Dawgs By Nature
The path the Browns choose for the remainder of the season could have consequences and opportunities.
After falling to 1-5, the Cleveland Browns show no signs of wavering from their plans coming into the season as the team prepares to host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Kevin Stefanski reiterated on Monday that he is sticking with Deshaun Watson at quarterback believing that he gives the Browns the best chance to win football games.
Just six games in, the offense is operating at historically bad levels according to most statistical categories and advanced metrics. Nationally, the reaction on Monday had many pundits calling for a complete rebuild including trading away players like Myles Garrett.
Internally, the players and coaches are saying the right things, but there is little evidence that they believe they can turn it around. Our question of the day for Browns fans is this:
Should the Browns do everything they can to compete or go into full tank mode?
With the offense looking as inept as it has, it’s nearly impossible to envision the Browns winning enough games to make the playoffs. At the same time, watching the team suffer through a season with three or four wins could suck the remaining life out of this fanbase.
It is anyone’s guess as to the amount of collateral damage the Watson trade will do to the front office and coaching staff at some point during or after the season. One thing is clear: Cleveland needs an infusion of young talent added to the roster.
While no one in their right mind should suggest aggressively trading away Garrett, there are other veterans the Browns could trade for draft capital over the coming days and weeks. Doing so would allow the personnel department to evaluate some of the team’s younger players.
The Browns will need young players on rookie deals to make significant contributions to offset the guaranteed dead money in Watson’s contract. Finding a quarterback will again become priority number one, and getting the highest draft pick possible could go a long way in finding one.
On the other hand, “tanking” for the future could create a bigger culture of losing within the locker room and alienate some of the veteran players.
Now, we want to hear your thoughts. Should the Browns sacrifice wins now or do everything they can to win as many games as possible?
