The Cleveland Browns have been a model of ineptitude ever since re-emerging on the scene in 1999. There have been several reasons the Browns have only one playoff appearance in almost 20 years. Whether it be mediocre draft picks, terrible coaching, or just plain bad luck Cleveland has become a laughing stock in pro sports. But there is hope.
How They Got Here…
Cleveland’s history of failure and underachieving draft picks started with their inaugural draft class. With the 1st overall pick in 1999 the Browns Selected Tim Couch. In four seasons under center Cleveland was 21-43. Furthermore he threw more interceptions than touchdowns while completing less than 60% of his passes. Although, they squeaked in to the playoffs in 2002 they were easily dismantled in the wild card round. Lastly, it’s worth noting in selecting Couch they passed on Donovan McNabb who would go on to play in for NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl.
Why They Are Still Here…
The Browns have not gotten any better in their second stint in Cleveland for a few reasons. However the main one has been awful coaching. Hue Jackson recently be came the 6th straight coach to be handed his walking papers following a devastating 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. There have been only two coaches since 1999 to post a winning season Romeo Crennel and Butch Davis. Cleveland head coaches have lost at least 10 games in 15 of the last 19 seasons and NFL record. They have posted a winning percentage of .387. For comparison Andy Ried has been a head coach for that same span and has gone 190-121 for a winning percentage of .611. There is just no way around it the Browns have stunk because their coaches have stunk. Therefore, until management finally puts the right person in place it will continue.
And Why They Aren’t Going Anywhere Soon…
The final strike against the Cleveland Browns is just plain old bad luck. The Browns have been maybe the unluckiest team in organized sports. From trading way draft picks that would have resulted in MVP candidates (see Carson Wentz). To being victim to some of the worst calls imaginable, here’s looking at you week 4 at Oakland. If it weren’t for bad luck they would have no luck at all. But there is hope…
Where They Could End Up
While bright spots are few and far between for this franchise, there is one currently in place. Baker Mayfield has proven him self a reliable starter and capable decision maker. He has added a certain spark to the Browns organization they haven’t had in a long time and has given the home crowd something to root for. Although, this hasn’t translated to many wins in has does wonders for the morale of the team. A team who’s heart routinely brought in to question. They’ve been come competitive to a degree and that’s an upgrade from being a flat out joke. So not to fear, Cleveland. With the right pieces in place around him you might eventually have a winner.