Since 1999, the Cleveland Browns are 3-23-1 in Week 1 of the NFL season. There have been plenty of years of struggle, but even when the team is more competitive, they’ve failed to show up in the season's first game.
The Kevin Stefanski era hasn’t been as bad. He claimed Week 1 wins in 2022 and 2023, but the home loss vs. the Cowboys had the team looking underprepared coming out of camp. Especially on the defense, where tackling was dreadful in years past.
Day 7 Browns training camp recap from @TonyGrossi is here:
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 30, 2025
- Live tackling 👀👀
- Shedeur vs 1st team defense
- injury updates
Presented by Maloney & Novotny https://t.co/HYdjhYGkeK pic.twitter.com/xQhPYEj7j3
Stefanski is changing things up in 2025 with live tackling in practice. With the increased risk for injury, the Browns hadn’t tackled in six years at camp, but it was a pleasant surprise to have this team more prepared for Week 1.
Stefanski has yet to give the answer on if we will see starters play this Friday vs. the Carolina Panthers in the team's first preseason game, but his tone this year would make one believe he is going to get the unit some reps. The big question now is, who will be the quarterback with that first team unit?