The Cleveland Browns are expected by most to compete for the AFC North and a trip to the Super Bowl in 2021. While that high standard is a nice change of pace for the Browns, expectations can be difficult for young teams.
The Browns had expectations going into the 2019 season but many of them were quickly thrown aside as Freddie Kitchens was quick to be found over his head. Expectations were far lower going into the 2020 season but the team was able to set their own standard leading to a winning season, a playoff appearance and a playoff victory.
Going into 2021, those expectations have returned from 2019 but, perhaps, even higher. The Browns have proven they can win, have young players who have more upside than shown already and have added talent to fill their needs on defense.
Baker Mayfield appeared on the television broadcast for “The Match” with Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers squaring off with their professional golf partners for 18 holes.
Mayfield noted the Browns chemistry as a strong suit already and told Charles Barkley that the team will set their own standard and not worry about expectations from the outside:
#Browns QB Baker Mayfield spoke on The Match broadcast about the teams chemistry and expectations this season: pic.twitter.com/8aRqb5iVWC
— Baillie Burmaster (@bayburmTV) July 7, 2021
With the Kansas City Chiefs on the docket for Week 1, Cleveland’s external expectations could skyrocket or plummet very quickly. Instead, the team’s internal standards need to stay steady whether they win the opening game or not.
Thankfully for the Browns, head coach Kevin Stefanski is even-keeled and his quarterback has seemed to learn similar traits over the past year.
The 2021 expectations for Cleveland might be quite high but the team’s standard will be decided internally and stay consistent no matter what others say.