For the first time in a while, I've had fun watching football on Sundays.
Despite commissioner Roger Goodell's egregious knee-jerk reaction of fining a player anytime somebody gets hit above the belly button, this has been the most enjoyable NFL season in a while, and there's one particular reason for that.
No, it's not that Brett Favre has embarrassed himself more than even I thought possible, and it's not that people finally realize that Carson Palmer is a terrible quarterback.
It's because the Browns are more fun to watch than they have been at any point since their return to the league in 1999.
I mean it. For the past 11 years, I've endured awful game after awful game. Even the two winning seasons and lone playoff appearance were marred by controversy and heartache.
Constant quarterback controversies with no real winner led to 15 different starters in the past 11 years. Coaches have had panic attacks on the field. Fans turned on a Pro Bowl quarterback for an unproven rookie, and then both of their careers sank faster than the 2010 Dallas Cowboys' season.
Obviously, losing wasn't fun. But the wins didn't exactly make me run around with joy, either.
But this year is different. I love watching this team every Sunday. I enjoy Rob Ryan's crazy hair and crazier defensive schemes. Peyton Hillis is a monster. I find it comically amusing that anytime the opponent scored a passing touchdown, I immediately know it was Eric Wright's fault.
Despite only a 3-5 record, the games are still fun. The Browns have led in every one of them, and even the losing makes me more hopeful than years past. Mike Holmgren and company have done a great job acquiring talented players to put on the field.
Most of all, I think the Browns are having just as much fun playing as I am having watching them.
During Sunday's 34-14 surprise thrashing of the Patriots, I saw a level of joy on the sideline after every big play. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll was chest-bumping offensive linemen after a touchdown run, and even the usually stoic Eric Mangini couldn't help but crack a smile when he received a Gatorade shower at the end of the game.
I think the Browns have a lot of work to do before they can contend for a division title, but the signs the team has shown this year encourage me a lot more than everything I've seen the past decade.
The Browns are going to miss the playoffs this season for the 11th time in 12 years, but I'm fine with that. I'm just enjoying the games now and eagerly awaiting what can happen in the future.
- Vince Nairn is a senior studying journalism and The Post's sports editor. Send him your thoughts on the Browns' season at vn379506@ohiou.edu.
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Vince Nairn
