Disappointments and down seasons are nothing new for the Cleveland Browns, however the group’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 turn 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 probably the most half, his tenure has been a sobering reminder of the group’s bleak outlook.
With a championship-caliber protection, there was hope final season that head coach Kevin Stefanski and common 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 sturdy December. Flacco reinvigorated the offense, which at instances 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 type after his season-ending surgical procedure. As an alternative, Cleveland has been stricken by accidents on the offensive line, a punchless working recreation with out Nick Chubb, and a passing assault hampered by Watson’s inconsistency.
Watson’s lack of ability to search out Amari Cooper—or anybody else for that matter—has left the Browns’ offense lifeless. Cooper may as nicely 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 document below his management and little purpose for optimism. The quarterback, as soon as heralded for his elite abilities, now resembles a rusted-out Chevette after too many rebuilds.
Oddly sufficient, Watson’s absence appeared to alleviate a few of the offense’s strain. Stefanski now not needed to declare Watson gave the Browns one of the best likelihood to win.
The group responded by surprising the Baltimore Ravens in one of many season’s most surprising upsets. However the magic Stefanski discovered with Flacco is lengthy gone.
Jameis Winston, now on the helm, is enjoying with objective, however he’s steering a makeshift operation. Even the group’s personal personnel appear to lack religion within the Browns’ possibilities.
The load 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 specific confidence in Watson’s means to rebound, however it’s onerous to imagine 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, understanding no quantity of effort can ship actual progress.
