ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker

We received an overwhelming response in our latest "Thought of the Day" regarding the current state of Cleveland Browns fans following years of losing and a 0-3 start.

Here were some of the responses from our AFC North inbox:

Tim from Akron, Ohio writes: As a lifelong Browns fan who has naively found hope when there wasn't any, I’m now dogged tired. Fans are all tired of missed tackles, tired of quarterback controversies, tired of head-scratching calls (quarterback sneak on first and ten?), tired of not stopping the run, tired of not scoring touchdowns and tired of a front office who cannot seem to make any impact towards winning. So, to answer your question, the reason we are more frustrated than previous years is because we no longer see any hope in sight. And, judging from the first three weeks, this team is the worst of the expansion era, including the 1999 team.

JMo from Bed-Stuy writes: I don't think it's fair to assess the Browns situation just yet. They are doing poorly now, there's no arguing against that. But Eric Mangini and George Kokinis need at least a whole season under their belts before it's fair to truly evaluate them. Let's give these guys a chance to finish up the season (ideally improving along the way) and make the off-season moves that really lend toward building the type of team they want to run. Mangini comes off as having some sort of plan with the restructuring of the team this past off-season. And I don't think the Browns were a "one off-season fix." Our problems have been festering since 1999.

Gene from Marion, Ohio writes: I’ve watched the Browns since 1954 and this is the bottom! It’s just about time to tear-up the jersey and look somewhere else. All problems point to a very poor coaching scheme and staff.

Tony from Louisville, KY writes: I, under no circumstances, will abandon the Dawgs. Since I was born I've followed the Browns with deep passion. There is no reason for any fan to abandon this team at this time. If, for the last decade we have been able to tolerate the lack of success this team has had then what’s another 2 or 3 years. Now is not the time to abandon this team. Now is the time when all Browns fans should be screaming at the top of their lungs in support of the players on the field. Let’s let them know that we stand behind them and support them. The Browns have inspired a city and nation of loyal Browns fans before, maybe now it's the fans turn to inspire a team.

Bob Pase from Midland, TX writes: As a 40-year Browns fan (started when I was 6) I am totally disgusted. For the first time in my adult life I don't care about hearing the score of the game. It's a culture that breeds losing. No one seems to know what it takes to win from the top down. I am skeptical of it turning around. As a true football fan I am so sad.

Chris in Iraq writes: I am a huge Browns fan; have been my entire life. I have never seen more loyal fans to their cause. Even here in Iraq, it is surprising to see how many fans show up to watch Cleveland games, sporting their Browns jerseys week in and week out. I know how brash Browns fans can be, but these fans spend their hard-earned money on this football team every week, every season. We walk around getting ridiculed for being Browns fans, but we still defend our team to anyone who comes around. All we want is a competitive team. A team that can go out and consistently win, and players who know what it is to be a Cleveland Brown.

Mike from Northampton, PA writes: Call it a year of firsts for me: first time I turned off a Browns game before it was "officially" (this game was over in the 1st Quarter) over and first time I won't purchase Browns tickets. I've had enough until the Browns put a product on the field that shows development. As a consumer I refuse to pay to watch them play! There is nothing exciting about this team. NOTHING! I will be very surprised if they win a game.

Marcus from DC writes: James, I'm not about to quit on the Browns, but agree that the problem stems not from winning or losing, but a lack of passion, of heart, of fire or whatever else you want to call it. The Browns are in a rebuilding mode, so losses are understandable. But the coaches seem to have no interest in winning. For the past few seasons, the phrase has been "Believeland." At this point, the fans are being given no reason to believe. After a terrible season, the Miami Dolphins re-staffed and gave the team a reason to believe with the Wildcat. The Browns have re-staffed, but seem to have no desire to find an offense that can get the fans and the team fired up. That's what we need to believe again—a little spark.

Fatman from Wheeling, WV writes: I have been a Browns fan my whole life. I have developed a short memory as most Browns fans do. I think we can win the Super Bowl every August and completely forget how bad we were the year before. The reason for my malcontent is the arrogance displayed by Eric Mangini. He has come in and treated the players like cattle. He expects them to automatically be on board with his game plan and way of doing things. The players have obviously not responded to his cold ways of operating a team. Unlike other fans who are jumping ship I will stay loyal but I can't even look forward to the offseason, which is the only season we can't lose because I'm certain Mangini will trade our almost certain No. 1 pick to the Jets for a towel boy and some hand warmers.

David from Manchester, TN writes: Hi James. I tried writing this four or five times and the list of complaints with the Browns are too long for me to waste my time with. Tell them to give me a call when they put forth the effort to get it right.