In recent years, the Cleveland Browns have sometimes seemed to be a rudderless ship. Whether because of coaching, leadership in the locker room, or discord in the front office, the team has struggled mightily to get themselves on any sustained course for success, and seasons have been wasted.
This 2022 campaign has a different feeling, though, and the Browns’ win over the Pittsburgh Steelers was an example of their seismic shift toward legitimate contention. Coming off a disappointing loss in Week 2, the team regrouped and put together a winning game plan to beat their divisional rivals handily in primetime.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has certainly done his part to architect a new culture within the organization, but his comments to the media on Friday tell a story of an unlikely hero who has been integral to the team’s early success. He told reporters that his bridge quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, has been the steady hand at the helm of the Browns that they have needed, and that players and coaches alike are starting to take notice.
“I think you guys know Jacoby,” Stefanski explained, “Know how he operates, how he carries himself and those types of things. I think that does have an impact on your football team when your quarterback is like that. I would also tell you we have a bunch of leaders on this team. We met. We talked like we always do every single week. I think those guys understand the role they play with our team and setting the direction.”
Leadership was one of the deciding factors in Cleveland’s decision to cut Baker Mayfield loose earlier this year, and the team is clearly looking for their quarterback to have certain qualities moving forward. Brissett has been an unlikely hero for the team so far this season, and with his help, the Browns will continue to develop and reach their full potential by the time their permanent starting quarterback takes over later in the season.
