Perseverance Pays Off Huge For Cleveland
Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) celebrates a first down against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
Sunday afternoon was truly an incredible moment for the entire Browns organization and their fan base. After being down by multiple scores, at multiple points in the game, the Browns remained calm, fought back, and embarrassed what most claimed to be the “best team in the NFL.” Winning 33-31, Cleveland upset the Baltimore Ravens in a game that will live with Browns fans forever.
This Cleveland Browns squad is tough and completely unwilling to back down. Given everything they’ve dealt with they may be the most poised team in the entire league. They are certainly the most poised group Cleveland has seen in decades.
Let’s start with the injuries. To begin the pre-season, all-pro returner Jakeem Grant, who the Browns had signed in the 2022 off-season, suffers a season ending injury for the second time in a row. What did the Browns do? Found suitable replacements at the return job, pushed forwards, and did not look back.
During Week 1, All-Pro offensive tackle Jack Conklin suffers a season ending knee injury early in the game. They put faith in their rookie offensive lineman, Dawand Jones, who has been playing stellar football since his debut.
Can’t forget the season ending injury to Nick Chubb, which ripped the hearts out of not only all Browns fans, but NFL fans across the world. Instead of falling apart, like many groups would after losing their best player and heart of their offense, Jerome Ford and old friend Kareem Hunt have stepped in to keep the train moving.
And oh by the way, they’ve been without their starting, eat up the whole salary cap quarterback for over 30% of the year.
All these injuries to key pieces of the team would be enough to knock the wind out of any team’s sails, but not the Browns. They just keep winning games. Not the way the Pittsburgh Steelers keep winning games though, this team is actually winning games on their own accord, not just because the opponent is blowing it.
The Browns have also knocked off two teams thus far that have been considered “best in the league,” the aforementioned Baltimore Ravens, and the San Francisco 49ers, who the Browns seemingly broke for a few games after as they went on the lose their next two games.
The 2023 Cleveland Browns are confident, supportive, and most importantly, they are playing good football. This team may not have the best playmakers, the best coaches, or the best record, but what this team does have is the most determination and heart in the league, something you cannot just sign and trade for.
They have put themselves in a position for a deep run by fighting through adversity. Now, if the group can get healthy and start to gel offensively, they are in line to reep the benefits of their own perseverance and determination.
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