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Before I get started – let me just say that I’m in no way, shape, or form a sports reporter. I do work as an online editor, however, I typically write for music and news formats. So you can google my name and find countless articles on a wide variety of topics spanning nearly a decade. And yes, of course, I’m based in Cleveland, Ohio.
But the good thing about all that is that, in certain areas, I can speak freely. Which includes my undying love for all things Cleveland sports. It is indeed that last point that led me to write this post.
So, there’s your caveat for what you’re about to digest. Let’s get to it.
The Cleveland Browns suffered their seventh loss of the season yesterday, falling to the Los Angeles Chargers 27-10. The Browns record is now 2-7, tied for worst in the NFL.
Cleveland has played a dismal nine games. Their 16.4 points and 183.4 passing yards are both the fifth worst in the league. Their defense, which was elite last year, has only played well in spurts so far this season.
And we all know about the woes at quarterback.
With all that said, I figured now would be a good time to remind everyone that we don’t necessarily have to watch the remaining 8 games – at least, not in their entirety. Lucky for us, this weekend the Browns are on a bye.
Now, I know, I know – true fans will, and probably should, stick it out. I can honestly say that I watched at least 90% of the infamous two-year, 1-31 record. And for what’s it worth, I’ll probably watch at least 90% of the remaining games this year, too.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun.
Here are 21 things we can all start doing on Sundays instead of watching the lowly Cleveland Browns.
1. Yard Work
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It’s fall, we may as well get those leaves together so we’re not thinking about it all week.
2. Catch A Movie
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There are some good flicks coming out between now and the end of the NFL season, including Gladiator 2 (November 22), Moana 2 (November 27), and The Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrim.
3. Play Video Games
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Call Of Duty’s Black Ops 6 is pretty fun. Honestly, most games are more fun than watching the Browns at the moment.
4. Exercise
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Exercising is not only a good way to stay healthy and fit, but also a tremendous way to counter the feelings you get when you finally look at the score to the Browns game.
5. Phone A Relative
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Reach out to a relative or loved one you haven’t talked to in a while. Whatever you do, just don’t bring up the Browns.
6. Smoke Meat
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If you’re not into smoking meat yet, get into it. Not only is it a great distraction from the Browns, but it’s also a good excuse to drink beer and be in fresh air all day.
7. Go For A Drive
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Have you ever just hopped in the car and gotten on the freeway with no destination? Give it a whirl. Just be careful, you may be tempted to turn the Browns game on the radio.
8. Make Noodles From Scratch
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Have you ever made noodles from scratch? Me neither. Doesn’t it seem like it would take about 4 quarters, though?
9. Learn A Foreign Language
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They say that learning a second language can improve your attention span. Coincidentally, so can doing literally anything besides watching the Browns.
10. Put Together A Puzzle
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Go ahead. Dig out that 1000-piece jigsaw your kid got you years ago and finally put it to good use.
11. Meal Prep For The Week
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Ya know, instead of coming up with last-minute dinner ideas every day of the work week, how about you get with your family and meal prep all Sunday afternoon?
12. Find A New Favorite Beer
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Warning: If you choose this option at your local bar, instead of your local grocery store, they will probably have the Browns game on.
13. Paint A Picture
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Now is as good a time as ever to dive back into the creative side you abandoned when you decided it was finally time to be an adult.
14. Organize Your Closet
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You know that one closet your family uses as more of a random storage unit? Yeah, you probably want to get in there and see what’s sellable on eBay.
15. Clean Up Your Hard Drive
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Don’t feel like cleaning your closet? Ok. Clean up the useless programs and files on your laptop and take full advantage of that expensive WiFi you’re paying for.
16. Meditate
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The Browns offense has likely stripped a few years off of our lives. Let’s get a couple of those years back by clearing our minds and focusing on something that’s actually positive.
17. Learn Cricket
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I won’t try to convince you to learn the world’s most popular sport (3.5 billion fans worldwide) – soccer. However, maybe I can tempt you to learn the world’s second most popular sport (2.5 billion fans) – cricket.
18. Find A New Favorite Podcast
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In 2023, nearly 70 million Americans listened to podcasts. In 2024 it’s up to 135 million people. Popular podcast genres include news, true crime, comedy, and sports.
19. Learn To Juggle
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Facepaint not required.
20. Go Christmas Shopping
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And if you don’t have anyone to shop for then shop for yourself.
21. Take A Nap
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Let’s be real, not many things are better than a really good nap on a Sunday afternoon.
