The Cleveland Browns: A Perpetual Cycle of Hope and Heartbreak

The Cleveland Browns franchise has long been a byword for perpetual struggle in the National Football League. For decades, it has navigated a chaotic existence, marked by an uncanny ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and transform moments of genuine promise into prolonged periods of profound disappointment. From the early analytics-driven rebuilds to the dramatic sagas involving star players and controversial coaching choices, the Browns’ narrative is a relentless rollercoaster of unfulfilled potential, leaving even their most ardent supporters in a constant state of “this can’t possibly get any worse.” As a famous saying goes, “The Browns live in hell,” a sentiment echoed by many who observe this factory of sadness.

The story of the Browns’ modern struggles truly solidifies in the mid-2010s. Following a 3-13 season in 2015, which saw the dismissal of head coach Mike Pettine, the franchise turned to Hugh Jackson in 2016, hoping for a turnaround. What followed was a season that plunged the team into unprecedented depths, finishing with a dismal 1-15 record. This era was characterized by an aggressive, analytics-focused approach by the front office, prioritizing the accumulation of future draft picks over immediate victories—a strategy unofficially known as “tanking.” Hugh Jackson, at the helm, bore the brunt of public criticism, largely coaching a roster deliberately stripped of talent and having to juggle an astounding six different quarterbacks throughout the season. Despite a bold promise from Jackson that he wouldn’t repeat the abysmal 1-15 record, the stage was set for further turmoil.

The 2017 NFL Draft: A Fork in the Road

The 2017 NFL Draft offered a glimmer of hope, with the Browns holding the coveted number one overall pick. The decision boiled down to two paths: selecting a top-tier quarterback prospect or drafting the generational talent available, Myles Garrett, a defensive end from Texas A&M. Garrett was an athletic marvel, described as being “built in a lab,” with terrifying speed and explosiveness at 6’4″ and 270 pounds. His pro day performance, including a 4.6-second 40-yard dash, solidified his status as a once-in-a-generation talent.

However, the allure of a franchise quarterback was strong. Deshaun Watson, fresh off leading Clemson to a national championship, was a compelling option, praised not only for his winning mentality and leadership but also for his exceptional character. Despite internal considerations for Watson and even Mitch Trubisky, the Browns ultimately selected Garrett, a decision that appeared to be a strong foundational piece. Yet, this left the crucial quarterback question unanswered. The Browns later traded their 12th overall pick, which Houston used to select Watson, while Cleveland acquired Jabrill Peppers and David Njoku. This left them with DeShone Kizer, a raw prospect whose own college coach believed he wasn’t ready, at the top of the second round. Kizer was thrown into the fray without the necessary development time, leading the league in interceptions and fumbles lost in a woefully unproductive season.

While Garrett quickly made an impact with immediate sacks and impressive displays of athleticism, the team continued its losing ways. The 2016-2017 seasons cemented the worst two-season run in league history, with the Browns losing 50 of 55 games dating back to 2014 and holding the longest playoff drought in the NFL. The misery culminated in a parade by fans to wallow in their despair and Hugh Jackson famously jumping into Lake Erie to fulfill a promise.

The Dorsey Era: A Brief Flicker of Hope

The arrival of General Manager John Dorsey in 2018 marked a pivotal shift. Dorsey, with a reputation for identifying talent, quickly became a popular figure in Cleveland. His aggressive approach to roster building was evident in the 2018 offseason, acquiring veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor and, notably, Pro Bowl receiver Jarvis Landry. The true centerpiece of Dorsey’s plan, however, was the selection of Baker Mayfield as the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Mayfield, though not the most physically gifted, brought an infectious confidence and leadership that the struggling franchise desperately needed.

The 2018 season, heavily chronicled by HBO’s Hard Knocks, offered a renewed sense of excitement. Bud Light even installed “victory fridges” across Cleveland, promising free beer upon a Browns win—a testament to the team’s historical struggles. When Tyrod Taylor went down, Mayfield stepped in, leading a dramatic comeback victory in his debut. The city erupted in celebration, unlocking the long-sealed victory fridges.

Despite a promising start, the team’s struggles led to Hugh Jackson’s firing, a move that many fans saw as a turning point. Under new leadership, the Browns began to string together victories, finishing the season with their most successful record in over a decade. Mayfield set a rookie record for touchdown passes, Denzel Ward earned Pro Bowl honors, and Myles Garrett cemented his status as one of the league’s elite edge rushers. Running back Nick Chubb, a quiet and consistent force, emerged as the “heart and soul” of the team, averaging over five yards per carry in each of his first four seasons.

The Odell Beckham Jr. Experiment and Coaching Carousel

The optimism reached a fever pitch with the blockbuster trade for Odell Beckham Jr. in 2019. The acquisition of one of the NFL’s most popular and electrifying players instantly elevated the Browns to Super Bowl contender status in the eyes of many. The excitement was palpable, with some even calling the Browns “the new America’s team.”

