1980 Browns
Both the Browns and the city of Cleveland had fallen on hard times for much of the 1970’s, which was what made the Kardiac Kids’ season of 1980 so special. Brian Sipe, a 13th-round draft pick in 1972, threw for 4,132 yards and 30 touchdowns as the Browns ended a run of AFC Central dominance by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game on a frozen field against the Oakland Raiders, the only touchdown scored by the Browns came on an interception return by Ron Bolton. Worst of all, Sipe tried hitting Ozzie Newsome in the end zone with less than a minute to go and the Browns within field-goal range, only to have Mike Davis pick him off. The 14-12 loss turned into essentially an icy last gasp for the era of Sipe and coach Sam Rutigliano, while the Raiders went on to win that year’s Super Bowl.
Next: 1976 Cavaliers
