If anyone said they pictured this start for the Cleveland Browns through the first four games of the season, they’re probably not telling the truth.

 The Browns are 3-1 and sit atop the AFC North to open the 2026 NFL season. A 27-24 Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers is the highlight of the year so far.

Cleveland did it on national television, which made it even better. The Browns’ only scheduled primetime game of the season turned into a fun night in Cleveland. The Browns built a 21-10 halftime lead and held off a late Steelers comeback with their third straight game-winning drive at the end.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson is playing the best football he’s played in a Browns uniform. Additionally, young stars are showing up all over this roster. Cleveland is surprising a lot of people, and defensive end Jared Verse had a simple message about this team coming out of the win over Pittsburgh.

Jared Verse says these aren’t the old Browns

“This isn’t the old Browns,” Verse said. “We’ve got new swag. We’re a lot more aggressive, a lot more, you know, getting after it. This is something different here. We’re going to make this whole city rock.”

That statement passes the eye test. This Browns team is playing more physical than in years past, even without Myles Garrett around anymore. Cleveland sacked Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers five times despite the veteran trying to get the ball out quickly. The defense also forced two turnovers, with cornerback Denzel Ward and safety Grant Delpit each picking off Rodgers.

The Browns were hitting hard and playing physical all over the field from start to finish. On the flip side, Cleveland hurt itself with a couple of turnovers and 14 penalties. Without those mistakes, I don’t think this would have been much of a game at all on Thursday Night Football.

Todd Monken has the Browns playing with confidence

Browns coach Todd Monken has clearly boosted the confidence of this team. Cleveland is playing a lot differently than it has in years past, and there’s actual optimism growing around what the Browns can be.

Remember, this is still a young team. The Browns are quite literally ahead of schedule right now. Still, this looks like a team that can play with anyone when they’re at their best, and the way the offense came out in the first half against the Steelers is a great sign.

The offense has been the weaker part of this roster. Seeing that unit put up 21 points before halftime against a division rival suggests it’s taking a step forward. If the offense keeps trending in that direction, the defense gives Cleveland a chance to stay in the AFC North race.

Verse’s comments that these aren’t the same old Browns made for a strong statement, and Cleveland is backing it up to this point. A 3-1 start and the division lead are a terrific foundation for a team that wasn’t expected to be here.