This year was supposed to be different for the Cleveland Browns.
A completely revamped front office and coaching staff joined the franchise, promising to steer the team in the right direction.
New offensive and defensive playbooks were installed from coordinators Norv Turner and Ray Horton, adapting to the strengths of the personnel.
Last year’s rookies could step into year two with experience. Progress was being made, and the Browns were getting better.
Instead, the Browns’ nightmare that began in 1999 — marking the year when the team returned to Cleveland — continued, just where it left off.
The Browns have only played one game, but that’s not the point. Sunday’s 23-10 loss to the dismal Miami Dolphins represented another textbook example of the Browns’ disarray.
It’s hard to draw any sort of optimism from a team that converted just one of their 14 third-down attempts on Sunday. Throughout the second half, watching the Browns offense was as painful as poking your eyes out with a dull stick.
The players who were asked to step up and lead the team failed at their task. Second year quarterback Brandon Weeden looked shell-shocked and was unable to take charge under center or successfully adapt to the opposition’s defensive schemes.
Of course, when you have a third-string right guard starting just his sixth game in as many years, you’re bound to flirt with disaster. That’s why it came as no surprise that Oniel Cousins became the weak link, closing the already small pocket by allowing six sacks. Oh, and he committed four penalties along the way.
Running back Trent Richardson started off well, battling for every yard and catching a pair of passes. But as the game developed and Cleveland started reverting to its old ways, Richardson was completely eliminated from the game plan.
On the defensive side of the ball, Horton told fans that he would bring an aggressive attack focused on pressuring the quarterback. Instead, his plans backfired, and Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill had ample amounts of time to control his offense.
The point is: Browns fans are tired of losing. They reach for any sign of hope, believing that someday the team’s losing will come to an end.
There are 15 games left, which is plenty of time to turn things around and improve. The fans are ready to believe in this team, but they need a concrete reason to do so.
Until then, it’s just the same as it ever was.
Charlie Hatch is a freshman studying journalism and a sports writer for The Post. Think the Browns are poised for another disappointing season? Email him at gh181212@ohiou.edu.
@charliehatch_
