2008 Cleveland Browns season
Encyclopedia
The 2008
Cleveland Browns
season was the team's 62nd season as a franchise and was the team's 58th season as a member of the National Football League
. The Browns finished with a 4–12 record and failed to qualify for the playoffs. The season marked Romeo Crennel
's fourth (and what would be final) year as head coach of the Browns. Cleveland played all of their home games at Cleveland Browns Stadium
in Cleveland
, Ohio
.
to a two-year contract extension, effectively allowing the coach to remain in Cleveland through the 2011 season. Chudzinski declined an opportunity to interview for the vacant head coach position of the Baltimore Ravens
to remain in Cleveland.
On January 11, it was announced by Crennel that the team had fired defensive coordinator Todd Grantham
, and that a replacement would be announced soon. Grantham's firing comes just months after signing a two-year contract extension. The next day, it was announced that Mel Tucker
, defensive backs coach for the Browns, was given the job. After spending three years on the Browns defensive coaching staff, Cory Undlin
was promoted to defensive backs coach to replace Tucker.
On January 29, the team announced that it had re-signed head coach Romeo Crennel
to a two-year contract extension. General manager Phil Savage
stated that Crennel did not ask for an extension, but rather that the team felt that it was the proper thing to do for the head coach.
2008 NFL Draft
The Browns did not have a selection in the first three rounds.
. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Cowboys RB Marion Barber
got a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Browns responded with QB Derek Anderson
completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow
. Dallas would respond with QB Tony Romo
completing a 35-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
, along with another 1-yard TD run from Barber. In the third quarter, Cleveland's defensive struggles continued as RB Felix Jones
got an 11-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Browns tried to rally, yet all they could come up with was a 34-yard field goal from kicker Phil Dawson
.
With the loss, Cleveland began its season at 0–1.
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
, in very high winds due to the remnants of Hurricane Ike
. After a scoreless first quarter, Cleveland trailed as Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
. In the third quarter, Pittsburgh increased its lead with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 48-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Browns got on the board with kicker Phil Dawson
getting a 31-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland tried to rally, but the only thing that came out of it was Dawson's 38-yard field goal.
With their 10th-straight loss to Pittsburgh, the Browns fell to 0–2.
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
for a Week 3 AFC North duel with the Baltimore Ravens
. After a scoreless first quarter, Cleveland got on the board with QB Derek Anderson
completing a 19-yard TD pass to RB Jerome Harrison
. The Ravens would respond with RB Willis McGahee
getting a yard TD run. The Browns would close out the half with kicker Phil Dawson
hitting a 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Baltimore took control as RB Le'Ron McClain
scored on a 1-yard TD run, safety Ed Reed
returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown, and McClain getting another 1-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 0–3.
3rd Quarter
for a Week 4 AFC North duel with the Cincinnati Bengals
in Round 1 of 2008's Battle of Ohio
. In the first quarter, Cleveland drew first blood as kicker Phil Dawson
got a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bengals responded with kicker Shayne Graham
getting a 42-yard and a 45-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, the Browns began the fourth quarter with QB Derek Anderson
completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards
and RB Jamal Lewis
getting a 1-yard TD run. Cincinnati would answer with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Chad Ochocinco (with a failed 2-point conversion), yet Cleveland pulled away with Dawson nailing a 29-yard field goal.
With their first win of the season, the Browns' record improved to 1–3.
2nd Quarter
4th Quarter
with a record of 1–3. The team used the bye week to rest and allow injured players to recover. The Browns also used the extra week to better prepare for their Week 6 opponent: the defending champion
New York Giants
.
Kellen Winslow II
was hospitalized on October 9 with an undisclosed illness (later revealed to be a staph infection). Winslow spent four nights in the hospital and did not play in the Browns' game against the Giants. Citing Winslow's privacy, the Browns did not comment on his illness.
, on Monday Night Football.
In the first quarter, Cleveland drew first blood as kicker Phil Dawson
got a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants responded as RB Brandon Jacobs
had a touchdown run. The Browns would answer with two touchdowns: A run by RB Jamal Lewis
and with QB Derek Anderson
pass to TE Darnell Dinkins
. New York closed out the half with QB Eli Manning
completing a TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress
.
In the third quarter, Cleveland added on to its lead as Dawson nailed a 26-yard field goal. The Browns pulled away in the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass from Anderson to WR Braylon Edwards
, as well as an Eric Wright
interception returned for a touchdown.
With the impressive win, Cleveland improved to 2–3. This was also the Browns' first win on Monday Night Football since 1993.
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
received NFL Coach of the Week honors for Week 6.
. After a scoreless first half, Cleveland trailed in the third quarter, as Redskins RB Clinton Portis
got a 3-yard TD run. The Browns would respond with kicker Phil Dawson
nailing a 37-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Washington answered with QB Jason Campbell
completing an 18-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss
. Cleveland tried to rally as QB Derek Anderson
completed a 1-yard TD pass to WR/KR Josh Cribbs (along with a 2-point conversion pass to WR Braylon Edwards
). However, Dawson's game-tying 54-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right, preserving the Redskins' win.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 2–4.
4th Quarter
. Winslow said he was unhappy about the way the Browns organization treated him while he was out last week for an undisclosed illness, which has since been confirmed to be a staph infection. He told reporters that he felt as though he was being treated like "a piece of meat," and that he was unhappy that general manager Phil Savage
did not contact him while he was hospitalized. Savage announce that Winslow was being suspended for the team's game against the Jaguars
, without pay, for "conduct detrimental to the club."
Winslow planned to appeal the suspension, but the hearing was not scheduled until October 28, two days after the Jaguars game.
On October 25, the Browns rescinded Winslow's suspension. Although he did not play the game against the Jaguars, he received his game check minus a $25,000 fine.
. In the first quarter, Cleveland drew first blood as QB Derek Anderson
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Donté Stallworth. In the second quarter, the Jaguars tied the game as QB David Garrard
completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Williams
. The Browns responded with RB Jamal Lewis
getting a 2-yard TD run, along with kicker Phil Dawson
getting a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Jacksonville drew closer as Garrard completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Matt Jones
. In the fourth quarter, the Jaguars tied the game as kicker Josh Scobee
made a 53-yard field goal. Afterwards, Cleveland regained the lead with Dawson nailing a 20-yard and a 42-yard field goal, with the defense fending off Jacksonville's last attempt at a comeback.
With the win, the Browns improved to 3–4.
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Ravens kicker Matt Stover
kicked a 41-yard field goal, along with QB Joe Flacco
completing a 47-yard TD pass to WR Mark Clayton. The Browns immediately responded with WR Josh Cribbs returning a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Cleveland increased its lead with kicker Phil Dawson
kicking a 23-yard field goal. Baltimore responded with Stover making a 32-yard field goal, yet the Browns replied with Dawson's 54-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Cleveland took the lead as QB Derek Anderson
completed a 28-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards
and a 7-yard TD pass to RB Jason Wright. The Ravens responded with FB Le'Ron McClain
's 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore rallied as Flacco completed a 28-yard TD pass to WR Derrick Mason
, Stover kicking a 22-yard field goal, and LB Terrell Suggs
returning an interception 42 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 3–5.
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
for the Browns' next game against the Denver Broncos
.
