We might not keep talking about how this year‘s version of the Browns is a lot like the 1980 club, the Kardiac Kids.
Indeed, just like 46 years ago, the current team has a way of playing everything right down to the very end, and usually winning.
But there was also another season coming into play this year. It is 1985.
The Browns went into that season with some renewed hope after a 1–7 start resulted in a 4–4 second half and a 5–11 finish in 1984. Sam Rutigliano was replaced as head coach in the middle of the season by defensive coordinator Marty Schottenheimer, who rallied the troops for that good finish.
Then in 1985, the Browns got off to an impressive 4–2 start, winning the last three, before a four-game losing streak put them at 4-6. Then, in
this topsy-turvy, see-saw type of season, the Browns won three in a row to get back to 7-6 before losing two of their last three to finish 8–8 to claim the AFC Central o op title in a really down here for the division.
This year’s team, which, like that one 41 years ago, has a lot of young players who are hungry and improving every day, but just need more experience.
Oh, I forgot something. I’ll tell you about that the next time.
Steve King
