CLEVELAND, Ohio — Scribbles in my notebook as the Browns prepare to face Miami:
1. It’s been a long time since Browns fans have been this angry. Granted, being a Browns fan usually means seething inside about something. But other than when the Deshaun Watson trade was made, it has been a while since fans were this … well … outraged.
2. Two words: Joe Flacco. Browns fans will always love Joe Flacco for the two great months he gave Cleveland at the end of the 2023 season. Wacco For Flacco. Joe rode into town to save the season. He threw 13 TD passes and averaged 310 passing yards per game as the Browns finished 4-1 to make the playoffs. He also posed for a lot of photos with fans and workers at a Dunkin’ Donuts on the West Side. Fans kept sending me pictures. It was one of my favorite periods writing about the Browns since the team returned in 1999.
3. Flacco struggled with the Browns early this season. He was traded to Cincinnati. Four days after the Steelers manhandled the Browns, 23-9, Flacco led the Bengals to a 33-31 victory. It was Wacco For Flacco all over again. Fans in Cincinnati were chanting, “Thanks You … Cleveland!”
4. I received this email from Nancy: “I am happy for Joe but incredibly sad for Cleveland fans. Joe’s success points out that the Browns are in dire straits – certainly worse than I thought (and I am hopelessly optimistic). The scary thing is -- how can the organization possibly evaluate either Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders considering the environment in which they are asked to operate?”
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, October 12, 2025
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel was hit 16 times in the loss to Pittsburgh.Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
5. Fans are asking lots of tough questions in between volatile venting. Nancy’s point about the rookie QBs is important. Part of this season is about evaluating Gabriel and Sanders. Not only is there a talent issue, there also is play-calling. I wrote a story about how the Browns have led the NFL in passes attempted since opening day of 2024. In the first four years of the Kevin Stefanski regime, they ranked between fourth and ninth in rushing attempts. Since then, they rank 28th. Want to destroy a rookie QB? Have him throw 52 passes as Gabriel did last week in Pittsburgh.
6. Which brings us to the Miami game. The Browns and Dolphins are 1-5. Both coaches are under siege from the fan base. In Cleveland, the Browns haven’t scored more than 17 points dating back to last season. In Miami, the defense is ranked dead last (32nd) vs. the run. It’s 29th overall. The weather is supposed to be rainy and windy, not great conditions to throw it.
7. It would seem the Browns can win this game ugly by feeding bullish running back Quinshon Judkins. Yet, he was on the field for only 33 of 82 possible snaps in the Pittsburgh loss. Put Judkins out there with a big lineman as a fullback. Play a little caveman ball to help Gabriel. It’s also easier for linemen to run block than being in pass protection. Miami is giving up 168 yards on the ground per game.
8. Myles Garrett said what is on the mind of many fans: “I would’ve liked to see us stick to the run a little bit, especially with a dynamic playmaker like Quinshon … Even Dylan (Sampson) … both of them getting the ball and both of them have different styles but are effective runners in their own right … Would’ve liked to see it (more running plays), but they saw it differently.”
9. At his press conference, Garrett said that in a calm voice. But you can hear the frustration … and not just his own. The fans are feeling it. It’s also why the Browns need to show some life on offense early in Sunday’s game to keep the crowd behind them. Otherwise, it will be ugly.
Cleveland Browns vs. Detroit Lions, September 28, 2015
Can Kevin Kevin Stefanski get his running back? John Kuntz, cleveland.com
10. The Dolphins have a fun back to watch – De’Von Achane. He is quick, and as talented as a receiver as when he runs the ball. Coach Mike McDaniel is very creative in terms of his short passing offense. Five of their six games, they have scored between 21 and 27 points. The Browns probably will need to score at least score 20 points to win.
11. Besides the 1-5 record, the lowest scoring offense in the NFL and watching Flacco leave and then succeed, there is another area of discontent. Browns fans know what life is like with a rookie QB and an iffy offensive line. They have been through it several times since 1999.
12. The hope for 2025 was this could be different. Flacco would play reasonably well, and help break in the rookies later in the season. The thought was the offense would improve over last season, when they also were last in the NFL in scoring. Stefanski would be free to return to his old offense without having to try to “fix” Deshaun Watson. None of that has happened so far.
13. Prediction: The Browns should be able to win this game in bad weather vs. a team that can’t defend the run. But I don’t trust them. Miami 20, Browns 18. My record is 4-2 this season.
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