The question posed in the title of this article seems ridiculous on the surface. That is until you look at the long list of individuals who have been in charge—both on the field and in the front office—of this Cleveland Browns organization since its last trip to the playoffs in 2002.
Since that playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, seven different coaches have manned the sideline and six different general managers have headed the organization’s front office. For comparison’s sake, the team that Cleveland lost to in its last playoff appearance (Pittsburgh) has had six general managers since 1945 and three head coaches since 1969.
It’s not a coincidence that Pittsburgh has earned six Super Bowl titles over the past 40 years compared to four TOTAL playoff wins for Cleveland during that same span.
When it comes to analyzing success and failure around the NFL, many different things can show themselves to be overrated. However, continuity is not one of them.
Simply put, Cleveland has lacked the necessary continuity on both the sideline and in the front office in order to succeed.
So how can this organization turn it around?
The first step in this process has to be creating the continuity that has been lacking in the past. This means that the powers to be in Cleveland cannot have a quick hook with general manager Ray Farmer and head coach Mike Pettine.
Sure it looks like the team made a mistake by selecting Johnny Manziel in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. Sure the entire Josh Gordon situation has been a black eye for a franchise that has been full of black eyes over the years.
However, it must be noted that some of the top organizations in football are not immune from making mistakes. Think about the Seattle Seahawks trading for Percy Harvin or the multitude of first-round busts in Pittsburgh over the years. Despite a lack of confidence in this organization from an alienated fan base, Cleveland’s brass must give both its head coach and general manager a longer leash to put their long-term plan in motion. Simply put, cutting and running isn’t going to help this organization moving forward.
Assuming that Farmer and Pettine will be allowed to execute this long-term plan, the next goal needs to be to get that franchise quarterback. We have no idea whether Manziel will be that guy, and the Browns must look in another direction this offseason in order to create some resemblence of stability at that position. This doesn’t mean Cleveland should just move on from Manziel. Rather, it’s the idea that competition itself can be healthy, especially considering Manziel’s off-field issues since entering the NFL.
There has been some talk that Cleveland—two first-round picks in April—will look to trade up for reigning Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota. That in and of itself would be a solid plan. However, it would also force Cleveland to put all of its eggs in one basket. Mariota may be the top quarterback prospect in the draft class, but he’s far from a sure bet.
This is the quandary that all bottom-feeding teams have. Do you take a chance on that one player that can turn your franchise around or do you play it a bit closer to the vest?
Outside of a select few positions, Cleveland has the talent to contend for a playoff spot in the immediate future.
It boasts a two-headed running back monster in the form of Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West who combined for over 1,400 total yards and 13 touchdowns as rookies. Cleveland’s trio at quarterback was sacked just 31 times on the season, and its defense ranked ninth in the NFL in scoring.
While there are some issues at the skill positions—notably wide receiver—this is not a team completely void of talent. With the likes of Donte Whitner, Joe Haden, Tashaun Gipson and even a under-the-radar youngster in the form of Pierre Desir in the secondary, that could very well turn into a shut-down unit, rivaling some of the best in the league.
With above-average performers throughout the roster, Farmer and company may be able to go out there and take that chance on a top-tier quarterback talent to help turn this franchise around. It may come with risk, but that’s the best possible scenario to get Cleveland back into the playoffs and out of the cellar of the AFC North.
Photo: USA Today
