Factory Of Sadness
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Cleveland Browns: Wins Do Matter Despite The Long-term Rebuild

By Ryan Rosko

Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Even though no games gone the Cleveland Browns’ way, that does not mean wins are still important, as well as the weekly goal each week.

Without wins, teams are stuck in the revolving door of at best a mediocre organization. That belief best personifies the Cleveland Browns and that needs to change.

Today, Cleveland’s vice president of football operations Sashi Brown discussed the team in SI.com’s Monday Morning Quarterback (MMQB). While discussing the state of the Browns, Brown’s statement on wins stood out:

"“We are not focused on wins and losses this year.”"

Although that is understandable and he never actually uttered those words in that way before, that comment should not have been stated. Brown was wrong. Why? Regardless of where teams are in building, the purpose is to win.

Watching progress unfold in various ways are great moral wins, but that is it. Besides, anyone who has watched Cleveland this season knows that such progress has rarely been seen.

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Even though the likelihood for Cleveland to win is slim, that should not discount the fact that  must be each game’s purpose. Yes, Cleveland is not a winner, but they need to have that mentality.

We all knew this rebuild was going to last a long time. Still, not even being concerned about their record is not the way to go about a season. Essentially, Brown stated (the obvious) that the Browns are horrible and we are going to throw in the towel before games even begin.

How does that show belief in their current roster? It simply doesn’t.

A number of the Browns’ players are rookies or young in general. That is fine, but young teams can still win. The number of wins are not going to be as many as that of a more established team. However, in time that should change.

The Browns’ brass is evaluating their young team with a quality over quantity approach. In time, that will need to change because they will need to add established talent. Until then, the endless frustration will continue.

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When thinking that the Browns’ focus is not going to be on their record, or even part of it is insane. A number of comparisons come to mind when considering Cleveland’s situation.

However, the best one may be the trophy giveaway, but this time in a semi-reversed thinking. Just because a kid plays a sport does not mean that they deserve a participation trophy! No, that is not the way it works. Trophy giveaways goes to winners.

The same goes for the Browns. Cleveland is not the only team in a rebuild.

They need to understand that regardless where they are in their rebuild, the win-loss record is important. That said, Cleveland does not get a mulligan for 2016, even if they are not concerned about the wins.

Generally speaking, teams should be more accountable of what is going on during the season. I get that rebuilds take time, but progress is nice to see. Why have confident in Brown or Cleveland’s front office as a whole if they have such a belief?

Could it be that Cleveland got even worse thank to analytics? The case certainly can be made.

Next: 3 Predictions For Browns' Upcoming Future

Not taking into consideration the 2016 record is a mistake. Eventually Cleveland will win a game and more going forward. Each game will help determine Cleveland’s future. Hopefully in time Brown realizes that. Until then, questioning his decision-making is more than acceptable.

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