A lot of NFL teams talk about it at this time of year. The Browns, in fact, are really good at talking about it.

That is, they go on and on about how bright the future is, and how they are just getting started on what should be a great journey of being contenders over the long haul.

I hate to hear that talk, because this game isn’t about looking ahead. Rather, it’s about succeeding in the here and now. I don’t care — and most of you don’t care, either — about two, three and four years from now.

There are no guarantees about next year and beyond. What looks like a promising future suddenly changes because of injuries or defections through free agency or just players not panning out as you thought they would.

The Browns had a great opportunity this season to go deep into the playoffs. The stars seemed to be all aligned in just the right way for that to happen. But they didn’t get it done, and as such, they squandered the opportunity.

I don’t think the Browns realized what going to the playoffs is all about, that the opportunity must be maximized.

That is an inexcusable mindset. It is deceiving the fans. Take care of what is happening right now, and let the future take care of itself. Sell out for m right now. Right now is it all that you can see. Right now is all that matters.

Steve King