Cleveland Browns 2017: A Season To Forget?
Let's dive deep into the Cleveland Browns' 2017 season, a year that most Browns fans would probably prefer to erase from their memories. It was a season marked by struggles, disappointments, and ultimately, a winless record. For those of you who might not remember (or have intentionally blocked it out), the 2017 season was a particularly rough patch in what has been a long journey for the Browns to find consistent success. The burning question on everyone's mind: What exactly happened in 2017?
The 2017 Season Overview
In 2017, the Cleveland Browns aimed to turn the page after several disappointing seasons. Hopes were cautiously optimistic, but the season quickly spiraled downwards. The Browns finished with a disheartening 0-16 record, becoming only the second team in NFL history to achieve this dubious distinction since the 2008 Detroit Lions. This winless season was a stark reminder of the challenges the franchise faced in its quest for competitiveness. Throughout the season, the Browns struggled on both sides of the ball, with an offense that couldn't consistently score points and a defense that had difficulty stopping opponents. The quarterback position was a revolving door, with multiple players getting opportunities but failing to establish themselves as the long-term answer. Coaching changes and roster turnover added to the instability, making it difficult for the team to find any rhythm or consistency. Despite the numerous challenges, the Browns' players and coaches continued to work hard and compete each week, but the results simply weren't there. The season served as a harsh lesson for the team and its fans, highlighting the need for significant improvements across the board. As the losses piled up, the focus shifted towards the future, with the Browns looking to the upcoming draft and offseason to rebuild and improve their roster. While the 2017 season was undoubtedly a low point, it also provided valuable lessons and a renewed sense of urgency to turn things around. The team learned from its mistakes and began to implement changes in its approach to player development, scouting, and team building. Though the pain of the winless season lingered, it also served as a catalyst for future growth and improvement.
Key Factors Contributing to the 0-16 Record
Several key factors contributed to the Browns' winless record in 2017. Firstly, the quarterback instability was a major issue. The Browns cycled through multiple quarterbacks, including DeShone Kizer, Cody Kessler, and Kevin Hogan, none of whom could seize the role and provide consistent performance. This lack of stability under center made it difficult for the offense to establish any rhythm or identity. Secondly, the offensive struggles were evident throughout the season. The Browns struggled to score points, convert third downs, and protect the quarterback. The running game also lacked consistency, making it difficult for the offense to sustain drives and control the clock. Thirdly, the defensive vulnerabilities were also a significant problem. The Browns struggled to stop the run, generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and force turnovers. This put added pressure on the offense to score points, which they were often unable to do. Fourthly, coaching and roster turnover contributed to the team's struggles. The Browns underwent several coaching changes in recent years, which created instability and made it difficult for the team to develop a consistent identity. The roster also saw significant turnover, with new players constantly being brought in and out, making it challenging for the team to build chemistry and cohesion. Lastly, injuries also played a role in the Browns' struggles. Several key players were sidelined with injuries throughout the season, which further weakened the team's depth and made it more difficult to compete. All of these factors combined to create a perfect storm of negativity, resulting in the Browns' winless record in 2017.
The Quarterback Carousel
The quarterback position was a revolving door for the Browns in 2017, with no single player able to establish themselves as the clear-cut starter. DeShone Kizer, a rookie second-round pick, began the season as the starter but struggled with turnovers and inconsistency. Cody Kessler, who had started several games in 2016, was also given an opportunity but failed to impress. Kevin Hogan also saw some playing time, but he too was unable to provide a spark. The constant changes at quarterback made it difficult for the offense to find any rhythm or consistency. The lack of a reliable quarterback also hindered the development of the team's young receivers and running backs. Opposing defenses were able to key in on the Browns' offensive weaknesses, knowing that they didn't have to worry about a quarterback who could consistently make plays. The instability at quarterback also affected the team's morale, as players and coaches grew frustrated with the lack of progress. The Browns knew that they needed to find a long-term solution at quarterback if they were ever going to turn things around. The search for a franchise quarterback would continue into the following offseason, with the Browns holding the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. The hope was that they could finally find the player who could lead them back to relevance.
