1971 Cleveland Browns season
The 1971 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 22nd season with the National Football League.
| 1971 Cleveland Browns season | |
|---|---|
| General manager | Harold Sauerbrei |
| Head coach | Nick Skorich |
| Home field | Cleveland Stadium |
| Local radio | WHK |
| Results | |
| Record | 9–5 |
| Division place | 1st AFC Central |
| Playoff finish | Lost Divisional Playoffs (vs. Colts) 3–20 |
After missing the playoffs the previous year, the Browns got off to a good start at 4–1 only to stumble losing 4 straight to fall to 4–5. However, the Browns would rebound to win the final 5 games of the season for the AFC Central Division title. Just as the 1967 Browns returned to the playoffs following a one-year absence, so, too, did the '71 club, which was in its first season under new head coach Nick Skorich after Blanton Collier's final team in 1970 had finished just 7–7, ending a string of three consecutive postseason berths.
As was the case in 1967, the '71 Browns went 9–5 and won a division crown. They captured the AFC Central for the first time, finishing three games in front of the soon-to-emerge Pittsburgh Steelers (6–8). In the playoffs the Browns would fall in the first round 20–3 to the Baltimore Colts. Running back Leroy Kelly was on the downside of his Pro Football Hall of Fame career, but he did manage to rush for 865 yards and 10 touchdowns – still good for a 14-game season. Wide receiver Fair Hooker led the team in receptions with 45.