The Browns were supposed to have finally turned the page. Their head coach, Kevin Stefanski, was named NFL Coach-of-the-Year last season. The club turned in an impressive 11-5-0 record and won the sixth playoff spot. They defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in their first playoff game and then had several chances to eliminate the Kansas City Chiefs, yet lost.
The defense was earmarked for a makeover after last year. Brought in were LB Anthony Walker, S John Johnson, CB Troy Hill, DT’s Malik Jackson, Sheldon Day and Malik McDowell, as well as former first-round picks Jadeveon Clowney and Takk McKinley at the defensive end position.