The Cleveland Browns’ 2024 season is heading toward its conclusion, and it’s certainly one many fans would prefer to forget. Currently holding the record of just 3-12, the Browns have found themselves far from their initial playoff aspirations, with postseason hopes extinguished long ago.
What started as whispers of potential playoff returns have shifted to urgent discussions about the offseason and the team's future. The glaring question now is not just about which players will remain with the franchise but also who will lead them. The performance this season has already sparked rumors about the future of head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. It’s becoming increasingly clear with each passing week: significant changes may be on the horizon.
The turmoil on the field has been reflected not only in their lackluster record but also by the high number of turnovers the Browns have committed. Back on September 10, the season kicked off with two turnovers during a 33-17 loss against the Dallas Cowboys. Fast forward nearly four months, and the situation has hardly improved. The last game against the Cincinnati Bengals saw three turnovers, marking the 13th time this season where the Browns turned the ball over at least once— the team has continuously struggled with ball security, placing them at the bottom of the league with a dismal turnover margin of minus-18.
After the loss to the Bengals, Coach Stefanski expressed his frustrations succinctly, stating, "We know how important the ability is to take care of [the ball] and the ability to take it away on defense." The difficulties have worsened, with multiple turnovers occurring at pivotal moments - three of the six interceptions thrown recently took place within the end zone, thwarting scoring opportunities. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, now under center, acknowledged his role, saying, "I think it really just boils down to me...I got to do a lot of things differently – whether it’s taking the sack or throwing the ball away. We need to do a different job there, especially when we are down there getting points.”
Positioned behind their unfortunate turnover rate is the unraveling injury situation, with key players sidelined or struggling. Much attention has been directed toward linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who has been out since sustaining serious neck injuries mid-season. His absence has left the team vulnerable and searching for reliable alternatives at linebacker. Reports suggest they might pursue Tyrel Dodson from the Dolphins to bolster this thin position next season.
Not surprisingly, the challenges faced by the Browns extend beyond their current roster. Myles Garrett, among the league’s elite defensive ends, has voiced concerns about the team's direction. Mary Kay Cabot, a prominent reporter from Cleveland, highlighted Garrett's discontent and potential desire to seek trade options if the team cannot confirm their goals of competing for playoffs. She noted, "He’s going to need to see and know...that they are challenging for the playoffs. If they can’t say even next year, then he really is going to explore his options."
The looming uncertainty surrounding Garrett raises flags about the long-term outlook for the Browns. Along with the contract tied to Deshaun Watson, whose two-year tenure has been fraught with underperformance and controversies, the organization faces difficult decisions. With Watson's hefty contract taking up significant cap space, the management now contemplates how to remold the squad without losing key players who could opt for greener pastures.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the offseason also presents potential opportunities for rejuvenation. The front office will need to prioritize major positions, particularly quarterback and linebacker. Experts speculate the need for strategic draft picks to revamp their lacking defense and possibly secure reliable kicking personnel as well. The kicking game has already been troubling, with Dustin Hopkins experiencing extreme inconsistency, prompting discussions about seeking solutions through future drafts.
While fans clamor for changes, there remains the anticipation of who will guide these efforts. Will the Browns opt to stay with Stefanski after the disheartening season, or will they look to refresh their coaching staff? It remains to be seen what direction the Cleveland Browns will head next. Nevertheless, the upcoming offseason is rife with potential changes and pivotal decisions to be made.
