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Cleveland Browns: 5 most important games in 2016

By Steven Kubitza

Jan 3, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) calls a play at the line against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Eagles won 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) calls a play at the line against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Eagles won 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Cameron Erving (74) gets a hand in the face from Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Steelers beat the Browns 28-12. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Cameron Erving (74) gets a hand in the face from Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Steelers beat the Browns 28-12. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

The end of the 2016 regular season comes on the first day of 2017 as the Browns head to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers.

The Steelers have become regulars as the Browns’ final opponent of the season, beating the Browns in Week 17 in six matchups since 2008.

The Browns need to change this trend, and that can be done if the same quarterback who starts the year is still healthy and able to start the final game of the season. Whether this be Griffin, McCown, or a rookie quarterback, the last game of the season needs to be one in which the Browns compete, and not one where fans expect a loss. The Steelers probably look at the annual matchup as a sure victory, gifted by the NFL, en route to a playoff berth.

Having a quarterback start and finish the season would also help build a foundation to be taken into 2017, instead of having questions at the position yet another time. The key to this being the case is to keep the quarterback healthy, which is going to be tough with the way this offensive line looks heading into the draft.

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