The Browns started the season with a bang, winning their first three games against the New Orleans Saints, Houston Oilers, and Dallas Cowboys. The team was firing on all cylinders, with quarterback Frank Ryan leading the charge. Ryan threw for over 2,500 yards and 29 touchdowns during the season, including a four-touchdown performance against the Chicago Bears in Week 9.
While Ryan was certainly a star for the Browns, the team also had other key contributors on offense. Running back Leroy Kelly rushed for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns, while wide receivers Paul Warfield and Gary Collins each had over 700 receiving yards and a combined 15 touchdowns. The Browns’ offense was one of the most explosive in the league, with the team averaging 24.2 points per game.
But it wasn’t just the offense that was impressive for the Browns during the 1967 season. The defense was also a force to be reckoned with. Led by linebacker Jim Houston and defensive back Walt Sumner, the Browns allowed just 15.2 points per game, which was the third-best mark in the league.
As the season wore on, the Browns continued to amass victories. They suffered a bit of a setback in Week 4 with a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, but rebounded nicely with wins against the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins in the following weeks. The team also notched a 21-17 victory over the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers in Week 12.
Despite their success during the regular season, the Browns’ playoff run was a short one. They faced off against the Dallas Cowboys in the first round, but were unable to come out on top. The Cowboys won the game 52-14, ending the Browns’ hopes of a championship.
Still, the 1967 season will always be remembered fondly by Browns fans. The team played some of the best football in franchise history, and the roster was stacked with talented players. Despite not winning a championship, the Browns’ success during the 1967 season was indicative of the team’s potential for years to come.
Looking back on the season now, it’s clear that the 1967 Cleveland Browns were a special team. From the explosive offense to the stifling defense, the Browns were a well-rounded squad that was fun to watch every week. While the postseason didn’t quite pan out the way the team had hoped, the 1967 season will always hold a special place in the hearts of Cleveland fans.