Hoping to rebound from their season-sweeping loss to the Ravens, the Browns stayed at home for a Week 10 Thursday night game against the Denver Broncos
. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Broncos RB Ryan Torain
got a 1-yard TD run. The Browns would respond as QB Brady Quinn
, making his first career start, completed a 5-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow
. In the second quarter, Cleveland took the lead as kicker Phil Dawson
made a 24-yard field goal, along with Quinn hooking up with Winslow again on a 16-yard TD pass. Denver would answer with kicker Matt Prater
making a 35-yard field goal. The Browns would close out the half with Dawson making a 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Cleveland added onto its lead as Dawson got a 33-yard field goal. The Broncos would reply with Prater making a 30-yard field. In the fourth quarter, Denver regained the lead as QB Jay Cutler
completing a 93-yard TD pass to WR Eddie Royal
and a 27-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham
. The Browns would respond with RB Jamal Lewis
getting a 1-yard TD run. However, the Broncos replied with Cutler completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
. Cleveland tried to come back, but Denver's defense stiffened.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 3–6, making it impossible to improve on their 10–6 record from the 2007 season.
This also marked Cleveland's eighth-straight loss to Denver.
Even with the loss the Cleveland Browns saw an upside to that game: Quinn showed that he could be the new face of Cleveland football.
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
for a Week 11 MNF duel with the Buffalo Bills
. In the first quarter, Cleveland took advantage of early Bills miscues as kicker Phil Dawson
kicked two field goals. In the second quarter, the Browns increased their lead as Josh Cribbs scored a 2-yard TD run. Buffalo responded with QB Trent Edwards
completing an 18-yard TD pass to RB Marshawn Lynch
, along with kicker Rian Lindell
getting a 26-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Cleveland answered with Dawson getting a 43-yard field goal. The Bills would reply with Lindell making a 31-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Browns greatly answered with RB Jerome Harrison
getting a 72-yard TD run. Buffalo would immediately respond with CB Leodis McKelvin
returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and would take the lead on a 1-yard TD run by Edwards. Afterwards, the Browns regained the lead as Dawson nailed a 56-yard field goal. Buffalo did try to make a comeback, yet Lindell's 47-yard field goal sailed wide right, preserving Cleveland's victory and preventing them from becoming the first NFL team to lose three straight games after having a lead of 13 or more points in each of them.
With the win, the Browns improved to 4–6.
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
received a lot of criticism when he received an e-mail
from a Browns fans during the Bills game, which read the following:
After the game, Savage promptly responded back to the fan with the following:
2008 NFL season
The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the...
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
season was the team's 62nd season as a franchise and was the team's 58th season as a member of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. The Browns finished with a 4–12 record and failed to qualify for the playoffs. The season marked Romeo Crennel
Romeo Crennel
Romeo Crennel is the former head coach of the Cleveland Browns and current defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. Before becoming the head coach of the Browns, Crennel won three Super Bowls in four seasons as the defensive coordinator of the New England...
's fourth (and what would be final) year as head coach of the Browns. Cleveland played all of their home games at Cleveland Browns Stadium
Cleveland Browns Stadium
-See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity...
in Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and is the county seat of Cuyahoga County, the most populous county in the state. The city is located in northeastern Ohio on the southern shore of Lake Erie, approximately west of the Pennsylvania border...
, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
.
Coaching staff changes
On January 7, the Browns signed offensive coordinator Rob ChudzinskiRob Chudzinski
Robert A. Chudzinski is an American football coach. He is currently the Offensive Coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. He was the offensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns, having been named to that position on January 20, 2007...
to a two-year contract extension, effectively allowing the coach to remain in Cleveland through the 2011 season. Chudzinski declined an opportunity to interview for the vacant head coach position of the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
to remain in Cleveland.
On January 11, it was announced by Crennel that the team had fired defensive coordinator Todd Grantham
Todd Grantham
Todd Grantham is the defensive coordinator for the Georgia Bulldogs. He was hired on Jan. 15, 2010.-Virginia Tech :...
, and that a replacement would be announced soon. Grantham's firing comes just months after signing a two-year contract extension. The next day, it was announced that Mel Tucker
Mel Tucker
Mel Tucker is an American football coach who is currently the interim head coach and defensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League .-Early life:...
, defensive backs coach for the Browns, was given the job. After spending three years on the Browns defensive coaching staff, Cory Undlin
Cory Undlin
Cory Undlin is the current American football defensive assistant for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League.-College:...
was promoted to defensive backs coach to replace Tucker.
On January 29, the team announced that it had re-signed head coach Romeo Crennel
Romeo Crennel
Romeo Crennel is the former head coach of the Cleveland Browns and current defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. Before becoming the head coach of the Browns, Crennel won three Super Bowls in four seasons as the defensive coordinator of the New England...
to a two-year contract extension. General manager Phil Savage
Phil Savage
Phillip "Phil" Savage, Jr. is a former general manager for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He is currently a player personnel executive for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was the senior vice president and general manager of the Browns from 2005–2008...
stated that Crennel did not ask for an extension, but rather that the team felt that it was the proper thing to do for the head coach.
Free agents
| Pos. | Player | Tag | Signed | Team | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LB | Keith Adams Keith Adams (American football) Keith A. Adams is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft... |
UFA | |||
| FB | Charles Ali Charles Ali Charles Ali is an American football fullback for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2007... |
ERFA | March 13 | Browns | 1 year |
| QB | Derek Anderson Derek Anderson (American football) Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft... |
RFA | February 29 | Browns | 3 years |
| DB | Gary Baxter Gary Baxter Gary Wayne Baxter is an American football defensive back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Baylor.... |
UFA | March 13 | Browns | 1 year |
| WR | Tim Carter | UFA | May 22 | Texans | 1 year |
| DB | Ricardo Colclough Ricardo Colclough Ricardo Sanchez Colclough is an American football cornerback for the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft... |
UFA | March 1 | Panthers | 2 years |
| OL | Nat Dorsey Nat Dorsey Nathaniel Willie Dorsey, III , is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech.-College career:Dorsey played college football at Georgia... |
UFA | |||
| DL | Simon Fraser Simon Fraser (American football) Simon Fraser is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005... |
RFA | March 7 | Falcons | |
| OL | Lennie Friedman Lennie Friedman Leonard Lebrecht Friedman is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a free agent in the National Football League.... |
UFA | March 12 | Browns | 1 year |
| LB | Kris Griffin Kris Griffin Kristofor Lawrence Griffin is an American football linebacker for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was originally signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2005... |
RFA | March 26 | Browns | 1 year |
| DL | Bobby Hamilton | UFA | |||
| DB | Daven Holly Daven Holly Daven Holly is an American football cornerback who is currently a Free Agent. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft... |
RFA | February 28 | Browns | Second-round tender |
| DL | Ethan Kelley Ethan Kelley Ethan Jeffrey Arthur Kelley is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Baylor.-High school career:Kelley attended Kempner High School in... |
UFA | |||
| RB | Jamal Lewis Jamal Lewis Jamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft... |
UFA | February 21 | Browns | 3 years |
| OL | Seth McKinney Seth McKinney Seth Alan McKinney is an American football center he is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas A&M.McKinney has also played for the Cleveland Browns... |
UFA | March 28 | Browns | 1 year |
| DL | Alvin Smith Alvin Smith (American football) Alvin Smith is an American football defensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League... |
ERFA | |||
| LB | Matt Stewart | UFA | April 18 | Cardinals | 1 year |
| LB | Chaun Thompson Chaun Thompson Chaun Thompson is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft... |
UFA | March 14 | Texans | 2 years |
| DL | Ted Washington Ted Washington Theodore Washington, Jr. is a former American football nose tackle. He was originally drafted out of Louisville by the San Francisco 49ers, 25th overall in the 1991 NFL Draft, but also played for the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders and Cleveland... |
UFA | |||
| UFA: Unrestricted free agent; RFA: Restricted free agent; ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent | |||||
Signings
| Pos. | Player | Signed | Contract | Acquired | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB | Terry Cousin Terry Cousin Terry Sean Cousin is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 1997... |
May 23 | 2 years | free agent Free agent In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise.... |
|
| OL | Rex Hadnot Rex Hadnot Jonathan Rex Hadnot, Jr. is an American football guard for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft... |
March 10 | 2 years | free agent | |
| LB | Shantee Orr Shantee Orr Shantee De'Shjuan Orr is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Michigan.... |
March 21 | 1 year | free agent | |
| DL | Shaun Rogers | March 1 | 6 years | trade with Lions | |
| WR | Donté Stallworth | March 1 | 7 years | free agent | |
| DL | Corey Williams Corey Williams (American football) Corey Williams is an American football defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL draft... |
February 29 | 6 years | trade with Packers | |
Releases
| Pos. | Player | Tag | Signed | Team | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | Gary Baxter Gary Baxter Gary Wayne Baxter is an American football defensive back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Baylor.... |
UFA | |||
| OL | LeCharles Bentley LeCharles Bentley LeCharles Vernon Bentley is a retired American football center of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Ohio State.A two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Saints, Bentley was also a member of... |
UFA | |||
| DL | Orpheus Roye Orpheus Roye Orpheus Michael Roye is a former American football defensive end who played in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 1996 NFL Draft... |
UFA | Steelers Steelers Steelers usually refers to the Pittsburgh Steelers, an American football team which plays in the National Football League. It may also refer to the following sports teams:Association football... |
||
| CB | Kenny Wright Kenny Wright Kenneth D. Wright is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft... |
UFA |
2008 NFL Draft2008 NFL DraftThe 2008 NFL Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 26 and April 27, 2008. For the 29th consecutive year, ESPN televised the draft; the NFL Network also broadcast the event, its third year doing so...
