Browns Mailbag: Can The Browns Still Make The Playoffs?

Spencer German answers Browns fans questions after the team's statement win over Baltimore as they get ready for a rematch with Pittsburgh

Welcome to Browns Mailbag! This mailbag will run two times a week as Spencer German will answer the burning questions on the minds of Cleveland Browns fans. To submit a question of your own, send it to @Spencito_ on X. 

The Browns were certainly riding high after a massive win over the Ravens on Sunday. Then, it all came crashing down on Wednesday with the announcement that quarterback Deshaun Watson would need season-ending surgery and was headed to the IR. 

It is a crushing blow to a promising season, but the show goes on, and Cleveland is handing the offense over to rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson. 

Can the Browns stay afloat in the AFC playoff picture? I answer that and more in our latest Browns Mailbag. 

Why does God hate the Browns? – @Kauai0604

I assume this question comes with a a dose of sarcasm, but it's actually a fun thing to ponder for a minute.

A priest is probably much more qualified than me to confirm whether or not this franchise continued misfortune is due to some sort of divine intervention. That said, it is hard to comprehend how one franchise can have this much bad luck spanning decades.

The timing of the Watson injury is particularly brutal considering what Sunday's win over Baltimore represented for the franchise. That was arguably a top three most meaningful win since the team returned in 1999. Three days later it – from the fan base at least – it felt as though it was all crashing down.

As you look back at the history of this franchise and so many moments where fans had their hearts ripped out, it's hard not to let the mind wander to thoughts of curses or football Gods. One thing that is undoubtedly true though, is that our favorite sports teams have us trapped in a cruel, cruel relationship. They're going to let you down far more times than they'll make you feel good. And even when they do, those moments can be fleeting. That's just the harsh realty of this sport we love and unfortunately the Browns have been doing that letting down part a long time.

Do the Browns turn the corner and continue trending in the right direction after this big win against Baltimore? – @MrEd315

This was a much different question when you posed it to me a few days ago, but it was part of the original Mailbag I was going to do and wanted to give you an answer even though we live in a different world now.

First, before knowing the severity of this Deshaun Watson injury, yes, I was ready to say that this was the going to be the turning point of the Browns season that propelled them at least to the playoffs but maybe even to the top of the AFC North.

Now I'm not so sure, but there are signs of hope. Losing a franchise quarterback is much different than many of the other injuries the Browns have dealt with this season, so this one may feel like a back-breaker. Don't count them out yet though.

For starters, the defense is still very good and has proven to carry this team at times. I also think, to Kevin Stefanski's credit, he's got his team playing inspired football. That can be a powerful thing. Now, Stefanski will have to get creative with this offense to help DTR – I'm expecting him to lean heavily on their top three rated run game.

4-4. That's the goal. Can they go 500 down the stretch? If so, they'll be in the playoffs by my estimation.

Should the Browns have traded for Jacoby Brissett at the deadline?

This one comes from an ongoing conversation with a friend this week. I outlined my thoughts on the Browns now questionable Josh Dobbs' trade and their decision to not bring in a veteran backup at the deadline in a column this week.

To give you the sparknotes answer: trading Dobbs wasn't the end of the world at the time, but in a season where the Browns have pushed all the chips into the center of the table, it's unfortunate that it could all be undone because the franchise coveted a fifth-round pick over a veteran backup. And sure, there's no guarantee Dobbs "saves the season" if he was still here. I'm of the belief though, that he'd give Cleveland a better chance than their current options.

As for the trade deadline, I think not pulling the trigger on a QB deal is probably the more egregious action. For four games, team brass had a front row seat to what the offense looked like without Watson and opted not to bring anyone else in at QB just in case he got hurt again. Head-scratching.