Last Sunday the Cleveland Browns lost their 5th game in a row to their division rival Cincinnati Bengals 21-14. Their current record is 1-6 through the first seven weeks of the 2024 season. Fans are justifiably unhappy with the season thus far. There is plenty of finger pointing and blame to go around for the 2024 season being a disappointment. All the blame does not fall on just the owner Jimmy Haslam. But part of the blame does fall on him.

In 2012 Jimmy and Dee Haslam bought the Cleveland Browns from Randy Lerner for over $1 Billion dollars. Since the purchase the Browns had a revolving door of head coaches and general managers. Haslam seemed to lack patience and perseverance to be a good NFL owner.  In 2020 he hired both head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. In their first four years with the Browns, they had a winning record, 2 playoff appearances, and a playoff win. It appeared that Haslam finally got it right. Until this season started on September 8th ,2024.

The 2023 and 2024 Cleveland Browns have been bitten by the serious injury bug. This was the case especially on the offensive line. Criticism to Berry, Stefanski, and Haslam is warranted, they could have been better prepared for the season. They probably were mistaken in their roster assessment with the injuries. But you cannot blame the Haslam ownership for not spending money. The Browns are outspending the league by 50 million dollars in annual salary cap with guaranteed contracts. You can also criticize the Deshaun Watson trade. They did swing big for a franchise quarterback, and it appears that they missed. So, what will the future hold for the Cleveland Browns?

Soon, the Cleveland Browns offensive line is getting healthier, and Nick Chubb is working his way back into the lineup.  I can see an improved offense and running game. With that should come some wins. After this season is over, the organization will take a long and hard look at its roster and must make some tough decisions. One of those decisions will probably be at quarterback. And that will still not be entirely on the owner.