
Getty Image / Nick Cammett
We were all told a few years ago that the Cleveland Browns were turning the corner as a franchise. And, when they made the playoffs and won a playoff game in the 2020 season, it felt like they were.
But, the 2021 season was a disaster. Presumed franchise quarterback Baker Mayfield had a terrible season, and the team struggled to a 8-9 record, missing the playoffs.
Not to worry. The team went out and acquired controversial quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Texans in a blockbuster trade. Watson has been accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with dozens of massage therapists.
But, they were not deterred by those allegations and signed the Clemson alum to a monster five-year, $230 million deal. Watson was suspended eleven games by the NFL for his conduct.
The team got off to a 2-1 start, but by the time Watson was allowed to play, the Browns were 4-7 and need a miracle to make the postseason.
Cleveland beat Houston and Baltimore, sandwiched around a loss to the Bengals. That put them at 6-8, with an outside shot at the postseason if they won out.
But, those hopes were extinguished on Sunday in a miserable fashion.
Late drops killed the Cleveland Browns against the Saints to eliminate the team
The Browns had a 10-3 halftime lead in frigid temperatures at home over the visiting Saints and looked to be in control of the game.
Saints Shirtless Pregame 😳: These players are embracing 5 degree weather in Cleveland
pic.twitter.com/H88myVSBWe— FootBasketâ„¢.com (@FootBasket) December 24, 2022
A long drive capped off by an Alvin Kamara run tied the game early in the third quarter.
And, late in the third quarter, this Deshaun Watson interception marked the beginning of the end for the Browns.
Deshaun Watson interception. Hate that for him #Browns pic.twitter.com/EWE8JkXHx9
— Mouthguard (@MouthguardPod) December 24, 2022
New Orleans cashed in with a touchdown on the ensuing drive and went up 17-10.
But, the Browns had their chance late. Watson drove them down the field in the two-minute-drill. But, back-to-back drops on what would be touchdowns lost the game for Cleveland. I’m not sure why these drops are not on social media. Maybe it’s a conspiracy to protect the Browns. But, the drops by Donovan Peoples-Jones and David Njoku on perfectly thrown balls were brutal.
Back-to-back beautiful throws by Watson, all for DPJ and then Njoku to just drop both game tying TDs.
Feel bad for 4. He delivered. Rest of the team was scared to show up. #Browns season officially ova.
— Russell Williams (@Russ_Will_) December 24, 2022
The futility of this franchise continues. Cleveland has now made the playoffs just once in the last twenty seasons. And, this year is officially another season gone to waste. The loss drops them to 6-9 and officially puts them out of playoff contention.
Meanwhile, the rest of the league rejoices.
NFL fans watching Deshaun Watson and the Browns lose pic.twitter.com/mHtewxQ4tV
— Blake Garman (@FrostedBlakes34) December 24, 2022
As for next year, they better figure out how to score touchdowns if they want to make a rare playoff appearance.
The Browns have scored 3 offensive TDs in four games with Deshaun Watson.
The Browns have secured their second consecutive losing season after making the playoffs in 2020.
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) December 24, 2022