On Sunday December 29th the 3-12 Cleveland Browns hosted the 7-8 Miami Dolphins at Huntington Bank Field in downtown Cleveland Ohio. The day before the game, the Dolphins starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was downgraded to doubtful on Saturday. He did not play in the game. The Browns were a 3.5-point underdog at home. The Browns last game was a 24-6 loss in Cincinnati to the Bengals. The Dolphins defeated the San Francisco 49ers last week at home 29-17. The weather for the game was unseasonably warm at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and raining for kickoff. Cleveland Browns fans have been disappointed in the 2024 season, and they want the team to tank the last two games for a higher draft pick. As a journalist and a lifelong fan, I totally disagree with that strategy. But it seems like the Browns didn’t disagree.

Tua or no Tua it didn’t matter because the Browns lost to the Dolphins 20-3. It was another horrendous offensive performance for the Cleveland Browns. Quarterback Dorian Thomson-Robinson was 24 for 47 for 170 yards, 0 touchdowns and 1 interception. He had a sub-par 50.8 quarterback rating. The Browns were able to rush for over 100 yards with a running back by committee method. Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy had 12 receptions for 94 yards. He could have had more if it weren’t for some lapses in concentration and drops. There were also some positives on defense in this game.

Browns defensive end Myles Garrett recorded two sacks in the game and adds to his 2024 season total of 14. He has recorded at least 14 sacks for the last 4 consecutive seasons.  He is also tied with Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals for league lead in sacks. The defensive line played well along with rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall junior.

Up next for the Browns is the season finale in Baltimore to play the Ravens next Sunday January 5th at 1pm eastern time, at M&T Bank Stadium. Next Sunday the Ravens are playing for a division title and the Browns are playing for a draft pick. The Browns sit right now with the 3rd overall draft pick and could possibly get the number 1 pick. Browns fans just want this season to end. And let us have that season end mercifully next Sunday in Baltimore.