Cleveland Browns: NFL's version of "Groundhog Day?"

The Cleveland Browns suck, plain and simple. Unlike other fans and Cleveland media types, I won't sugarcoat it. Honestly, I would be shocked if the Browns ended the season better than 4-12.

In fact, after watching Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, I am convinced that the Browns are the NFL's version of the film 'Groundhog Day,' doomed to repeat the same season year after year.

I had hope that the new management team of Jimmy Haslam, Joe Banner, and Mike Lombardi would bring in the talent necessary to compete in the AFC. To that end, they have upgraded the roster, but there are significant holes that remain. They also seemed to keep two players--Brandon Weeden and Greg Little--who are mostly dead weight (more on that in a bit).

I was initially skeptical of the Rob Chudzinski hiring, but I liked how he filled his assistant positions. Norv Turner and Ray Horton were two of the more respected coordinators in the league. Add to that the enthusiasm that 'Chud' brought to the table, and we might have the makings of something special here in Cleveland.

The reality is that this team is no different than the five previous versions. The defense is just good enough to keep the games close, but not good enough to win the game by itself. The offense is absolutely putrid, to the point I'd almost rather have a root canal without the novocaine.

One would think that a head coach--Rob Chudzinski--who is also a fan of the organization would be aware of the slow starts Cleveland has had in recent years. Yet going into the game versus Minnesota, here Cleveland is 0-2 once again. 

And the manner in which Cleveland has lost their first two games has made it even more frustrating. A team that was among the most penalized in the NFL last year, the Browns have committed 14 penalties through two contests in 2013. They consistently put themselves in 3rd and long situations, something even the Denver Broncos would find hard converting into first downs. Red Zone opportunities end in field goals rather than touchdowns as well.

But if I were to point out Cleveland's biggest problem, it might be starting quarterback Brandon Weeden. Despite the fact that this article calls Weeden an NFL quarterback, I just don't see it. In fact, Sunday's performance might be the worst by a QB who completed 21 of 33 passes for 227 yards and no TDs. If his delay of game penalties weren't bad enough (could someone please explain to me how you get called for a delay of game after you just called a timeout), he also failed to lead receivers past the first down marker on several 3rd and short situations. And even the most average college qb wouldn't have overthrown a wide open Davone Bess, who was ready to take the ball to the house.

Of course, it didn't help Weeden that his No. 1 receiving option, Josh Gordon, was in street clothes, and his top alternative receiver, Greg Little, couldn't catch pneumonia if it was thrown to him. I am not sure if the NFL officially keeps track of drops, but Little might actually have more drops through two games than receptions.

And then there's Trent Richardson. The No. 3 overall pick of the 2012 draft, he's starting to remind fans of William Green more than Jim Brown. In two games this year he has 105 yards and no TDs.  He is on pace to end the season with 840 yards and 7 rushing TDs (I'm being generous with the latter stat, of course).

Of course, with Brandon Weeden now sidelined for the Minnesota game due to a thumb injury, fans will get to see how good the offense can be with Jason Campbell at the helm. Funny thing is it really can't get any worse.

Cleveland Browns Coaching Dilemma: The Time For Rebuilding is Over

The Cleveland Browns are set to finish what has become yet another disappointing season in 2012 today at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh against their hated rivals, the Steelers.

And while it is almost a certainty that after the season incumbent general manager Tom Heckert and head coach Pat Shurmur will be given the axe, the future direction of the team is somewhat uncertain.

There have been many theories that have popped up in recent weeks as to who should/will replace the aforementioned individuals. Many people believe that Michael Lombardi will take over for Heckert, while someone like Josh McDaniels will be brought in to replace Shurmur.

But as much as Cleveland and its fans want to think that a new regime will bring different results, there is no guarantee that Cleveland will be a contender anytime soon.

From a talent standpoint, the Browns might be in the best situation yet since returning to the league in 1999. Rookie running back Trent Richardson, whose 3.6 yard per carry average is not overly impressive, has shown a knack for finding the endzone. Fellow rookie Josh Gordon appears to be emerging as the number one wide receiver Cleveland has lacked for quite some time. And even quarterback Brandon Weeden has shown signs of promise this season. Weeden's final passer rating of 72.6 is one full point better than Peyton Manning's rookie rating (71.2 in case you were wondering. FYI, Weeden also threw for 3385 yards thru 15 games this season. Manning, playing a full 16 game schedule during his rookie campaign, threw for 3739 yards.)

Defensively, Dick Jauron's 4-3 scheme appeared to be gaining traction toward the latter half of 2012. The Browns have recorded almost twice as many interceptions in 2012 (17) as they did in 2011 (9), and they are +7 in turnover differential as well. Of the Browns 10 losses, seven of them were by 10 points or less.

At this point, you're probably wondering to yourself, so what? I am glad you asked. It is at this point the Browns' brass needs to understand they have a good nucleus in place, and not to go in with the attitude of 'blowing the whole thing up.' Four years ago, when Randy Lerner brought in George Kokinis and Eric Mangini to replace Romeo Crennel, that is exactly what happened. The results were somewhat mixed, and, after Mike Holmgren was brought in to replace Kokinis, the Browns once again started from scratch.

So, four years later, what have Browns' fans had to look forward to? Four consecutive seasons with 10 or more losses and zero playoff berths.

But good teams in the NFL aren't built from scratch every two seasons. It takes time to develop the proper chemistry and personnel needed for success. So while owner Jimmy Haslam and company will be looking to the guy who can finally get them over the hump, they also need to bring in a guy who isn't necessarily going to 'rock the boat', either.

The offense is a few player(s) away from being in the upper half of the league. There is plenty of young talent on defense (especially the line), and a switch from the 4-3 to a 3-4 defense would be a mistake. Sure there are holes to be addressed, most notably in the secondary and linebacker corps, but those are things that should be upgraded via the draft and free agency in the coming years.

So the bottom line is that while the Browns search for head coach, they need to make sure they select one who doesn't view this as a rebuilding project. He should have a proven track record, and realize this team is only a few pieces away from greatness. He also should be willing to let his assistants call the plays, so he isn't trying to micromanage the team.

If Jimmy Haslam III and Joe Banner fail to heed this advice, however, the Browns will be in rebuild mode once again. Of course, Mr. Haslam, don't the fans deserve better?