I remember December 23, 1989 , better than I remember what I ate for dinner last night because I’m old (42 years old if you must know). On that Saturday night, the Cleveland Browns defeated the Houston Oilers 24-20, and captured their last divison title. Bernie Kosar led the Browns on a two-minute drive capped off by a Kevin Mack touchdown that sealed the victory. At that time, if you would have asked my nine year old self , how long until the Browns win the division? I would have never thought I’d be saying , “33 years and counting.”

Cleveland wants the ultimate prize, a Super Bowl title, all cities with an NFL franchise want a Super Bowl victory. The fact that the NFL has had only four teams per division and Cleveland still can’t win their division is frustrating and down right pathetic.

Cleveland’s closest shot was in 2007 when they finished the season 10-6. In that 2007 season, the Browns lost to their division rival , the Pittsburgh Steelers, twice. Additionally, the Browns went on to miss the playoffs entirely. The Browns only have managed two playoff appearances since 1999 . Both appearances came via the Wild Card in 2002 and 2020.

To make matters worse as a Browns fan is watching a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars finished last in the NFL at 3-14 in 2021 , then followed that season this year with a record of 9-8 , also the Jags went on to win the AFC South. Divisions such as, the NFC East, tend to have a different division winner each year. The NFC East tends to have all of their teams competing for the top spot. Another agonizing fact , is that the Detroit Lions last divison title (in 1993) , came four years after the Browns last division title.

How does Cleveland finally win its divison in 2023? Browns quarterback, Deshaun Watson, is where it all starts. Watson needs to return to the star form he was in 2020. Cleveland also needs to finish better than 3-3 against the Bengals, Ravens, and Steelers like they did in the 2022 season.

The Browns need to capitalize on the fourth place schedule they earned by finishing in last place this past season, solely based on the fact, that they are better than a last place team.

Winning the division in football may not have the prestige that it does in baseball. For a city and franchise that has won so little these past three decades, a division title would mean an incredible amount.

Earning a division title to most Browns fans, that have been through thick and thin, would be such a incredible accomplishment. The fans have stuck around and supported this team every Sunday.

Lastly, knowing how much Cleveland fans love to buy merchandise, a hat , or a shirt, one that would say “Cleveland Browns, AFC North Champions” would be sweet.

This article was written by : @Ed_In_Columbus

*Photo courtesy of CNN*