That stings: The Browns and their national television woes

When Saturday Night Live debuted in 1975 critics called the initial cast the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players.” Insiders believed that an eclectic variety show full of mostly unknown performers would never last on broadcast television. The comedians embraced their underdog status and worked to craft the show into an American institution. That same moniker could apply to the Cleveland Browns since 1999. Some teams step up when playing under the bright lights of NFL evenings; the Browns tend to melt.

Since returning to Cleveland, the Browns have played in 19 prime time games (any game taking place after 8pm EST) and hold a 6-13 record. The club is 3-6 at home and 3-7 on the road.

Worst Loss: 1999 Week 1 vs. PIT. L 43-0

Thireen-hundred-and-fifty-eight days passed between the Old Browns last game in 1995 and the New Browns first game in 1999. With idle time to dream, fans fantasized about returning to the lakefront again to cheer on their beloved team. They likely did not imagine the final score of the Browns’ infamous re-debut. The schedule makers challenged the Browns immediately by bringing in their most ancient rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, to battle under the lights in front of a national TV audience. The Browns struggled on all fronts (no points, two first downs, four turnovers) en route to an ignominious return to the NFL. While most Clevelanders were just happy to have a team again, the one they got underwhelmed.

Best Win: 2008 Week 6 vs. NYG. 35-14

While last season’s victory over the Bengals was sweet, the 2008 triumph over the New York Giants felt like more of an impactful victory. The Giants opened the season 4-0 after winning the Super Bowl in 2007. The Browns entered the game 1-3 still bitter about missing the postseason the previous year. On Monday night in Cleveland Derek Anderson laid waste to the Giants defense, throwing for 310 yards and two touchdowns. The Browns defense yielded little ground while forcing three turnovers. The Browns as a team committed no turnovers in a therapeutic Monday Night victory.

The Browns most common opponent in prime time is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cleveland is 2-5 against their rivals with victories in 2003 and 2009. The Ravens have beaten the Browns in four prime time matchups since 2002. Surprisingly the Battle of Ohio only took place at night in 2014 which the Browns won 24-3. The Browns are currently riding a two game primetime winning streak after Thursday night victories in 2014 and 2013 against the Bengals and Buffalo Bills, respectively. Between Week 14 2003 and Week 2 2008 the Browns lost six consecutive evening contests. Opponents have collectively outscored the Browns 407-325 in nineteen matchups.

As far as the standings are concerned, a loss on Sunday night counts as much as one on Sunday afternoon. So why does a nationally televised defeat always sting more? Probably for the same reason a prime time wins seems to induce a stronger sense of pride. We always want to see our favorite team show up on a national stage. They represent our region and city and we want them to represent when the country tunes in. In 2015, the Browns will visit Cincinnati on Thursday night of Week 9 and will host the Ravens on Monday night of Week 12. Hopefully by the time those games arrive the Browns are ready for prime time.