Here is a rundown of what I know:
- I have been watching the Cleveland Browns since before I can remember. My parents held season tickets until the imfamous Browns' departure from Cleveland at the end of the 1995 season.
- Upon the Browns' return in 1999 - I like many other Clevelanders and fans around the world were hopeful for the rebirth of our beloved organization.
- In the past 14 years we have had 7 coaches - Bud Carson, Jim Schofner, Butch Davis, Terry Robiskie, Romeo Crennel, Eric Mangini, Pat Shurmur and Rob Chudzinski
- You have given up on all of these coaches, blamimg them for the failings of the entire team. Need I remind you that Romeo Crennel and his "new" team, the KC Chiefs are in the postseason?
- Since 1999, we have had 21 starting quarterbacks - mostly because of injuries - injuries that possibly could have been avoided if you had and offensive line that knew how to block for the QB. - Tim Couch, Ty Detemer, Doug Pederson, Spergon Wynn, Kelly Holcomb, Jeff Garcia, Luke McCown, Trent Dilfer, Charlie Frye, Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, Ken Dorsey, Bruce Gradkowski, Colt McCoy, Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace, Brandon Weeden, Thad Lewis, Jason Campbell & Brian Hoyer.
- You have repeatedly traded, released or loss through free agency countless players that could have taken this team to the playoffs (i.e. Josh Cribbs, Peyton Hillis, Kellen Winslow)
- As fans, we are made fun of, ridiculed, and joked about because our team just "sucks"
I have watched my beloved Browns for 37 years. I remember the days of the "Kardiac Kids" and cringe when people bring up "The Drive" and "The Fumble". I, like so many others, are sick and tired of the up and down, up and down of this team. We are sick of the front office "giving up" on coaches and players before they have been given an honest shot.
So what has to be done? First, Mr. Haslem, you need to stand up to the NFL. Stop allowing the NFL and it's team owners to put Cleveland in a position where they will only lose. Second, you need to take a look at what you have this year, and capitalize on it. STOP making these changes that are just proving to be dumb and of no positive result for the team.
We have 5 pro-bowlers on this year's team and in response you have fired their head coach? This proves to me that this team has A LOT of talent and it is not being utilized correctly. This "prevent" defense that you have become so fondly of DOESN'T WORK. And our running game looks the same as it did during the Kevin Mack days - all I can hear is "Mack up the middle - again".
Look - I may not know the "business" side of things but I do know that I watch teams like the Packers, Patriots, Steelers, Ravens and Broncos dominate this league. They always seem to have the tough, great players like Ray Lewis, Rob Gronkowski, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, etc. Where is our franchise quarterback and where is our franchise head coach? When will we get our Bill Belichek?
Stop the playing around - give us a winning team. We need a new playbook for both offense and defense. A GREAT quarterback who will be given and honest shot. Keep Gordon, Cameron, Mack, Hoyer, Haden, Baker & Cooper for sure. Build on what we have - don't mess it up.
I am tired of rebuilding - let's just build! Let year 15 be the one where we actually make progress - not the same stupid mistakes that have been made for decades.
Go Browns!
