At times, being a fan of the Cleveland Browns feels like an opportunity to focus on your optimism. As a lifelong fan turned media member, I might be guilty of doing that more than is appropriate, bordering on “homerism” at times, because sports are supposed to be fun. Or, as discussed in my favorite TV show, “Ted Lasso,” is it the hope that kills you?
After the Browns beat the Miami Dolphins in Week 7 (who went on to destroy the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8), there were reasons for optimism, including
the struggling AFC North. After the New England Patriots blew the doors off Cleveland in the final three quarters of Week 8’s game, along with numerous injuries and no change at the quarterback position, the time for 2025 optimism has probably come to an end.
(See, even adding the word “probably” there is too optimistic, but I can’t help it)
DE Myles Garrett, fresh off of passing Reggie White’s impressive mark and resetting the Browns team record for sacks in a game, is as frustrated as anyone:
Garrett talked about looking for answers, talking to coaches, talking to players, and, basically, talking to anyone he could to figure out how to get things turned around. The answer for Garrett and Cleveland fans is obvious: There are no answers for this season. At least Garrett got that big contract extension this offseason.
So what do fans have to look forward to? (We are not assuming Browns fans will actually like all of these things)
- Young players developing (or returning from injury)
- NFL trade deadline moves
- Shedeur Sanders’ hype growing until/if he gets on the field
- 2026 NFL draft position articles
- 2026 NFL mock drafts
- Any/all domed stadium hype
- Murmurs of Deshaun Watson’s future with the team
- “Hot seat” conversations pretty much every day until the end of the season
- Comparisons between this horrible start and last years
- “I think I hated the winless season less than this one,” kind of statements
- Messages being sent through the media, from all different sides
- Media sniping back at fans and vice versa
- “We could have had (insert player, coach, GM) instead, we have (insert player, coach, GM)”
Probably missed a few here, help me out in the comments.
The reality is that the Browns roster isn’t good enough, the schemes aren’t making up for it, and even a dominant day by Garrett meant pretty much nothing. With that in mind, Cleveland fans want things to change, and the quickest way to do that is by firing the coach and/or GM, along with a quarterback change. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam seemed to indicate HC Kevin Stefanski isn’t getting fired, GM Andrew Berry seems safe and Stefanski noted that Dillon Gabriel will continue to start.
Browns fans truly have very little to look forward to for the rest of the season, but DBN will continue to try to hit on the things you do care about (maybe while continuing to have a little too much optimism).
Thoughts? See you in the comment section
