As someone who has played a sport, there is no such thing as “tanking” or losing on purpose , at least on the field. The term “tanking” which isn’t necessarily defined, is described as “intentionally losing games
or fielding a deliberately non-competitive team to get a higher draft pick.” Fans will joke about their teams tanking, but it’s something that is used throughout the professional sports leagues, such as the NBA and NFL.
Teams will not publicly say that they are tanking, but their actions, specifically in the front office, tell a different story. Teams tank, players do not.
After the Cleveland Browns stunned the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, the Browns have played themselves out of a top 2 pick, which could ruin their chance of getting a top quarterback in this upcoming draft. Some fans are happy about the win (mainly due to them beating a division rival), others? Not so much:
The Steelers losing this game felt predictable; Pittsburgh came out flat and the Browns took advantage of it. Teams that are eliminated from playoff contention have reasons to play for: Pride and job security come to mind. With a win, it might feel like a loss to some people. Why? Opportunity.
Opportunity to build. The right way. The opportunity to start with a new slate with the hope of contending for a Super Bowl in the future. Six games are a big enough sample size to know that rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders hasn’t shown enough to be the face of the franchise. Is it unfair, considering how the Browns offensive personnel is right now? Yes. However, Tennessee Titans QB Cam Ward has a far worse offensive system around him, but he’s gradually improving week after week. Sanders? It’s more inconsistent than consistent.
The reason why Cleveland has been stuck for a while is due to the fact that the team has yet to get a game-changer at the quarterback position. Having a top-two pick would’ve helped tremendously and kick-started this rebuild. Relying on Sanders to take a leap is riskier than people want to admit.
The team was never going to lose on purpose (nor should they). Not trading Myles Garrett, signing Joe Flacco, trading for Kenny Pickett, talking Joel Bitonio into returning, etc, all proved that the team was never tanking. There were a few games that Cleveland should have won but didn’t, more proof they were tanking. Despite that, a lot of losses have come and the Week 17 win has a potential consequence that can alter their future.