Key Players and Performances
Despite the overall struggles of the team, there were a few individual bright spots during the 2017 season. These players demonstrated resilience and talent, even in the face of adversity. One standout was Joe Thomas, the veteran offensive tackle who continued his streak of consecutive snaps played. Thomas was a consistent presence on the offensive line and a leader in the locker room. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a torn triceps, ending his consecutive snaps streak and marking a significant loss for the team. Another key player was Jamie Collins, the linebacker who provided some stability and playmaking ability on the defense. Collins was a consistent tackler and pass rusher, and he also contributed in coverage. However, even his efforts weren't enough to overcome the team's defensive deficiencies. On the offensive side, Duke Johnson was a versatile weapon who contributed as both a runner and a receiver. Johnson was a reliable target for the quarterbacks and a threat in the passing game. However, his production was limited by the team's overall offensive struggles. Josh Gordon, after a long absence from the NFL, made his return to the Browns in 2017 and showed flashes of his former potential. Gordon's return provided a boost to the team's receiving corps, but he was still working to regain his form after being out of the league for several years. Despite these individual performances, the Browns lacked the overall talent and depth needed to compete consistently. The team needed to continue to build its roster through the draft and free agency in order to improve its chances of success in the future.
Coaching and Management
The coaching staff and management faced significant scrutiny during the 2017 season, as the Browns struggled to find any success on the field. Head coach Hue Jackson was under pressure to turn things around after a disappointing first season in 2016. However, the team's struggles continued, and Jackson faced criticism for his handling of the quarterback situation and the team's overall offensive struggles. The defensive coordinator also came under fire for the team's inability to stop opposing offenses. General manager Sashi Brown was responsible for building the team's roster, and he faced questions about his player evaluation and draft selections. The Browns had accumulated a number of draft picks in recent years, but they had yet to find the franchise players who could lead them back to contention. The team's management structure was also a subject of debate, with some questioning whether there was enough collaboration and communication between the coaching staff and the front office. As the losses piled up, the pressure on the coaching staff and management increased. Changes were eventually made after the season, with the Browns looking to bring in new leadership to turn things around. The hope was that a fresh perspective and a new approach could help the team break out of its losing cycle and start building towards a brighter future.
The Aftermath and Lessons Learned
The aftermath of the 2017 season was significant for the Cleveland Browns. The team underwent major changes in both the coaching staff and the front office. Hue Jackson remained as the head coach, but the team brought in John Dorsey as the new general manager to replace Sashi Brown. Dorsey quickly began to reshape the roster, making several key acquisitions in free agency and the draft. The Browns used the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to select quarterback Baker Mayfield, hoping that he would finally be the franchise quarterback they had been searching for. The team also made several other significant additions, including wide receiver Jarvis Landry and cornerback Denzel Ward. The lessons learned from the 2017 season were numerous. The Browns realized that they needed to prioritize the quarterback position and find a player who could lead the team for years to come. They also recognized the importance of building a strong offensive line and surrounding the quarterback with talented receivers and running backs. On the defensive side, the Browns needed to improve their pass rush and create more turnovers. The team also learned the importance of building a strong team culture and fostering a winning mentality. While the 2017 season was a painful experience, it ultimately served as a catalyst for change and improvement. The Browns used the lessons learned from that season to rebuild their roster and create a more competitive team. The hope was that they could finally put the losing seasons behind them and start building towards a brighter future.
Conclusion
The 2017 Cleveland Browns season was undoubtedly a low point in franchise history. The 0-16 record was a stark reminder of the challenges the team faced in its quest for competitiveness. However, the season also provided valuable lessons and a renewed sense of urgency to turn things around. The Browns used the aftermath of the 2017 season to rebuild their roster, change up the coaching staff, and change the front office. Although the road to recovery was long and arduous, the Browns showed resilience and determination in their pursuit of success. The lessons learned from the 2017 season helped lay the foundation for future growth and improvement, ultimately leading to a brighter future for the franchise. It was a season to forget, yet it's important to remember, because it served as a harsh lesson in the school of hard knocks. It was a foundational reset and it made them come back stronger.