The Browns did not have a selection in the first three rounds.
| Round | Pick | Name | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 (104) | Beau Bell Beau Bell (American football) James Beaumont "Beau" Bell is an American football linebacker for the Spokane Shock of the Arena Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Linebacker Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
UNLV UNLV Rebels football The UNLV Rebels football program is a college football team that represents the University of Nevada, Las Vegas . The team is currently a member of the Mountain West Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletics Association... |
| 4 | 11 (111) | Martin Rucker Martin Rucker (American football) Martin Rucker is an American football tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Missouri.... |
Tight End Tight end The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be... |
Missouri University of Missouri The University of Missouri System is a state university system providing centralized administration for four universities, a health care system, an extension program, five research and technology parks, and a publishing press. More than 64,000 students are currently enrolled at its four campuses... |
| 6 | 24 (190) | Ahtyba Rubin Ahtyba Rubin -Cleveland Browns:Rubin was selected in the sixth round by the Cleveland Browns, and was signed on July 22, 2008.He filled out a backup role for Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers in 2008 and 2009, until Rogers went down with a lower leg injury in week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Rubin has... |
Defensive Tackle | Iowa State |
| 6 | 25 (191) | Paul Hubbard Paul Hubbard Paul Hubbard, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... |
Wide receiver Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
Wisconsin |
| 7 | 25 (231) | Alex Hall Alex Hall (American football) Alex Hall is an American football defensive end for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at St... |
Defensive End Defensive end Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years... |
St. Augustine's |
Roster
| Cleveland Browns 2008 final roster | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Linemen
Hank Fraley Henry "Hank" F. Fraley is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played college football at Robert Morris.Fraley has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and St... C Rex Hadnot Jonathan Rex Hadnot, Jr. is an American football guard for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft... G/C Seth McKinney Seth Alan McKinney is an American football center he is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas A&M.McKinney has also played for the Cleveland Browns... C/G Kevin Shaffer Kevin Carl Shaffer is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft... T Isaac Sowells Isaac Sowells is an American football guard who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft... T/G Eric Steinbach Eric Steinbach is an American football player who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round in the 2003 NFL draft. He played college football for the University of Iowa.-High School years:Steinbach is a... G Defensive Linemen
|
Linebackers
Titus Brown (American football) Titus Markeith Brown is an American football linebacker who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Mississippi State.-External links:**... OLB Andra Davis Andra Raynard Davis [pronounced André] is an American football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Florida... ILB Kris Griffin Kristofor Lawrence Griffin is an American football linebacker for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. He was originally signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2005... ILB Alex Hall (American football) Alex Hall is an American football defensive end for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at St... OLB D'Qwell Jackson -Cleveland Browns:Jackson was signed by the Cleveland Browns on July 24, 2006. In his rookie season, he started thirteen games at weakside linebacker and finished second on the team in tackles with 115, including 58 solo and three tackles for a loss. Jackson posted a career-high 16 tackles at... ILB Willie McGinest William Lee "Willie" McGinest, Jr. is a retired American football linebacker in the National Football League.-Early life and career:... OLB/DE Shantee Orr Shantee De'Shjuan Orr is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Michigan.... OLB/DE Leon Williams Leon Williams is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami.... ILB Kamerion Wimbley -Cleveland Browns:On July 22, 2006, he signed a six-year deal with the Browns and includes $9.3 million in guaranteed money and $23.7 million total. After being converted to outside linebacker from his college position of defensive end, he played the entire season as the starting linebacker playing... OLB/DE Defensive Backs
Special Teams
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Reserve Lists
Derek Anderson (American football) Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft... QB (IR)  Beau Bell (American football) James Beaumont "Beau" Bell is an American football linebacker for the Spokane Shock of the Arena Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft... ILB (IR) Ken Dorsey Kenneth Simon "Ken" Dorsey is a former football quarterback. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami. A two-time Heisman Trophy finalist at Miami, Dorsey played for the Cleveland Browns from 2006–2008... QB (IR) Lennie Friedman Leonard Lebrecht Friedman is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a free agent in the National Football League.... G/C (IR) Steve Heiden Steve Allen Heiden is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent in the National Football League.-College career:... TE (IR) Daven Holly Daven Holly is an American football cornerback who is currently a Free Agent. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft... CB (IR) Joe Jurevicius Joseph Michael Jurevicius is a retired American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Penn State.... WR (PUP) Antwan Peek Antwan Peek is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft... OLB (IR) Chase Pittman Chase Pittman is an American football defensive end who is currently the defensive line coach at Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State... DE (IR) Brady Quinn Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn is an American football quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Quinn was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.-Early Years:Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn was born on... QB (IR) Robaire Smith Robaire Fredrick Smith is an American football player who is currently a free agent.-High school and college career:... DE (IR) Ryan Tucker Ryan Tucker is a retired offensive tackle who played for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft... T/G (IR) Eric Young (American football) Eric Darrell Young is an American football guard for the San Diego Chargers. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at the Tennessee.... G (NF-Inj.) Practice Squad
Rookies in italics |
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Standings
Week 1: vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Browns began their 2008 campaign at home against the defending NFC East champion Dallas CowboysDallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Cowboys RB Marion Barber
Marion Barber III
Marion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
got a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Browns responded with QB Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow
Kellen Winslow II
Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
. Dallas would respond with QB Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
completing a 35-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens
Terrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
, along with another 1-yard TD run from Barber. In the third quarter, Cleveland's defensive struggles continued as RB Felix Jones
Felix Jones
Felix Jones is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. After playing college football and majoring in kinesiology at the University of Arkansas, he was drafted by the Cowboys 22nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft...
got an 11-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Browns tried to rally, yet all they could come up with was a 34-yard field goal from kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
.
