The Cleveland Browns concluded a dismal 3-14 season with a loss to the Baltimore Ravens, leaving star defensive end Myles Garrett deeply frustrated. After the game, Garrett reflected on the tough year, comparing it to the infamous 0-16 season in 2017 when he was a rookie.
“This is probably a more disappointing season (than 2017),” Garrett said via ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi. His remarks carry significant weight, given that a winless season is an almost unprecedented low in professional sports. Yet, Garrett suggested that the challenges of 2024 made it even harder to endure.
The Browns faced a litany of issues throughout the season. Quarterback Deshaun Watson, already embroiled in an ongoing legal battle, tore his Achilles after a promising start, leaving the team without its primary signal-caller. Running back Nick Chubb also missed much of the season while recovering from a knee injury sustained the year before. By the time he returned, Cleveland’s playoff hopes had all but vanished.
Despite these setbacks, there were glimpses of potential. Cleveland entered the year with optimism, coming off a 2023 campaign in which a late-season surge, led by quarterback Joe Flacco, earned them a Wild Card spot. Flacco even won Comeback Player of the Year, and the offense seemed to have turned a corner. However, the 2024 season saw the Browns regress dramatically, leaving the team searching for answers.
Garrett’s criticism may seem harsh, but he cited the added off-field distractions and injuries as factors that made 2024 uniquely challenging. While the 0-16 team lacked talent, this year’s roster was largely unchanged from the one that reached the playoffs last season, making their struggles all the more frustrating.
Looking ahead, the Browns face critical decisions. From sorting out Watson’s contract situation to bolstering their offensive weapons, general manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski will need to chart a clear direction for the team. While Stefanski has shown he can lead a winning team, Cleveland’s identity and future remain uncertain.
As the offseason begins, the focus will shift to rebuilding and reshaping the team’s approach. Whether the Browns can recover from this disappointing season will be the story to watch in 2025.
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