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NFL 2015: Team-by-team grades

By Matt Verderame

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns

Grade: F

What went right: The season is coming to an end. No, in all seriousness, Johnny Manziel is starting to look like he might be the answer at franchise quarterback. Manziel battled for playing time until the end of the season when Josh McCown went down with a broken clavicle. Manziel still leaves plenty to be desired in accuracy, but he improved. Also, enough can’t be said about tight end Gary Barnidge, who emerged as a legit weapon.

What went wrong: They still exist. The Browns have only made the playoffs once since coming back into the league as an expansion team in 1999. Cleveland is probably going to have a top-three pick in the NFL Draft, but can they avoid taking another bust in a long line of guys like Trent Richardson, Brandon Weeden, Justin Gilbert and more. It’s time for the Browns to become a real franchise again.

Offseason expectations: This is going to be a total blow-up again. Look for the ownership to get rid of general manager Ray Farmer and head coach Mike Pettine, who has made it a regular practice to bench players who are getting paid a ton of money. Pettine really had no chance, but he has done himself no favors. Farmer has been nothing short of a total wreck, and deserves to be on the way out.

Next: Pittsburgh Steelers

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