Disappointments and down seasons are nothing new for the Cleveland Browns, however the staff’s present state feels uniquely grim.
A way of permanence surrounds the franchise’s struggles, exacerbated by the acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson. His absolutely assured contract has change into an anchor weighing down the group, with no possible escape in sight.
Watson has proven flashes of potential in his three seasons with Cleveland, however for essentially the most half, his tenure has been a sobering reminder of the staff’s bleak outlook.
With a championship-caliber protection, there was hope final season that head coach Kevin Stefanski and normal supervisor Andrew Berry had discovered a path ahead. That optimism spiked after the late-season signing of veteran Joe Flacco, who got here out of retirement to ship a surprisingly robust December. Flacco reinvigorated the offense, which at occasions seemed unstoppable.
However the momentum fizzled when offseason selections have been made. The Browns opted for continuity, betting on a wholesome Watson to return to kind after his season-ending surgical procedure. As a substitute, Cleveland has been tormented by accidents on the offensive line, a punchless operating recreation with out Nick Chubb, and a passing assault hampered by Watson’s inconsistency.
Watson’s incapacity to search out Amari Cooper—or anybody else for that matter—has left the Browns’ offense lifeless. Cooper may as effectively be Alice Cooper, Michael Cooper, and even Mark Cooper from Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper. The outcomes have been that disappointing.
In October, Watson suffered one other season-ending damage, leaving Cleveland with a 1-6 file underneath his management and little purpose for optimism. The quarterback, as soon as heralded for his elite expertise, now resembles a rusted-out Chevette after too many rebuilds.
Oddly sufficient, Watson’s absence appeared to alleviate among the offense’s strain. Stefanski not needed to declare Watson gave the Browns one of the best probability to win.
The staff responded by surprising the Baltimore Ravens in one of many season’s most sudden upsets. However the magic Stefanski discovered with Flacco is lengthy gone.
Jameis Winston, now on the helm, is taking part in with goal, however he’s steering a makeshift operation. Even the staff’s personal personnel appear to lack religion within the Browns’ probabilities.
The burden holding Cleveland again stays Watson’s assured contract. The monetary dedication is a burden the Browns can’t escape with out hamstringing the franchise for years.
Berry might publicly categorical confidence in Watson’s means to rebound, however it’s exhausting to consider he sees the quarterback as able to main Cleveland to consecutive wins, not to mention an AFC North title.
Berry’s fingerprints are throughout this roster, and till the Watson drawback is resolved, the Browns are caught paddling a sinking ship, figuring out no quantity of effort can ship actual progress.