When it comes to rebuilds in terms of professional sports, it’s never a fun thing to go through if you are a sports fan. For me? I am indifferent towards it. It doesn’t bother me as much as the next fan of the Cleveland Browns. After another frustrating loss, this time at the hands of the New England Patriots, it’s clear the frustration is setting in for most, if not everyone. However, the Browns front office told everyone what the plan was this year with most of their decisions this offseason.
It
was obvious, but they weren’t going to openly admit it to the public.
Since the Browns have returned, the team has been in constant rebuilds. Year after year. Head coaching/regime changes. Multiple quarterback changes. It can wear on a fan’s psyche. Mental health is affected. Sunday afternoons filled with optimism and joy end with frustration and anger. Wins seem rare, losses seem like a given (varying the opponent). It’s the life of a rebuilding team. No one likes to lose, but in this case, you have to just embrace it.
As much as the fans hate losing, no one hates it more than the players. Being asked specifically about how the loss is affecting them can be a tad bit annoying. However, it’s the life of a rebuilding team.
When it comes to rebuilds and Cleveland fans, it’s something that most are tired of. Sustained success is something the fans want. Winning seasons are what they yearn for. A rebuild after years of being highly competitive? Sure!
It hasn’t worked like that.
Is the team still suffering from the Deshaun Watson trade completely backfiring? Yes. It’s the reality of making an all-in move, only for it to blow up in your face. To get back to winning consistently, you have to endure the hardships. Losing isn’t fun. Do I think the current regime can get this team back to contending? Possibly, but it could end with general manager Andrew Berry keeping his job and head coach Kevin Stefanski potentially losing his. Is it fair? Not necessarily.
Do I believe things will get better for the Cleveland Browns? For this season, not necessarily.
Rookie Quarterback Dillon Gabriel is likely going to get benched and I don’t see rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders lighting up the world, considering how the scheme is predictable and the supporting cast isn’t doing any favors.
As for the future? You can only hope. Why? A strong rookie class and a plethora of draft picks. That’s why. In previous rebuilds, the Browns lacked a solid foundation. It’s different this year. Don’t expect a full house cleaning; it’s too late to do that. Trust the process and endure it. While things look bleak right now, things will only get better. I urge everyone to have a positive mindset throughout a difficult season. It’s going to be hard to do that with the current state of the team but it’s the only thing you can do.