With the loss, Cleveland began its season at 0–1.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter- 6:40 DAL – BarberMarion Barber IIIMarion Sylvester Barber III is an American football running back for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Minnesota....
1 yard run (FolkNick FolkNicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
kick) 7–0 DAL
2nd Quarter
- 12:43 CLE – WinslowKellen Winslow IIKellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
2 yard pass from AndersonDerek Anderson (American football)Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
(DawsonPhil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
kick) 7–7 - 9:48 DAL – OwensTerrell OwensTerrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
35 yard pass from RomoTony RomoAntonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
(Folk kick) 14–7 DAL - 0:26 DAL – Barber 1 yard run (Folk kick) 21–7 DAL
3rd Quarter
- 6:24 DAL – JonesFelix JonesFelix Jones is an American football running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. After playing college football and majoring in kinesiology at the University of Arkansas, he was drafted by the Cowboys 22nd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft...
11 yard run (Folk kick) 28–7 DAL
4th Quarter
- 10:13 CLE – Dawson 34 yard field goal 28–10 DAL
Week 2: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Hoping to rebound from their disappointing home loss to the Cowboys, the Browns stayed at home for the first of five primetime games with a Week 2 AFC North duel against their hated rival, the Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
, in very high winds due to the remnants of Hurricane Ike
Hurricane Ike
Hurricane Ike was the second-costliest hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States, the costliest hurricane ever to impact Cuba and the second most active hurricane to reach the Canadian mainland in the Great Lakes Region after Hurricane Hazel in 1954...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Cleveland trailed as Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
Hines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
. In the third quarter, Pittsburgh increased its lead with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 48-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Browns got on the board with kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
getting a 31-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland tried to rally, but the only thing that came out of it was Dawson's 38-yard field goal.
With their 10th-straight loss to Pittsburgh, the Browns fell to 0–2.
Scoring Summary
2nd Quarter- 6:29 PIT – WardHines WardHines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
11 yard pass from RoethlisbergerBen RoethlisbergerBenjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
(Reed kick) 7–0 PIT
3rd Quarter
- 7:58 PIT – Reed 48 yard field goal 10–0 PIT
- 1:25 CLE – DawsonPhil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
31 yard field goal 10–3 PIT
4th Quarter
- 3:21 CLE – Dawson 38 yard field goal 10–6 PIT
Week 3: at Baltimore Ravens
Trying to snap their two-game losing streak, the Browns flew to M&T Bank StadiumM&T Bank Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of...
for a Week 3 AFC North duel with the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
. After a scoreless first quarter, Cleveland got on the board with QB Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing a 19-yard TD pass to RB Jerome Harrison
Jerome Harrison
-Cleveland Browns:Harrison was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.In his first season he made ten appearances including one start. He made his NFL debut against the New Orleans Saints on September 10, 2006...
. The Ravens would respond with RB Willis McGahee
Willis McGahee
Willis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
getting a yard TD run. The Browns would close out the half with kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
hitting a 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Baltimore took control as RB Le'Ron McClain
Le'Ron McClain
- Baltimore Ravens :McClain signed with the Ravens on July 27, 2007. He scored his first career touchdown on a Kyle Boller pass against the San Diego Chargers on November 25, 2007...
scored on a 1-yard TD run, safety Ed Reed
Ed Reed
Edward Earl Reed Jr. is an American football free safety for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Ravens 24th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown, and McClain getting another 1-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 0–3.
Scoring Summary
2nd Quarter- 14:52 CLE – HarrisonJerome Harrison-Cleveland Browns:Harrison was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.In his first season he made ten appearances including one start. He made his NFL debut against the New Orleans Saints on September 10, 2006...
19 yard pass from AndersonDerek Anderson (American football)Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
(DawsonPhil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
kick) 7–0 CLE - 6:40 BAL – McGaheeWillis McGaheeWillis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
5 yard run (StoverMatt StoverJohn Matthew "Matt" Stover is a former American Football placekicker. As of the start of the 2009 NFL season, he was the third most accurate kicker in the history of the National Football League. He is of Greek origin. He has played for the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, and the Baltimore...
kick) 7–7 - 1:04 CLE – Dawson 38 yard field goal 10–7 CLE
3rd Quarter
- 11:13 BAL – McClainLe'Ron McClain- Baltimore Ravens :McClain signed with the Ravens on July 27, 2007. He scored his first career touchdown on a Kyle Boller pass against the San Diego Chargers on November 25, 2007...
1 yard run (Stover kick) 14–10 BAL - 10:23 BAL – ReedEd ReedEdward Earl Reed Jr. is an American football free safety for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Ravens 24th overall in the 2002 NFL Draft...
32 yard interception return (Stover kick) 21–10 BAL - 4:49 BAL – McClain 1 yard run (Stover kick) 28–10 BAL
Week 4: at Cincinnati Bengals
Still searching for their first win of the year, the Browns flew to Paul Brown StadiumPaul Brown Stadium
Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and...
for a Week 4 AFC North duel with the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
in Round 1 of 2008's Battle of Ohio
Battle of Ohio (NFL)
In the National Football League, the Battle of Ohio refers to games played between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. This rivalry has produced 2 of the 8 highest scoring games in NFL history...
. In the first quarter, Cleveland drew first blood as kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
got a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bengals responded with kicker Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham
Michael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
getting a 42-yard and a 45-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, the Browns began the fourth quarter with QB Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards
Braylon Edwards
-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
and RB Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. Cincinnati would answer with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Ryan Joseph Fitzpatrick is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Harvard....
completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Chad Ochocinco (with a failed 2-point conversion), yet Cleveland pulled away with Dawson nailing a 29-yard field goal.
With their first win of the season, the Browns' record improved to 1–3.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter- 9:29 CLE – DawsonPhil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
25 yard field goal 3–0 CLE
2nd Quarter
- 10:22 CIN – GrahamShayne GrahamMichael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
42 yard field goal 3–3 - 0:08 CIN – Graham 45 yard field goal 6–3 CIN
4th Quarter
- 13:05 CLE – EdwardsBraylon Edwards-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
4 yard pass from AndersonDerek Anderson (American football)Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
(Dawson kick) 10–6 CLE - 11:06 CLE – LewisJamal LewisJamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
1 yard run (Dawson kick) 17–6 CLE - 7:46 CIN – Ochocinco 4 yard pass from FitzpatrickRyan FitzpatrickRyan Joseph Fitzpatrick is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Harvard....
17–12 CLE - 0:32 CLE – Dawson 29 yard field goal 20–12 CLE
Week 5: Bye Week
The Browns entered their bye weekBye (sports)
A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing...
with a record of 1–3. The team used the bye week to rest and allow injured players to recover. The Browns also used the extra week to better prepare for their Week 6 opponent: the defending champion
Super Bowl XLII
Super Bowl XLII was an American football game on February 3, 2008 that featured the National Football Conference champion New York Giants and the American Football Conference champion New England Patriots to decide the National Football League champion for the 2007 season...
New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
Winslow's Staph Infection
Browns' tight endTight end
The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
Kellen Winslow II
Kellen Winslow II
Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
was hospitalized on October 9 with an undisclosed illness (later revealed to be a staph infection). Winslow spent four nights in the hospital and did not play in the Browns' game against the Giants. Citing Winslow's privacy, the Browns did not comment on his illness.
