New Beginnings.

0-16.

Not much more can be said than that. The Cleveland Browns finally did it. First 3-13. Then 1-15. And finally 0-16. Seems incredible that a team of players earning millions of dollars per year can combine to win 4 games over 3 years. Absolutely astonishing. Now, this isn't going to be a post saying that "insert good college team here" could beat them. That is just blatantly false and one of the most frustrating parts about the Browns. They should be better. They should be winning games but in typical Browns fashion it just never happens. To quote Megamind from the movie that shares his name, a movie that if you haven't seen I would highly recommend watching, "[Metroman] would win some. I would almost win others." (Metroman in this case being any other team in the NFL.) Moving into the off-season there are several changes that the Browns need to make and some that they have already started doing.

1. Get a New Quarterback
   Don't take this the wrong way, I think Kizer is a wonderful kid but he just does not look ready for the NFL. He has good legs but that is simply not enough to lead a team to victory. DeShaun Watson, the breakout star of the NFL before tearing his ACL, showed that the occasional missed throw can be made up for. Kizer doesn't occasionally miss throws, he occasionally hits throws. I'm talking about important throws, not dump offs to a running back (although I would not even trust Kizer to do that).
   
   Josh Rosen looks to be the guy that the Browns should take with the number 1 pick. He is tall, strong, and has proven that he can put the ball where it needs to go. A skill that has been lacking from the Browns roster in recent memory. Rosen also brings a poise and winners attitude, similar to Carson Wentz, into the locker room. The Browns have the base of a team, they just need a captain to command it. Rosen is that guy.

2. Get a new OC
   While much of the blame must go to the players on the field, the man calling the plays must also be held accountable and the Browns have done just that by interviewing Sean Ryan and beginning discussions with Ken Zampese. Both coaches have proven their ability to work with quarterbacks to develop a deeper sense of the game. Ryan specifically, as the QBs coach for the Texans, garnered a lot of praise for the success of DeShaun Watson. Both coaches would fulfill a need for the Browns. I would like to see the Browns pursue John DeFilippo. He was the OC for the Browns in 2015 and was fired along with then Head Coach Mike Pettine. DeFilippo has had great success developing Carson Wentz and deserves another shot in Cleveland.

3. Develop the Run Game
   The Browns have built a solid defensive front and have a young wide receiver corp with potential star talent. With a new QB coming in, the Browns need to shore up the offensive line and get a feature back. I'm sorry but Isaiah Crowell lacks the "it" factor, scoring only 2 rushing touchdowns on the season. Using a later round pick on a running back could help to create a duo similar to what the Saints have in Ingram and Kamara.

These are my top 3 things that the Browns need to work on going into the off-season. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Thank you and have a great day.

Image Sources:
1
2