The Cleveland Browns opened the 2025 season with a hard-fought loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Now, they head into a tough divisional clash against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2 — a game that could put them in a daunting 0-2 hole if they fall short.
It’s not the start fans or the organization are hoping for, especially with expectations of a stronger turnaround compared to last year. But one well-known insider recently made waves with a surprising take on the Browns’ season outlook.
Tony Grossi’s Wild Statement
ESPN’s Tony Grossi stirred debate on Friday when he said that if the Browns’ only wins this season came against the Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers, he would gladly take it.
“In a second I would take that,” Grossi explained. “You’re getting, in my opinion, LaNorris Sellers, but to spoil this weekend in Baltimore and then to beat Pittsburgh for the first time in 21 years, that would do it for me.”
How would you feel if the Browns only wins this season were Sunday at the Ravens and at the Steelers? @TonyGrossi would sign up for it 🤣 pic.twitter.com/P1B8iL9oo1
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) September 12, 2025
That’s a bold statement — suggesting that even a 2-15 season could be worth it if it included wins over Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
The Long Pittsburgh Drought
Grossi’s comment highlights just how significant a win over the Steelers would be. Aside from the memorable 2020 AFC Wild Card victory, the Browns haven’t won a regular season game in Pittsburgh since 2003. For a rivalry renewed twice every year, that’s a drought nearly unthinkable.
Breaking that streak while also spoiling Baltimore’s plans would no doubt be a huge emotional boost for the fan base — even if the rest of the season didn’t go well.
Looking Ahead: Draft Talk Too Soon?
Grossi also pointed out the potential silver lining of a poor season — landing the No. 1 overall pick in what’s projected to be a loaded quarterback class. Names like South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik, and Drew Allar are already generating buzz.
Still, it feels far too early to start speculating about draft day when the Browns are just one game into the season. After all, Week 1 showed flashes of promise, and this roster has the talent to compete in the AFC North.
The Mindset in Cleveland
While Grossi may be entertaining the idea of “two big wins and tank for a QB,” the Browns themselves aren’t buying into that mentality. Both players and coaches have been vocal leading into the Ravens matchup, making it clear they expect to battle and compete.
Cleveland is heading to Baltimore with confidence, ready to prove doubters wrong. If they can pull off the upset and drop the Ravens to 0-2, Grossi’s statement may not feel so far-fetched — but for now, the Browns’ focus is squarely on winning, not draft positioning.
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