SANTA CLARA, Calif. _ Sometimes the best lessons are learned the hard way.
Perhaps that's the case with the Cleveland Browns (2-2), who enter Monday's prime-time showdown with the undefeated 49ers (3-0) on the upswing following their 40-25 victory Sunday on the road against the formidable Baltimore Ravens.
The lesson for Cleveland? It takes more than star power to win consistently in the NFL.
"We've got a lot of talent, but we haven't done anything yet," Browns coach Freddie Kitchens said in a conference call with 49ers beat reporters Wednesday. "Talent's just not the key to success. And hopefully our guys are realizing that. I think our guys do realize that. It has nothing to do with talent."
Cleveland, which hasn't reached the playoffs since 2002, came into the season as a trendy pick for a playoff spot after adding super star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to pair with former No. 1 overall draft picks Myles Garrett and quarterback Baker Mayfield.
