5 Reasons Why the Cleveland Browns Are the NFL’s Worst Franchise

By Jonathon Natsis

5 Reasons Why the Cleveland Browns Are the NFL’s Worst Franchise

Mike Pettine, Cleveland Browns — Even with the NFL season officially over, fate seems to always find a way to kick the Cleveland Browns while they’re down. But don’t feel sorry for the franchise in the wake of the latest “Textgate” scandal, in which a high-ranking Browns representative texted play calls from the press box to the sidelines, violating the NFL’s prohibition on electronic devices. Feel sorry for the legions of fans who are almost loyal to a fault.

5. One of Four Active Franchises To Have Never Made the Super Bowl

Super Bowl, Lombardi Trophy

5. One of Four Active Franchises To Have Never Made the Super Bowl

Super Bowl, Lombardi Trophy — Of the 32 active franchises in the NFL, only four have yet to appear in the big game. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans, founded in 1995 and 2002 respectively, deserve at least a partial exemption from this list. The Detroit Lions have been historically awful, but they’re looking a lot more likely to break that drought than team No. 4, the Browns. Next year is Super Bowl 50. How much longer can the tease last for Cleveland fans?

4. Off-Field Indiscretions

Johnny Manziel, Josh Gordon

4. Off-Field Indiscretions

Johnny Manziel, Josh Gordon — If “Textgate” had been the only distraction facing the Browns this offseason, it still would have been too much. But we’re talking about the Browns, for whom too much dysfunction is never enough. Talented wide receiver Josh Gordon has a year-long suspension to serve and starting quarterback Johnny Manziel has just checked himself into rehab. Here’s hoping both young men turn their rock bottoms into a foundation on which to build a healthier life.

3. On-Field Embarrassments

Joe Haden

3. On-Field Embarrassments

Joe Haden — The complete calamity that is the Browns’ front office could be excused if the team could just, well, win some games along the way. Since returning as the “New Browns” in 1999, the franchise has always found creative ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. From the shamefulness of “Bottlegate,” to the hilarity of Dwayne Ruud’s premature penalty, the Browns have never failed to amuse their rivals and cripple their fans.

2. 22 Starting QBs Since 1999

Brian Hoyer

2. 22 Starting QBs Since 1999

Brian Hoyer — Who would have guessed that a carousel of failure at the league’s most important position would have resulted in losing season after losing season? Everyone but the Browns, who continue to sub their QBs in and out like a peewee coach trying to give everyone a chance to play. Just last season, Cleveland ousted the only quarterback that had led the team to a winning record in 15 years for a rookie who already has question marks around his future.

1. A Refusal To Stay Patient

Mike Pettine

1. A Refusal To Stay Patient

Mike Pettine — When it comes down to it, every fault of the Cleveland Browns since 1999 can be attributed to one flaw: impatience. From head coaches and general managers to quarterbacks and skill players, nobody is safe from the reckless ax who has consistently neutered the organization for a decade and a half. For the sake of the Dawg Pound, let’s hope Mike Pettine is the man to end that culture. And yet, who’s to say he won’t be gone after one 4-12 season?

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Cleveland Browns

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