Week 6: vs. New York Giants
Coming off their bye week, the Browns went home, donned their throwback uniforms, and played a crucial Week 6 interconference duel with the defending Super Bowl champions, the New York GiantsNew York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, on Monday Night Football.
In the first quarter, Cleveland drew first blood as kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
got a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants responded as RB Brandon Jacobs
Brandon Jacobs
-New York Giants:Going into the 2006 season Jacobs stated that he studied film of famed power running back Eddie George in an effort to refine his running style. George, like Jacobs, was a large, power running back. In the 2006 season, Jacobs carried the ball 96 times for 423 yards and nine...
had a touchdown run. The Browns would answer with two touchdowns: A run by RB Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
and with QB Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
pass to TE Darnell Dinkins
Darnell Dinkins
Darnell Joseph Dinkins is an American football tight end for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent in 2001...
. New York closed out the half with QB Eli Manning
Eli Manning
Eli Nelson Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning...
completing a TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Burress
Plaxico Antonio Burress is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
.
In the third quarter, Cleveland added on to its lead as Dawson nailed a 26-yard field goal. The Browns pulled away in the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass from Anderson to WR Braylon Edwards
Braylon Edwards
-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
, as well as an Eric Wright
Eric A. Wright
Eric Andrew Wright is an American football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at USC and UNLV.-USC Trojans:Wright attended USC for two years before attending...
interception returned for a touchdown.
With the impressive win, Cleveland improved to 2–3. This was also the Browns' first win on Monday Night Football since 1993.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter- 10:08 CLE – DawsonPhil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
28 yard field goal 3–0 CLE
2nd Quarter
- 12:09 NYG – JacobsBrandon Jacobs-New York Giants:Going into the 2006 season Jacobs stated that he studied film of famed power running back Eddie George in an effort to refine his running style. George, like Jacobs, was a large, power running back. In the 2006 season, Jacobs carried the ball 96 times for 423 yards and nine...
7 yard run (Carney kick) 7–3 NYG - 11:10 CLE – LewisJamal LewisJamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
4 yard run (Dawson kick) 10–7 CLE - 2:15 CLE – DinkinsDarnell DinkinsDarnell Joseph Dinkins is an American football tight end for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent in 2001...
22 yard pass from AndersonDerek Anderson (American football)Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
(Dawson kick) 17–7 CLE - 0:12 NYG – BurressPlaxico BurressPlaxico Antonio Burress is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers eighth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
3 yard pass from ManningEli ManningEli Nelson Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning...
(Carney kick) 17–14 CLE
3rd Quarter
- 11:55 CLE – Dawson 26 yard field goal 20–14 CLE
4th Quarter
- 14:55 CLE – EdwardsBraylon Edwards-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
11 yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick) 27–14 CLE - 8:07 CLE – WrightEric A. WrightEric Andrew Wright is an American football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at USC and UNLV.-USC Trojans:Wright attended USC for two years before attending...
94 yard interception return (Anderson pass to Edwards) 35–14 CLE
Crennel Named Coach of the Week
After the Browns' victory over the Giants, head coach Romeo CrennelRomeo Crennel
Romeo Crennel is the former head coach of the Cleveland Browns and current defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. Before becoming the head coach of the Browns, Crennel won three Super Bowls in four seasons as the defensive coordinator of the New England...
received NFL Coach of the Week honors for Week 6.
Week 7: at Washington Redskins
Coming off their impressive Monday Night home win over the Giants, the Browns flew to Fedex Field for a Week 7 duel with the Washington RedskinsWashington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
. After a scoreless first half, Cleveland trailed in the third quarter, as Redskins RB Clinton Portis
Clinton Portis
Clinton Earl Portis is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
got a 3-yard TD run. The Browns would respond with kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
nailing a 37-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Washington answered with QB Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completing an 18-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss
Santana Moss
Santana Terrell Moss is an American football wide receiver for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami.-Early years:...
. Cleveland tried to rally as QB Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completed a 1-yard TD pass to WR/KR Josh Cribbs (along with a 2-point conversion pass to WR Braylon Edwards
Braylon Edwards
-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
). However, Dawson's game-tying 54-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right, preserving the Redskins' win.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 2–4.
Scoring Summary
3rd Quarter- 7:38 WSH – PortisClinton PortisClinton Earl Portis is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
3 yard run (SuishamShaun SuishamShaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
kick) 7–0 WSH - 2:48 CLE – DawsonPhil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
37 yard field goal 7–3 WSH
4th Quarter
- 12:36 WSH – MossSantana MossSantana Terrell Moss is an American football wide receiver for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami.-Early years:...
18 yard pass from CampbellJason CampbellJason Campbell is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
(Suisham kick) 14–3 WSH - 2:49 CLE – Cribbs 1 yard pass from AndersonDerek Anderson (American football)Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
(Anderson pass to EdwardsBraylon Edwards-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
) 14–11 WSH
Winslow Suspended
On October 21, the Browns suspended TE Kellen Winslow II for one game because of comments made after the Browns' loss to the RedskinsWashington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
. Winslow said he was unhappy about the way the Browns organization treated him while he was out last week for an undisclosed illness, which has since been confirmed to be a staph infection. He told reporters that he felt as though he was being treated like "a piece of meat," and that he was unhappy that general manager Phil Savage
Phil Savage
Phillip "Phil" Savage, Jr. is a former general manager for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He is currently a player personnel executive for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was the senior vice president and general manager of the Browns from 2005–2008...
did not contact him while he was hospitalized. Savage announce that Winslow was being suspended for the team's game against the Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, without pay, for "conduct detrimental to the club."
Winslow planned to appeal the suspension, but the hearing was not scheduled until October 28, two days after the Jaguars game.
On October 25, the Browns rescinded Winslow's suspension. Although he did not play the game against the Jaguars, he received his game check minus a $25,000 fine.
Week 8: at Jacksonville Jaguars
Hoping to rebound from their last-second road loss to the Redskins, the Browns flew to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium for a Week 8 duel with the Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Cleveland drew first blood as QB Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Donté Stallworth. In the second quarter, the Jaguars tied the game as QB David Garrard
David Garrard
David Douglas Garrard is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent.Garrard played college football at East Carolina. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and served as the team's starting quarterback from 2007 to 2010...
completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Williams
Reggie Williams (wide receiver)
Reginald "Reggie" Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currenly a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington.-Early years:...
. The Browns responded with RB Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
getting a 2-yard TD run, along with kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
getting a 32-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Jacksonville drew closer as Garrard completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Matt Jones
Matt Jones (American football)
Matthew Jones is a former American football wide receiver . He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft, and retired officially in November 2010. He played college football at Arkansas....
. In the fourth quarter, the Jaguars tied the game as kicker Josh Scobee
Josh Scobee
Joshua Taylor Scobee is an American football placekicker, who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He began his college football career as kicker for the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, setting several school records...
made a 53-yard field goal. Afterwards, Cleveland regained the lead with Dawson nailing a 20-yard and a 42-yard field goal, with the defense fending off Jacksonville's last attempt at a comeback.
With the win, the Browns improved to 3–4.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter- 2:08 CLE – Stallworth 3 yard pass from AndersonDerek Anderson (American football)Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
(DawsonPhil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
kick) 7–0 CLE
2nd Quarter
- 10:28 JAC – WilliamsReggie Williams (wide receiver)Reginald "Reggie" Williams, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currenly a free agent. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Washington.-Early years:...
5 yard pass from GarrardDavid GarrardDavid Douglas Garrard is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent.Garrard played college football at East Carolina. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and served as the team's starting quarterback from 2007 to 2010...
