As the Cleveland Browns prepare for the 2025 season, they find themselves at a crossroads. On one hand, recent playoff appearances in 2020 and 2023 have proven they are capable of competing at a high level. On the other, the team is very inconsistent and there's usually an element of instability. With a mix of optimism and uncertainty, the Browns must navigate these obstacles to build a team capable of sustained success.
After reaching the playoffs in 2023, where they were eliminated by the Houston Texans in a 45-14 loss, the Browns were expected to be a factor in the AFC again in 2024. The NFL schedule-makers bought into those expectations for Cleveland, scheduling the Browns to host "America's Team," the Dallas Cowboys, in America's Game of the Week on FOX, with Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady on the call in Week 1. Additionally, the Browns were slated to play four primetime games in the latter half of their schedule.
But as the Browns typically do, they couldn't hold up their end of the bargain. They lost to the Cowboys 33-17 in Week 1 and then had two of their four primetime games, Week 16 at the Cincinnati Bengals and Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins, be flexed out of Thursday Night Football (at Bengals) and Sunday Night Football (vs. Dolphins).
The Same Old Story?
Cleveland’s struggles in 2024 became yet another chapter in a book filled with frustration for Browns fans. Whether it was inconsistent quarterback play, defensive lapses, or coaching decisions that left people scratching their heads, the team once again found itself unable to capitalize on its potential. The bright lights of primetime didn’t serve as a launching pad for success but rather a showcase of their ongoing issues.
Despite high expectations, the Browns faltered when it mattered most. Injuries plagued key players, and the offense, led by Deshaun Watson, failed to find a rhythm. The defense, which had been the backbone of their 2023 playoff push, regressed, struggling to contain high-powered offenses and failing to generate the same level of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Even Myles Garrett, typically a force to be reckoned with, saw a dip in his production as the season wore on.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski faced mounting criticism for his play-calling and game management. While he had previously been praised for his offensive schemes, his decisions in crucial moments often backfired. The Week 3 matchup against the New York Giants was a perfect example.
With just four minutes remaining and facing fourth-and-one from his own 29-yard line, Stefanski made the controversial decision to go for it. The conversion attempt failed, but what was more puzzling was quarterback Deshaun Watson's decision to tuck the ball and run, even though tight end Jordan Akins was wide open in the flat for what would've been a first down.
A Fork in the Road?
Now, as the Browns look ahead to the 2025 season, they must make critical decisions that will define their future. Do they continue to build around Watson, or do they explore alternative options at quarterback? Such as drafting Shedeur Sanders, QB at Colorado, with the No. 2 overall pick. Can the defense be retooled to regain its dominant form, or is a coaching change necessary to shake things up?
The front office, led by GM Andrew Berry, has made it clear that they are committed to finding solutions. The Browns enter the offseason with cap space to make moves in free agency, and the 2025 NFL Draft offers opportunities to address weaknesses on both sides of the ball. A key focus will be bolstering the offensive line, which struggled with injuries and inconsistency throughout 2024, and adding depth to the secondary, which was exposed against elite quarterbacks.
Additionally, leadership within the locker room must step up. Garrett, Nick Chubb (if healthy after his devastating knee injury), and other veterans must rally the team and establish a winning culture that extends beyond just one successful season. The Browns have the talent to compete, but talent alone isn't enough—they need accountability, stability, and a clear vision for the future.
Cautious Optimism
For Browns fans, hope is a dangerous thing. They’ve seen this story before—glimmers of potential followed by crushing disappointment. The 2019 season is a prime example of that! But the pieces are there for Cleveland to finally break the cycle of mediocrity. If they can learn from their mistakes, address their shortcomings, and establish consistency, 2025 could be the year they turn the page.
Yet, the burden of proof remains on them. Until the Browns show they can sustain success, skepticism will linger. The NFL waits for no one, and if Cleveland doesn’t seize the moment, they risk falling back into the abyss of irrelevance. The 2025 season isn't just another year—it’s a defining moment in the franchise's pursuit of long-term success. The question remains: Will they rise to the occasion, or will it be more of the same?