Browns 1st and Goal Report: Flacco trade exposes the dysfunctional Browns

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1st and Goal: Flacco trade exposes the dysfunctional Browns

You couldn’t have written a movie script any better with what has happened after the Browns traded Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals two weeks ago. 

Flacco exposed the dysfunction of the Browns when he helped his new team, the Bengals, beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. 

Up to this point, there was a thought that maybe Flacco had finally shown his 40-year-old age as a quarterback, as he was seemingly stuck in the mud with the Browns offense to start the season.

So the Browns decided to trade him within the division, no less. On Thursday, he looked like that savvy veteran quarterback that we all wish we could have seen again when he was still with the Browns. He threw for over 350 yards and three touchdowns in a comeback win against the Steelers. 

The biggest issue that most fans have right now with what has just happened is that the Browns had spent an entire summer preaching to all of us fans that there was a quarterback competition amongst the savvy veteran Flacco, the since-traded Kenny Pickett, and the rookie quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. 

So Flacco wins the job and yet is traded by Week 5. It just doesn’t make sense to most Browns fans.

And that continues to be the issue with this organization and the fan base. The organization just doesn’t seem like it ever has a plan. Or if it says it does, it changes things at the most unexpected times.

I was on a recent podcast talking to an old friend about the Browns about this idea, and the constant change in this organization from the coaches, quarterbacks, players, and the trades has led to this continuous culture of losing that we’ve been exposed to for so many decades.

Some will support his organization by saying that we should still stick with the current coach, general manager, and ownership because we want stability. But honestly, has it been stable these past six seasons, or are we just trying to convince ourselves that things are something that they really aren’t? 

It just seems like the Browns are spinning in circles. It’s like they’re on that playground equipment that keeps moving in circles as you try to hold on for dear life and not fall off. When will the Browns learn from their mistakes? 

The answer to that might be never, and that’s a sad state of affairs for this organization moving forward. 

2nd and Goal: Myles Garrett says he’s frustrated 

Browns defensive end Myles Garrett expressed his frustration after the loss this past Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

He was interviewed this week again to talk about that frustration and share his thoughts on the fans’ frustration with the team so far this season. 

Instead of first acknowledging the fanbase and expressing his gratitude to them, he first talked of his frustration and said that players are the ones who feel the most frustration.

While I understand what Garret was trying to say, the fact that he makes $40 million a season now and begged to be traded as recently as this offseason it’s not a good look for a player thought of as a team leader.

There are generations of this Browns fan base that have stuck with this team through the ups and downs. When a current player like Garrett tries to dismiss the feelings of its fans, it will never go over well with the fans.

Maybe Garrett needs to go back and do some research on this organization so the next time he talks to the media about the fans, he’s better prepared. Unfortunately, a player like Garrett probably won’t take that time. He’s been here nine seasons already. 

Considering the fans have stuck with Garrett over all those seasons, especially with the outrageous actions he’s displayed in the past, from using his football helmet as a weapon to getting into car accidents by driving recklessly, you’d think he’d understand what the fans’ unwavering support is all about and acknowledge that once in a while. 

 

3rd and Goal: Is Stefanski on the hot seat?

I’ve speculated for a while now that the Browns head coach, Kevin Stefanski’s job security is getting more insecure by the second. On Sunday, the Browns take on the Miami Dolphins, who come into the game with the same 1-5 record. Since last season, Stefanski’s record is 4-19. While his previous teams have managed to get to the postseason twice in his six seasons, things aren’t looking to turn around any time soon.

Cleveland plays the New England Patriots next week, and then they have their bye week. They then play the New York Jets the following week. The Jets currently have a 0-6 record. If Stefanski can’t get a couple of wins in that span and also start showing that his offense can score more than 14 points a game, then he has a good chance of being fired before the season finishes.  

4th and Goal: The weather could be frightful on Sunday

The Browns plan on building a domed stadium by the 2029 season, and the upcoming game is a good example of where having the dome will help players and fans stay dry from the weather elements. 

The forecast for this game is calling for steady rain and wind.  

Great! 

So you Browns fans that are anti-domed stadium enjoy the game! I’ll be there too and will be wearing my water-resistant layers. Hope the Browns play to win and send us wet fans home happy! 

Go Browns!