(ScobeeJosh ScobeeJoshua Taylor Scobee is an American football placekicker, who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League . He began his college football career as kicker for the Louisiana Tech University Bulldogs, setting several school records...
kick) 7–7 - 7:20 CLE – LewisJamal LewisJamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
2 yard run (Dawson kick) 14–7 CLE - 4:09 CLE – Dawson 32 yard field goal 17–7 CLE
3rd Quarter
- 10:27 JAC – JonesMatt Jones (American football)Matthew Jones is a former American football wide receiver . He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft, and retired officially in November 2010. He played college football at Arkansas....
8 yard pass from Garrard (Scobee kick) 17–14 CLE
4th Quarter
- 8:48 JAC – Scobee 53 yard field goal 17–17
- 4:35 CLE – Dawson 20 yard field goal 20–17 CLE
- 4:06 CLE – Dawson 42 yard field goal 23–17 CLE
Week 9: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Coming off their road win over the Jaguars, the Browns went home for a Week 9 AFC North rematch with the Baltimore RavensBaltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Ravens kicker Matt Stover
Matt Stover
John Matthew "Matt" Stover is a former American Football placekicker. As of the start of the 2009 NFL season, he was the third most accurate kicker in the history of the National Football League. He is of Greek origin. He has played for the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, and the Baltimore...
kicked a 41-yard field goal, along with QB Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco
Flacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware...
completing a 47-yard TD pass to WR Mark Clayton. The Browns immediately responded with WR Josh Cribbs returning a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Cleveland increased its lead with kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
kicking a 23-yard field goal. Baltimore responded with Stover making a 32-yard field goal, yet the Browns replied with Dawson's 54-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Cleveland took the lead as QB Derek Anderson
Derek Anderson (American football)
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
completed a 28-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards
Braylon Edwards
-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
and a 7-yard TD pass to RB Jason Wright. The Ravens responded with FB Le'Ron McClain
Le'Ron McClain
- Baltimore Ravens :McClain signed with the Ravens on July 27, 2007. He scored his first career touchdown on a Kyle Boller pass against the San Diego Chargers on November 25, 2007...
's 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore rallied as Flacco completed a 28-yard TD pass to WR Derrick Mason
Derrick Mason
Derrick James Mason is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tennessee Oilers in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.Mason has also played for the Baltimore Ravens where he...
, Stover kicking a 22-yard field goal, and LB Terrell Suggs
Terrell Suggs
Terrell Raymonn Suggs is an American football linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Ravens tenth overall in the 2003 NFL Draft after playing his college football at Arizona State....
returning an interception 42 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 3–5.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter- 10:43 BAL – StoverMatt StoverJohn Matthew "Matt" Stover is a former American Football placekicker. As of the start of the 2009 NFL season, he was the third most accurate kicker in the history of the National Football League. He is of Greek origin. He has played for the New York Giants, the Cleveland Browns, and the Baltimore...
41 yard field goal 3–0 BAL - 5:28 BAL – Clayton 47 yard pass from FlaccoJoe FlaccoFlacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware...
(Stover kick) 10–0 BAL - 5:19 CLE – Cribbs 92 yard kickoff return (DawsonPhil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
kick) 10–7 BAL
2nd Quarter
- 5:53 CLE – Dawson 23 yard field goal 10–10
- 0:32 BAL – Stover 32 yard field goal 13–10 BAL
- 0:07 CLE – Dawson 54 yard field goal 13–13
3rd Quarter
- 13:13 CLE – EdwardsBraylon Edwards-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
28 yard pass from AndersonDerek Anderson (American football)Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
(Dawson kick) 20–13 CLE - 6:17 CLE – Wright 7 yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick) 27–13 CLE
- 1:15 BAL – McClainLe'Ron McClain- Baltimore Ravens :McClain signed with the Ravens on July 27, 2007. He scored his first career touchdown on a Kyle Boller pass against the San Diego Chargers on November 25, 2007...
1 yard run (Stover kick) 27–20 CLE
4th Quarter
- 14:07 BAL – MasonDerrick MasonDerrick James Mason is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tennessee Oilers in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.Mason has also played for the Baltimore Ravens where he...
28 yard pass from Flacco (Stover kick) 27–27 - 5:40 BAL – Stover 22 yard field goal 30–27 BAL
- 2:52 BAL – SuggsTerrell SuggsTerrell Raymonn Suggs is an American football linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Ravens tenth overall in the 2003 NFL Draft after playing his college football at Arizona State....
42 yard interception return (Stover kick) 37–27 BAL
Quinn Named Starter
On November 3, it was announced that quarterback Derek Anderson would be benched in favor of QB Brady QuinnBrady Quinn
Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn is an American football quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Quinn was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.-Early Years:Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn was born on...
for the Browns' next game against the Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
Week 10: vs. Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Broncos RB Ryan Torain
Ryan Torain
Ryan Devon Torain is an American football running back for the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State.-Early years:...
got a 1-yard TD run. The Browns would respond as QB Brady Quinn
Brady Quinn
Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn is an American football quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Quinn was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.-Early Years:Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn was born on...
, making his first career start, completed a 5-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow
Kellen Winslow II
Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, Cleveland took the lead as kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
made a 24-yard field goal, along with Quinn hooking up with Winslow again on a 16-yard TD pass. Denver would answer with kicker Matt Prater
Matt Prater
Matt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
making a 35-yard field goal. The Browns would close out the half with Dawson making a 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Cleveland added onto its lead as Dawson got a 33-yard field goal. The Broncos would reply with Prater making a 30-yard field. In the fourth quarter, Denver regained the lead as QB Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler (American football)
Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
completing a 93-yard TD pass to WR Eddie Royal
Eddie Royal
William Edward "Eddie" Royal is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League...
and a 27-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham
Daniel Graham
Daniel Lawrence Grahamhttp://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrahDa00.htm is an American football tight end for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
. The Browns would respond with RB Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lewis
Jamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard TD run. However, the Broncos replied with Cutler completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall
Brandon Marshall
-2006:Before the regular season even began, Marshall suffered a slight tear to his PCL in a pre-season game against the Detroit Lions. Although the injury sidelined him for a couple of weeks, he was able to return and play 15 games during the regular season. Marshall had a total of 20 catches, 309...
. Cleveland tried to come back, but Denver's defense stiffened.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 3–6, making it impossible to improve on their 10–6 record from the 2007 season.
This also marked Cleveland's eighth-straight loss to Denver.
Even with the loss the Cleveland Browns saw an upside to that game: Quinn showed that he could be the new face of Cleveland football.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter- 7:08 DEN – TorainRyan TorainRyan Devon Torain is an American football running back for the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State.-Early years:...
1 yard run (PraterMatt PraterMatt Prater is an American football placekicker who plays for the Denver Broncos. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at the University of Central Florida, where he majored in psychology.-High school career:Prater attended...
kick) 7–0 DEN - 3:47 CLE – WinslowKellen Winslow IIKellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...
5 yard pass from QuinnBrady QuinnBrayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn is an American football quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Quinn was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.-Early Years:Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn was born on...
(DawsonPhil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
kick) 7–7
2nd Quarter
- 12:48 CLE – Dawson 24 yard field goal 10–7 CLE
- 10:36 CLE – Winslow 16 yard pass from Quinn (Dawson kick) 17–7 CLE
- 5:55 DEN – Prater 35 yard field goal 17–10 CLE
- 1:14 CLE – Dawson 52 yard field goal 20–10 CLE
3rd Quarter
- 10:25 CLE – Dawson 33 yard field goal 23–10 CLE
- 5:40 DEN – Prater 30 yard field goal 23–13 CLE
4th Quarter
- 13:43 DEN – RoyalEddie RoyalWilliam Edward "Eddie" Royal is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League...
