At times, being a fan of the Cleveland Browns feels like an opportunity to focus on your optimism. As a lifelong fan turned media member, I might be guilty of doing that more than is appropriate, bordering on “homerism” at times, because sports are supposed to be fun. Or, as discussed in my favorite TV show, “Ted Lasso,” is it the hope that kills you?

After the Browns beat the Miami Dolphins in Week 7 (who went on to destroy the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8), there were reasons for optimism, including the struggling AFC North. After the New England Patriots blew the doors off Cleveland in the final three quarters of Week 8’s game, along with numerous injuries and no change at the quarterback position, the time for 2025 optimism has probably come to an end.

(See, even adding the word “probab

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