A mere 31 years ago today, the Browns opened their season with a bang, downing the Atlanta Falcons in the Hall of Fame exhibition game in Canton. It was the first game for the orange and brown after the fateful Red Right 88 playoff loss by the Kardiac Kids, and they looked promising in their 24-10 win.

Sam Rutigliano’s offense racked up 478 yards, including 99 yards rushing by Cleo Miller and 54 more by diminutive Dino Hall on just five carries. Oliver Davis was the defensive star, with two of the team’s four interceptions. The pair of picks tied a Hall of Fame game record, also attained by Daylon McCutcheon in 1999.

It was the first time the Browns won their preseason opener since 1969, but, sadly, the magic didn’t last, as the Browns regressed to a 5-11 record and went from first to worst in the division.

Inductees that day included Packers great Willie Davis, who played his first two seasons for the Browns. Davis (no relation) was one of four defensive linemen whom Paul Brown traded away before they achieved greatness.