However, this high-profile move came with its own set of challenges. Beckham’s previous tenure with the Giants was marked by “Odellness”—a combination of immense talent and self-absorbed notoriety. To manage a locker room now brimming with loud personalities, John Dorsey made the peculiar decision to hire Freddie Kitchens as head coach, a man with no prior head coaching or even full-time coordinator experience. This unconventional leap proved disastrous.

The 2019 season quickly unraveled. An embarrassing 43-13 opening day loss set a grim tone. The offensive line failed to protect Mayfield, and the team was plagued by penalties and sloppy play. The season was also marred by an infamous incident where Myles Garrett struck Mason Rudolph with his own helmet, leading to an indefinite suspension. This moment not only derailed Garrett’s Defensive Player of the Year campaign but also damaged his reputation, particularly after his controversial claim of a racial slur. The Browns, once hailed as contenders, finished a dismal 6-10.

Off the field, issues continued to mount. Odell Beckham Jr.’s first year in Cleveland was characterized by dress code violations, whispers of him asking opposing players to “come get me” before the trade deadline, and public spats. His father’s viral video, highlighting missed opportunities and criticizing Baker Mayfield, ultimately led to Beckham’s release, where he then thrived with the Los Angeles Rams, catching a touchdown in the Super Bowl.

Freddie Kitchens’ coaching tenure was short-lived, marked by questionable play-calling (including a notorious draw play on fourth-and-nine) and a lack of discipline. He and John Dorsey were both fired after just two seasons, signaling another shocking rise and fall for the franchise.

A Glimmer of Success and the Watson Gamble

The Browns once again sought a new direction, hiring Andrew Berry as general manager and Kevin Stefanski as head coach. Stefanski, with a strong track record as an offensive coordinator, was tasked with revitalizing Baker Mayfield and the offense. The team strategically fortified the offensive line and implemented a more run-heavy, play-action-focused scheme. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic limiting in-person team activities, the 2020 season brought a genuine and unexpected surge of success.

The Browns’ defense showed dominance, and Baker Mayfield, though not always spectacular, played an efficient brand of football. Nick Chubb continued to be a reliable force, and Myles Garrett bounced back with a dominant, All-Pro season. The team defied expectations, clinching a playoff berth and, in a historic moment, defeating their rival Pittsburgh Steelers 48-37 in the Wild Card round—their first playoff win since 1994. While their run ended against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Browns had finally proven they could compete.

This success, however, was fleeting. The 2021 season saw the team regress. Mayfield battled injuries, and the offense struggled. The question of whether Odell Beckham Jr. made the Browns worse became a persistent narrative. The front office’s reluctance to offer Mayfield an extension signaled a growing lack of trust.

This set the stage for the most significant and controversial decision in recent Browns history: the pursuit of Deshaun Watson. Despite a litany of serious allegations of sexual misconduct and a looming NFL investigation, the Browns made a highly aggressive move, offering Watson a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract—a record-breaking deal. This pursuit, however, irrevocably damaged their relationship with Baker Mayfield, who subsequently requested a trade and was ultimately dealt to the Panthers for a mere fifth-round pick.

The Deshaun Watson Era: A New Chapter of Misery

The Watson trade was a massive gamble, essentially punting the 2022 season due to his eventual 11-game suspension. His initial performances were lackluster, clearly showing rust from his extended absence. While the team managed some wins due to a strong defense, the offense under Watson failed to ignite.

The 2023 season continued the turbulent trend. Nick Chubb suffered a devastating career-threatening injury. Deshaun Watson battled shoulder issues, frequently in and out of the lineup, culminating in season-ending surgery. Yet, remarkably, the team, often propelled by its historically dominant defense and a carousel of backup quarterbacks, including the unexpected resurgence of 38-year-old Joe Flacco, found a way to win. Flacco, signed off the couch, led an improbable late-season charge, clinching a playoff spot and earning Comeback Player of the Year honors.

However, the “Flacco experience,” as it was dubbed, ended abruptly in a blowout playoff loss to the Houston Texans, marked by multiple costly interceptions. The euphoria quickly faded, bringing the focus back to Deshaun Watson and his monumental contract. Two years into his tenure, Watson had missed two-thirds of the games and had not performed at the level expected, especially when compared to the success of Baker Mayfield and Joe Flacco after their departures from Cleveland.

The relationship between the team, its star players like Myles Garrett, and the fanbase has been strained by the ongoing drama. The 2024 season has continued the cycle of disappointment, with Watson’s performance under heavy scrutiny and yet another sexual assault lawsuit surfacing. The Cleveland Browns continue to be a franchise defined by its bewildering inability to capitalize on talent, to sustain success, or to escape the shadow of controversy. For fans, the familiar, weary mantra remains: “There’s always next year.” This ongoing saga is a stark reminder of how a team, despite flashes of brilliance and immense investment, can remain mired in a unique brand of NFL misery.