CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns marked the anniversary of their playoff qualification with a dismal performance, managing to secure only three points in their home season finale. The team’s struggle in front of a sparse crowd further highlighted a disappointing 2024 season, while simultaneously allowing them to improve their draft standing for 2025.
The Browns (3-13) managed to reach a new low with a 20-3 defeat against the Miami Dolphins, mirroring a stark contrast to last year when Joe Flacco led them to a postseason berth with a late-season victory against the New York Jets. The weather echoed the team’s sadness, with heavy winds and rain as the game progressed towards its conclusion, symbolizing a tumultuous season that is now nearing its end.
Currently riding a five-game losing streak, the Browns prepare to wrap up their season on Saturday in Baltimore — a game that, at the start of the season, seemed pivotal for the AFC North title. Now, however, the outcome will only affect the Ravens, who can secure the division with a win.
Following the final game, Cleveland will face a lengthy evaluation period to determine how to rectify the multiple missteps of 2024. While there are no immediate signs that head coach Kevin Stefanski will be dismissed, team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam are likely considering the factors that led to the team’s drastic fall from an 11-6 record to their most challenging season since the infamous 0-16 campaign in 2017.
Changes are imminent, with the likelihood of at least one individual losing their position within the organization. Although Stefanski, recognized as a two-time AP Coach of the Year, may be secure in his role, general manager Andrew Berry might be at risk. His inconsistent results in recent drafts could prompt the Haslams to reconsider his capacity for effective team roster management.
Significantly influencing the Browns’ struggles is quarterback Deshaun Watson, whose massive five-year, $230 million contract has limited the team’s financial flexibility for necessary adjustments. Recently, Watson, undergoing recovery from a season-ending Achilles injury, agreed to restructure his contract, which may provide the Browns with some much-needed salary cap relief moving forward.
Watson’s presence on the field has been notably sparse, having participated in only 19 games over three seasons, with injuries sidelining him for significant periods both this year and last. The restructuring of his contract might hint at the Haslams’ intention to practice patience with Berry, who was granted a contract extension last summer.
Once seen as hopeful contenders, the Browns find themselves once again in search of a franchise quarterback, echoing their struggles from three years ago.
The performance against Miami showcased the team’s ongoing issues, as they failed to score a touchdown for the first time all season. Additionally, their defense was unable to successfully contain Miami’s backup quarterback Tyler Huntley, who had previously been part of their roster during the summer.
Addressing the needs of various positions on the team may prove daunting, as there are unresolved issues across multiple groups. However, there has been a bright spot this season: Myles Garrett, the All-Pro defensive end, continues to shine. Despite the team’s difficulties, he celebrated his 29th birthday by achieving two more sacks, marking an impressive milestone as the first player in NFL history to record at least 14 sacks in four consecutive seasons. With 102.5 career sacks, he has firmly established himself as perhaps the greatest defensive player in the franchise’s history.
Conversely, Dorian Thompson-Robinson struggled during his recent start, which he approached as an audition for the starting quarterback role in 2025. Unfortunately, his performance fell short, completing 24 of 47 passes for 170 yards and ending the game with an interception, a fumble, and multiple penalties for intentional grounding.
Injury updates remain scarce for the Browns, with uncertain statuses for players like cornerback Denzel Ward, linebacker Jordan Hicks, and running back Pierre Strong Jr. Meanwhile, running back Jerome Ford did not finish the game due to an ankle issue, and tight end David Njoku, along with defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo, were also sidelined due to knee injuries.
As for performance metrics, the Browns currently trail with a striking minus-2 yards on interception returns and face the potential of breaking an NFL record for the fewest yards on interception returns, a record set by the 1959 Los Angeles Rams. With only four interceptions throughout the season, they mirror a lack of defensive capability not seen since the 2008 Detroit Lions.
Looking ahead, the Browns brace for a challenging encounter against the Ravens, who enter the matchup as significant favorites, poised to deliver a tough conclusion to Cleveland’s season.
