Cleveland Browns: Terrelle Pryor’s words are frustrating due to 0-13 record

Cleveland Browns receiver Terrelle Pryor has received criticism for some of his actions, but it would not be an issue if the team was not winless.

The Cleveland Browns need to do whatever it takes to pick up a win in 2016. If that means Terrelle Pryor needs to call out a few players on the team, so be it.

Pryor has come under fire for trying to light a fire under his team, as some want him to keep his mouth shut and just do his job. But what’s wrong with being a vocal leader in a sport where the practice is encouraged?

The problem with Pryor being so vocal is the fact the Browns are 0-13 and on track to finish winless. The familiar “scoreboard” refrain can be used by any opponent Pryor tries to trash talk, while critics will cite his efforts to inspire as a distraction.

Bad football teams often lack this kind of outspoken player. Browns fans can attest to seeing teams in the past go through the motions of a 3-13 or a 4-12 season, waiting for it to be over and to continue the purgatorial process.

Yet Pryor is doing his best to keep the competitive spirit alive. And so what if he calls out the offensive line? A group that bad should be called out. It is nothing personal, as Pryor has proven to care about the Browns and being a part of the team in the future.

Egos need to be put aside and teammates and opponents alike should understand it as a part of the game. But his words will continue to ring hollow until the Browns start playing competitive football.

Adam Jones called Pryor trash after last Sunday’s game, starting a trend that can continue until Pryor either stops trash talking or the Browns actually start beating opposing teams. Yet while Pryor could have said more, he was humble enough to accept that he can also be better.

He came out as the bigger man and fans should appreciate that. Pryor is clearly a talented player who can be a leader for the team in the future. He will learn to better control his emotions, but he should not be hated for speaking his mind right now.

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0-13 is awful, and it deserves to be treated as such. If anyone on the team is offended by Pryor’s words, perhaps they aren’t fit to help this team improve.