93 yard pass from CutlerJay Cutler (American football)Jay Christopher Cutler is a quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played football at Vanderbilt University. Cutler began his professional football career with the Denver Broncos, who selected him as the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft...
(Prater kick) 23–20 CLE - 10:00 DEN – GrahamDaniel GrahamDaniel Lawrence Grahamhttp://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GrahDa00.htm is an American football tight end for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
27 yard pass from Cutler (Prater kick) 27–23 DEN - 5:00 CLE – LewisJamal LewisJamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
1 yard run (Dawson kick) 30–27 CLE - 1:17 DEN – MarshallBrandon Marshall-2006:Before the regular season even began, Marshall suffered a slight tear to his PCL in a pre-season game against the Detroit Lions. Although the injury sidelined him for a couple of weeks, he was able to return and play 15 games during the regular season. Marshall had a total of 20 catches, 309...
11 yard pass from Cutler (Prater kick) 34–30 DEN
Week 11: at Buffalo Bills
Trying to snap a two-game losing streak, the Browns flew to Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
for a Week 11 MNF duel with the Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Cleveland took advantage of early Bills miscues as kicker Phil Dawson
Phil Dawson
Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
kicked two field goals. In the second quarter, the Browns increased their lead as Josh Cribbs scored a 2-yard TD run. Buffalo responded with QB Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards
Trent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
completing an 18-yard TD pass to RB Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Lynch
Marshawn Terrell Lynch is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Lynch became the Bills' first 1,000-yard rookie rusher since Greg Bell in 1984...
, along with kicker Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell
Rian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
getting a 26-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Cleveland answered with Dawson getting a 43-yard field goal. The Bills would reply with Lindell making a 31-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Browns greatly answered with RB Jerome Harrison
Jerome Harrison
-Cleveland Browns:Harrison was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.In his first season he made ten appearances including one start. He made his NFL debut against the New Orleans Saints on September 10, 2006...
getting a 72-yard TD run. Buffalo would immediately respond with CB Leodis McKelvin
Leodis McKelvin
-Buffalo Bills:On July 26, McKelvin signed a five-year, $19.4 million contract with the Bills with up to $12.6 million in bonuses. McKelvin made an impact with his kick returning skills. McKelvin also returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in a preseason game against the Steelers. The...
returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and would take the lead on a 1-yard TD run by Edwards. Afterwards, the Browns regained the lead as Dawson nailed a 56-yard field goal. Buffalo did try to make a comeback, yet Lindell's 47-yard field goal sailed wide right, preserving Cleveland's victory and preventing them from becoming the first NFL team to lose three straight games after having a lead of 13 or more points in each of them.
With the win, the Browns improved to 4–6.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter- 9:29 CLE – DawsonPhil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
40 yard field goal 3–0 CLE - 2:28 CLE – Dawson 33 yard field goal 6–0 CLE
2nd Quarter
- 9:52 CLE – Cribbs 2 yard run (Dawson kick) 13–0 CLE
- 6:20 BUF – LynchMarshawn LynchMarshawn Terrell Lynch is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Lynch became the Bills' first 1,000-yard rookie rusher since Greg Bell in 1984...
18 yard pass from EdwardsTrent EdwardsTrent Edwards is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
(LindellRian LindellRian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
kick) 13–7 CLE - 0:00 BUF – Lindell 26 yard field goal 13–10 CLE
3rd Quarter
- 6:27 CLE – Dawson 43 yard field goal 16–10 CLE
- 0:22 BUF – Lindell 31 yard field goal 16–13 CLE
4th Quarter
- 14:47 CLE – HarrisonJerome Harrison-Cleveland Browns:Harrison was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.In his first season he made ten appearances including one start. He made his NFL debut against the New Orleans Saints on September 10, 2006...
72 yard run (Dawson kick) 23–13 CLE - 14:33 BUF – McKelvinLeodis McKelvin-Buffalo Bills:On July 26, McKelvin signed a five-year, $19.4 million contract with the Bills with up to $12.6 million in bonuses. McKelvin made an impact with his kick returning skills. McKelvin also returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in a preseason game against the Steelers. The...
98 yard kickoff return (Lindell kick) 23–20 CLE - 11:32 CLE – Dawson 22 yard field goal 26–20 CLE
- 2:25 BUF – Edwards 1 yard run (Lindell kick) 27–26 BUF
- 1:39 CLE – Dawson 56 yard field goal 29–27 CLE
Phil Savage E-Mail controversy
Browns General Manager Phil SavagePhil Savage
Phillip "Phil" Savage, Jr. is a former general manager for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He is currently a player personnel executive for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was the senior vice president and general manager of the Browns from 2005–2008...
received a lot of criticism when he received an e-mail
E-mail
Electronic mail, commonly known as email or e-mail, is a method of exchanging digital messages from an author to one or more recipients. Modern email operates across the Internet or other computer networks. Some early email systems required that the author and the recipient both be online at the...
from a Browns fans during the Bills game, which read the following:
You are easily the worst GM in the NFL. ChudRob ChudzinskiRobert A. Chudzinski is an American football coach. He is currently the Offensive Coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. He was the offensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns, having been named to that position on January 20, 2007...
, CrennelRomeo CrennelRomeo Crennel is the former head coach of the Cleveland Browns and current defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. Before becoming the head coach of the Browns, Crennel won three Super Bowls in four seasons as the defensive coordinator of the New England...
and TuckerMel TuckerMel Tucker is an American football coach who is currently the interim head coach and defensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League .-Early life:...
should NOT have jobs. How the hell do you play prevent defense the entire game? How do you NOT use Jerome HarrisonJerome Harrison-Cleveland Browns:Harrison was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.In his first season he made ten appearances including one start. He made his NFL debut against the New Orleans Saints on September 10, 2006...
more? Why the hell would you throw the ball with 6 minutes left? This is officially a regime that is worse than Butch DavisButch DavisPaul Hilton "Butch" Davis, Jr. is an American football coach and former player in the United States. He was the head coach at the University of Miami from 1995 to 2000, the Cleveland Browns of the NFL from 2001 to 2004, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 2007 to 2011.-Early...
'. By the way, just like last week – this email was written while the Browns still had the lead.
After the game, Savage promptly responded back to the fan with the following:
Go root for Buffalo-f#@*Fuck"Fuck" is an English word that is generally considered obscene which, in its most literal meaning, refers to the act of sexual intercourse. By extension it may be used to negatively characterize anything that can be dismissed, disdained, defiled, or destroyed."Fuck" can be used as a verb, adverb,...
you
Week 12: vs. Houston Texans
Coming off their MNF road win over the Bills, the Browns went home for a Week 12 duel with the Houston TexansHouston TexansThe Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Texans QB Sage RosenfelsSage RosenfelsSage Rosenfels is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Iowa State before he was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played with the Miami Dolphins from 2002–2005, the Houston Texans from...
completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Kevin WalterKevin WalterKevin Patrick Walter is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. In the second quarter, Houston increased its lead as kicker Kris BrownKris BrownKristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
got a 31-yard field goal. The Browns would respond with kicker Phil DawsonPhil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
getting a pair of 32-yard field goals, but the Texans answered with Brown's 31-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Houston kept its momentum going with Brown nailing a 31-yard field goal. Cleveland tried to rally, but Houston's defense was too much.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 4–7.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
- 6:55 HOU – Walter
Kevin WalterKevin Patrick Walter is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
17 yard pass from RosenfelsSage RosenfelsSage Rosenfels is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Iowa State before he was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played with the Miami Dolphins from 2002–2005, the Houston Texans from...
