The Cleveland Browns are an unserious franchise. I’ve never been afraid to say that and have long believed them to be the abyss as it relates to an NFL team.
The faces behind the NFL’s doormat are owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam.
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Haslam purchased the Browns during the 2012 season. Since that time, the franchise has experienced two winning seasons in 13 full seasons under his ownership. Overall, Cleveland has a 76-135-1 (.360) record under the Haslam’s and that includes one winless season in 2017 (0-16), which was an encore to its embarrassing 1-15 season in 2016.
On Monday, first-year head coach, Todd Monken announced Deshaun Watson as the Browns Week 1 starter. The news was not well-received as many fans have clamored for second-year quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, whose popularity has superseded his production to date.
Watson however, essentially poured a 10-ton gas tank on an everlasting burning fire with his emotionally-driven tantrum after his horrid preseason performance against the Buffalo Bills last Saturday.
After a dreadful outing in which he threw for 36 yards on 5-12 passing and one interception, Watson blasted the Browns fans for booing him.
“It has nothing to do about the performance,” Watson said referring to the booing fans. “It’s a little bit personal. I think that’s a disrespectful thing. I’m going to keep whatever I feel with me and my family internally on how I feel about that. Just move on.”
Sheesh.
Harsh words coming from a guy who signed a five-year, fully-guaranteed $230 million contract who has played just 19 games in three seasons. Not only that, his production (or lack therof) screams unplayable (he has an average 35.3 QBR in three seasons in Cleveland).
So, the fans have every right to feel cheated. Especially given the fact that former number one overall pick, Baker Mayfield was traded to acquire Watson, and he’s been a stud for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Be that as it may, Watson didn’t force himself on Cleveland. Haslam stamped this move and went against every single NFL owner who detested giving a player a fully-guaranteed contract.
Forget Watson’s off-field issues for a moment. Yes, as egregious as the accusations are, he ultimately holds no power in a team choosing him.
From an owner who has done nothing but make poor decision after poor decision, he cannot, nor should he go unscathed.
Watson reacted poorly, sure. But, it was Haslam who created this mess and he deserves the boos more than Watson.
