rushing yards three season ago. Chubb has eight touchdowns on just 183 carries. He only needs 28 yards to reach the 1,000-yard mark as he currently is at 972 rushing yards.
Mayfield has led his team to seven wins with a passer rating of 95.1 and helped influence a culture change. Additionally, Ward has one forced fumble, three interceptions, and a total of 53 combined tackles.
Last Word
The Browns may have not made the playoffs, but they sure have changed the attitude and mindset in Cleveland. Everyone in Cleveland wants to be a winner and if they don’t think it is possible, they are able to try out and play for other teams.
Everyone should start being nervous about playing in Cleveland. The Cleveland Browns have started a new era and it includes winning games.
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