{"id":55124,"date":"2018-12-20T12:51:36","date_gmt":"2018-12-20T17:51:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=55124"},"modified":"2018-12-20T12:51:36","modified_gmt":"2018-12-20T17:51:36","slug":"steep-playoff-odds-cleveland-browns-remain-motivated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2018\/12\/20\/steep-playoff-odds-cleveland-browns-remain-motivated\/","title":{"rendered":"Even With Steep Playoff Odds, the Cleveland Browns Remain Motivated"},"content":{"rendered":"

There were always going to be doubters. And then there were also the few people who stated early in the season that the Cleveland Browns<\/a> could find themselves in a position to make a push for the playoffs. Well, it seems they were right. The team has impressed even the biggest skeptics by making such a significant turnaround since their last two embarrassing seasons. Let\u2019s remember though, that while it is possible that Cleveland makes the playoffs, the odds are still slim. But even with steep playoff odds, the Browns remain motivated.<\/p>\n

Even with Steep Playoff Odds, the Browns Remain Motivated<\/strong><\/h1>\n

The math has been done. Let\u2019s be realistic. The scenario where Cleveland becomes playoff-bound is still in play. But the scenario is also full of specifics that will be less likely to occur than Chomps winning the lottery. Ok, not quite, but you get the picture.<\/p>\n

What Needs to Happen<\/h2>\n

The Miami Dolphins<\/a> need to lose a game. The Indianapolis Colts<\/a> and Tennessee Titans<\/a> must lose this week and tie next week. Sounds simple, but no matter how you look at it, the precise occurrence of these events is relatively unlikely.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s Too Much Momentum to Stop Now<\/h2>\n

The Browns are very aware of their reality. They know their chances are slim, but as\u00a0Jimmy Watkins<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0of clevelandbrowns.com said: \u201cThey\u2019ve developed too much positive momentum to let outside factors influence their drive to win.” In the same article, safety Jabrill Peppers<\/strong> laid the cards on the table as they face the Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> this Sunday. \u201cIt\u2019s an AFC North rivalry. Especially how things went up there last (time), we definitely want to let them know that it wasn\u2019t just a fluke. This is what it\u2019s going to be\u201d.<\/p>\n

The Browns 35-20 thrashing of Cincinnati was certainly their most impressive victory in recent weeks. At the time, thoughts of reaching the playoffs were tantalizing.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s No Longer About the Draft<\/h2>\n

Now with a more realistic picture, albeit still pleasing, any wins Cleveland has will simply make fans happy. There will be so much hope for the future as they head into the next season.<\/p>\n

The very big difference? Draft position isn\u2019t nearly as important as it has been for\u2026 oh, so long. This is why the recent stretch of wins has been special. Head coach Gregg Williams<\/strong> is also confident he needn\u2019t worry about his players\u2019 motivations. He was succinct in stating exactly what he would do if he ever suspected a player of not being motivated at this stage: \u201cIf motivation becomes a factor\u2026 recommend to the people upstairs that that guy does not belong\u201d.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, perhaps sharing the sentiments of the entire team, Peppers believes having a winning record is something they can control. \u201cThat\u2019s my main focus\u201d, he said. \u201cIf making the playoffs happens, it happens. If it doesn\u2019t, it gives us good stepping stools to go into the next year\u201d.<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s much more than anyone could\u2019ve hoped for.<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>