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FILE – In this file photo from Jan. 17, 2021, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL Division playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City. The Browns are on their way back to rowdy Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, where Cleveland’s 2020 season ended in a playoff loss and where their 2021 season begins, one with Super Bowl prospects. (AP Photo / Jeff Roberson)
By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer
BEREA, Ohio (AP) – Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield spent his Labor Day weekend in Montana bonding and relaxing with teammates Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry and Austin Hooper and their families in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains.
This week’s destination will not be so serene.
The Browns are on their way back to rowdy Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, where Cleveland’s 2020 season ended in a divisional playoff loss and its 2021 season – one with Super Bowl prospects – begins.
As of January, Arrowhead had just 17,000 fans due to COVID-19 protocols. On Sunday, it will be at full capacity, 76,000 men.
“I can only imagine how strong it will be” Mayfield said.
It’s an imposing opener for the Browns, who faced the two-time defending AFC champions on January 17 before losing 22-17 in a game that was only decided when the quarterback Chiefs back Chad Henne converted a fourth assist. to Tyreek Hill with just over a minute remaining.
As they tried to move forward, the Browns were forced to relive a loss that lingers and provided off-season motivation as well.
“I just keep the feeling of how I felt, and the team did the same after that game”, said running back Nick Chubb, who felt he could have done more. “We knew how we felt and didn’t want to experience it anymore. Overall it was a great learning experience for us.
The Browns don’t see this opener as a chance for revenge as much as a first step towards their ultimate goal.
After ending what had been the NFL’s longest playoff drought and then winning a playoff game for the first time since 1994, the Browns are legitimate contenders to win it all.
They’ve been grouped together with the Bills, Titans, Colts and Dolphins as teams seen as capable of dethroning the Chiefs, who seek their third consecutive conference crown.
“The gold standard,” Mayfield said when asked to face Kansas City in Week 1. “They have been the best in the AFC for the past decade. They’re very competitive so it’s good for us to play someone like that.
May be.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, his profusion of playmakers and an underrated KC defense will provide an early indicator for the Browns.
Cleveland recovered from a 38-6 Baltimore in the 2020 opener to go 11-5 and earn a wild card spot. Then, after upsetting Pittsburgh on the road, the Browns were in a position to dethrone Kansas City.
But a slow start, a fumble by receiver Rashard Higgins at the goal line and the inability to stop Henne, 36, who had replaced injured Mahomes, doomed the Browns.
Mayfield said the sting of that loss had fueled him.
“It’s always something that goes through your head” he said. “This is the last time you walked on the field for real and just knowing you win this game, you’re in the conference championship and the next game is the Super Bowl.
“Just knowing how close you are to this and all the little things matters. So I think for us, as we continue to talk about our goal this week, is to do our job and focus on that. It’s all the little things that matter.
With the Chiefs and all the trouble they create with the inimitable Mahomes, Hill’s blazing speed, and Travis Kelce’s big-game talent, the Arrowhead din can take teams off.
The Browns have been blasting artificial crowd noise during their practices for the past two weeks. But nothing can duplicate taking the land from Arrowhead.
Mayfield said preparation will be key to handling the angry Red Sea onlookers.
“We have to know our game plan inside out to know where if a guy doesn’t hear the full calls, he knows exactly where to fill the pieces,” he said. he said. “We just have to be great at communicating, get in line quickly where we need to change or fix something and we can do it effectively.
“It’s not like we’re going to be shocked by the environment. We know exactly what we are getting into. We just have to do our job.
And this time, the Browns want to end it.
NOTES: DE Jadeveon Clowney missed practice due to illness. Coach Kevin Stefanski has said Clowney has tested negative for COVID-19 and hopes he returns on Thursday. Cleveland signed the 2014 first overall pick as a free agent to pair him with All-Pro Myles Garrett. … CB rookie Greg Newsome said he was told Tuesday he would start his first game in the NFL – against Mahomes and the Chiefs. “What a way to start your rookie season”, he said. “Definitely super excited to have the opportunity to play a team like this.”
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