‘What a Scam’, ‘Better Odds of Winning the Lottery Twice’ — NFL Fans Roast Browns for $50,000 Blowout Promotion vs. Panthers
· Yahoo Sports
The Cleveland Browns have given their fans another reason to complain, this time with a marketing promotion that quickly became the target of jokes on social media.
The Browns partnered with DUDE Wipes for their September 27 home opener against the Carolina Panthers. The promotion offers one fan a chance to win $50,000 if Cleveland beats Carolina by at least 22 points.
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The campaign featured graphics showing a 22-0 score alongside the slogan “Blowouts Happen.” However, the promotion arrived just a few days after the Browns suffered a 34-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, making the timing an easy target for fans.
Browns’ $50,000 Promotion Wins No Fans
Cleveland trailed Jacksonville 31-0 before scoring a late fourth-quarter touchdown in the season opener, but at that point, it was too little, too late. That performance made it even harder for fans to take the conditions of the promotion seriously.
Pro Football Network’s Alex Kennedy summed up the skepticism by saying, “Those fans have better odds of winning the lottery twice.”
One fan was equally doubtful, writing, “Looks like no one will be getting $50k.” Another joked, “Better odds to lose by 22 if we’re being honest,” turning the promotion into another opportunity to poke fun at Cleveland.
The criticism became even sharper from another commenter, who wrote, “What a scam. The org thinks Browns fans are morons.”
Meanwhile, another fan compared the promotion to a lottery, saying, “You would have a better chance at winning the lottery.”
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The criticism also comes after a difficult offensive performance in Week 1. Todd Monken’s offense managed only 95 net yards and five first downs in the first half against Jacksonville.
Deshaun Watson finished 16-of-22 for 205 yards, but much of his production came after the game was already out of reach.
Browns Need a Turnaround Before Panthers Game
The Browns still have another game to play before the $50,000 promotion becomes relevant.
Cleveland travels to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2, with Watson expected to remain the starter.
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After the disappointing opener, the Browns need a major improvement in Tampa Bay to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole before returning home to face Carolina.
For now, the $50,000 promotion has given fans another reason to joke about the team. Whether anyone actually gets a chance to claim the prize will depend on Cleveland producing the kind of blowout that currently seems far from guaranteed.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.