Why can’t the Buccaneers be like the Cleveland Browns?

It feels weird to use the Browns as an example to follow for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but 2020 is a bizarre year, and here we are.

The Cleveland Browns are nine and three. The Buccaneers are seven and five. Two of the worst franchises in the modern era have emerged as relevant playoff contenders in 2020 (go figure), but one of these teams is in a much better position than the other.

The Bucs and the Browns have been in similar situations during the past decade. First overall draft picks used on quarterbacks, awful playoff droughts, and several Hall of Fame careers have been wasted with these below-average teams, but this year has been different.

Both teams have made statements in some games and played horribly in others. These teams are growing and trying to establish themselves, so this doesn’t just change in a year, but both have made steps forward during the past offseason.

Given the changes and similar success during the past decade, the Browns are actually a great comparison for the Bucs. The Browns were six and ten last season against the Buccaneers’ seven and nine record, and after not making the playoffs last year, both teams are set to make an appearance this year.

Unfortunately for the Buccaneers, the Browns are in a much better position moving forward, which all comes from the top.