So what does going 0 and 2 mean for the Cleveland Browns?  If your a Browns fan, you already know the outcome. If not, or just want to be sure you are right, keep reading.

This is definitely NOT the first time that the Cleveland Browns have started their season 0 and 2 since their return to the league in 1999.  Lets look at the Browns recent history of 0 and 2 starts and see what the Browns and their fans have to look forward to.

In 2008, the Browns started off 0 and 2, and they did not post their first win until week 4 over the Baltimore Ravens, finishing the season 4 and 12, losing their last 6 games.

2006, they dropped their first 3 games as well, ending with a final record of 4 and 12.  They lost their last four consecutive games in 2006.

In 2003, the Browns started their season off 0 and 2, finishing with a final record of 5 and 11.

And finally 1999, the rushed return of the Browns.  After slapping the team together without the luxuries that the Carolina Panthers and the Jacksonville Jaguars had just a few years prior, the Cleveland Browns did not post their first win until week 8 with their win over the New Orleans Saints by a final score of 21 to 16.  They ended the season 2 and 14.

So what does all of this mean for the Browns and Browns fans?  Since the Browns return 10 years ago, they have went 0 and 2 fifty percent of the time.  In their best 0 and 2 start season, they finished 5 and 11.  This stat means that the Cleveland Browns have drafted incredibly early for most of the decade, and still do not have anything to show for it.

In what direction should the Browns go from here?  I suggest looking at the NFL franchises which are successful nearly every year.  The New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, and the New York Giants.  What do all of these franchises have in common?  They have great ownership, little or no turnover in their Head Coaches and promote within, and build their team through the draft, not going the route of the Washington Redskins and trying to buy a Super Bowl winner through free agency every year.

Based on these teams, the Browns should sit back, enjoy another losing season, keep Eric Mangini and his coaching staff in place, and enjoy yet another top 5 draft pick in the 2010 NFL draft, and build our foundation through the draft.

As fans, you can continue to live this football nightmare, or convert to Pittsburgh Steelers fans, since half of the state of Ohio already are!

Kurt Fraschetti / ProFootballinsight

Kurt@ProFootballinsight.net