The Browns have lost a club-record 11 consecutive regular-season openers.

Ouch!

Can you believe that? It’s a numbing thought.

Even more numbing is the fact that it is the only opening day victory the Browns have had in 16 tries in the expansion era dating back to 1999.

Double-ouch!

The Browns are hoping to end the losing streak when they visit the New York Jets tomorrow to begin the season.

It was on this date in 2004, Sept. 12, that the Browns, led by their new quarterback, Jeff Garcia, and a much-improved run defense, began the year by defeating the Baltimore Ravens 20-3 at what was then known as Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The Browns brought in Garcia, who had had success with the San Francisco 49ers, in an attempt to end their quarterback woes. At least that day, the move worked like a charm.

Garcia accounted for both of Cleveland’s touchdowns, one on a 46-yard pass to wide receiver Quincy Morgan in the third quarter that broke a 3-3 tie, and the other on a three-yard run in the fourth quarter to make it 20-3 and seal the deal.

Overall, Garcia was efficient, completing 15 of 24 passes for 180 yards with no interceptions. He added 13 yards on three rushes.

Phil Dawson scored the Browns’ other points on a pair of field goals from 37 and 25 yards.

Ex-Brown Matt Stover had Baltimore’s points on a 42-yard kick in the third quarter.

Then there was the way the Browns played defensively. After being run over – literally and figuratively – by Jamal Lewis the previous season as he rushed for 500 yards and four touchdowns in the teams’ two games, including an NFL-record 295 yards and two scores almost a year ago to the day – they limited him to just 57 yards in 20 carries. Baltimore won those games 33-13 and 35-0.

Shutting down Lewis was the reason the Browns were able to keep the Ravens out of the end zone this time.

The Browns would like to experience some of those positive vibes tomorrow against the Jets.