(BrownKris BrownKristopher "Kris" Clayton Brown is an American football placekicker who is currently a free agent.He was originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the first six years of his NFL career, he has converted 132 of 173 field goals and scored 573 points...
kick) 7–0 HOU
2nd Quarter
- 13:43 HOU – Brown 31 yard field goal 10–0 HOU
- 8:03 CLE – Dawson
Phil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
32 yard field goal 10–3 HOU- 2:24 CLE – Dawson 32 yard field goal 10–6 HOU
- 0:07 HOU – Brown 31 yard field goal 13–6 HOU
3rd Quarter
- 8:53 HOU – Brown 36 yard field goal 16–6 HOU
Quinn out for season
On November 25, it was announced that quarterback Brady QuinnBrady QuinnBrayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn is an American football quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Quinn was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.-Early Years:Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn was born on...
would be out for the season due to a fractured right index finger suffered in the Browns' week 11 duel with the Buffalo Bills. Derek AndersonDerek Anderson (American football)Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
was announced to be the starter for their next game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Week 13: vs. Indianapolis Colts
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Texans, the Browns stayed at home for a Week 13 duel with the Indianapolis ColtsIndianapolis ColtsThe Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
. In the first quarter, Cleveland struck first as kicker Phil DawsonPhil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
kicked a 34-yard field goal. The Colts answered with kicker Adam VinatieriAdam VinatieriAdam Matthew Vinatieri is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001,...
kicking a 30-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Browns regained the lead as Dawson nailed a 25-yard field goal. However, after a scoreless third quarter, Indianapolis' defense answered in the fourth quarter, as DE Robert MathisRobert MathisRobert Nathan Mathis is an American football defensive end who currently plays for the NFL's Indianapolis Colts.-Early years:Mathis attended McNair High School in Atlanta, Georgia....
returned a fumble 37 yards for a touchdown. From there on out, Cleveland was unable to come back.
With the loss, the Browns stumbled to 4–8.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
- 9:09 CLE – Dawson
Phil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
34 yard field goal 3–0 CLE- 2:02 IND – Vinatieri
Adam VinatieriAdam Matthew Vinatieri is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001,...
30 yard field goal 3–3
2nd Quarter
- 7:36 CLE – Dawson 25 yard field goal 6–3 CLE
4th Quarter
- 9:55 IND – Mathis
Robert MathisRobert Nathan Mathis is an American football defensive end who currently plays for the NFL's Indianapolis Colts.-Early years:Mathis attended McNair High School in Atlanta, Georgia....
37 yard fumble return (Vinatieri kick) 10–6 IND
Anderson out for season
On December 1, it was announced that QB Derek AndersonDerek Anderson (American football)Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...
would be done for the season following a torn MCL suffered in the loss to the Colts. Third-string QB Ken DorseyKen DorseyKenneth Simon "Ken" Dorsey is a former football quarterback. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami. A two-time Heisman Trophy finalist at Miami, Dorsey played for the Cleveland Browns from 2006–2008...
was announced to be starting for the Browns' next game against the Tennessee TitansTennessee TitansThe Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
.
Bruce Gradkowski signed
On December 2, the Browns signed free-agent veteran QB Bruce GradkowskiBruce GradkowskiBruce Raymond Gradkowski is an American Football quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Toledo.Gradkowski has previously been a member of the Tampa...
to a two-year contract. Gradkowski will serve as the backup QB under Dorsey for the Browns' next game against the Tennessee Titans.
Week 14: at Tennessee Titans
Trying to rebound from back-to-back home losses, the Browns flew to LP FieldLP FieldLP Field is a football stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County....
for a Week 14 duel with the Tennessee TitansTennessee TitansThe Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
. Cleveland struck first in the opening quarter as kicker Phil DawsonPhil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
got a 47-yard and a 41-yard field goal. The Titans took the lead in the second quarter, as QB Kerry CollinsKerry CollinsKerry Michael Collins is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers with the fifth overall pick of the 1995 NFL Draft, the first choice in the franchise's history...
completed a 28-yard touchdown pass to FB Ahmard HallAhmard HallAhmard Rashad Hall is an American football fullback for the Tennessee Titans of the NFL. He was originally signed by the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Texas.-Early years:...
, along with RB LenDale WhiteLenDale WhiteLenDale Anthony White is an American football running back. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern California....
got a 3-yard touchdown run. Tennessee would increase its lead in the third quarter as Collins completed a 9-yard touchdown to wide receiver Justin GageJustin GageJustin Gage is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
. In the fourth quarter, the Browns to rally as Dawson nailed a 39-yard field goal, yet the Titans pulled away as RB Chris JohnsonChris Johnson (running back)Christopher Duan Johnson is an American football running back for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League...
got a 25-yard touchdown run.
With the loss, Cleveland fell to 4–9.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
- 11:58 CLE – Dawson
Phil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
47 yard field goal 3–0 CLE- 4:00 CLE – Dawson 41 yard field goal 6–0 CLE
2nd Quarter
- 14:10 TEN – Hall
Ahmard HallAhmard Rashad Hall is an American football fullback for the Tennessee Titans of the NFL. He was originally signed by the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Texas.-Early years:...
28 yard pass from CollinsKerry CollinsKerry Michael Collins is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers with the fifth overall pick of the 1995 NFL Draft, the first choice in the franchise's history...
(BironasRob BironasJames Robert Douglas "Rob" Bironas is an American football placekicker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Auburn University and Georgia Southern.Bironas was an All-Pro...
kick) 7–6 TEN- 1:11 TEN – White
LenDale WhiteLenDale Anthony White is an American football running back. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern California....
3 yard run (Bironas kick) 14–6 TEN
3rd Quarter
- 11:46 TEN – Gage
Justin GageJustin Gage is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
9 yard pass from Collins (Bironas kick) 21–6 TEN
4th Quarter
- 13:30 CLE – Dawson 39 yard field goal 21–9 TEN
- 8:22 TEN – Johnson
Chris Johnson (running back)Christopher Duan Johnson is an American football running back for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League...
25 yard run (Bironas kick) 28–9 TEN
Week 15: at Philadelphia Eagles
Coming off three straight losses without a touchdown, the Cleveland Browns sought to go 3–0 on Monday Night games, this time ON THE ROAD against the Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia EaglesThe Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. The Eagles struck first with a touchdown pass to WR Kevin CurtisKevin Curtis-St. Louis Rams:Curtis was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 3rd round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Curtis was inactive for the first five games of 2003 after suffering a broken fibula in the final preseason game at Buffalo. In 2004, Curtis played in all but one game, totaling 32 catches for 421...
. Both teams also traded field goals in the first quarter. CB Asante SamuelAsante SamuelAsante T. Samuel is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
extended the Eagles' lead in the second quarter with an interception return for a touchdown, and K David AkersDavid AkersDavid Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
added a field goal in the third quarter. Cleveland could not answer, but DB Brandon McDonaldBrandon McDonaldBrandon McDonald is an American football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
scored the first touchdown for the Browns in 4 games with an interception return in the fourth quarter. This game saw the Browns extend their offensive troubles, going 16 quarters without an offensive touchdown.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 4–10, the third time in four years under Romeo Crennel that the Browns have had double-digit losses.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
- 10:45 PHI – Curtis
Kevin Curtis-St. Louis Rams:Curtis was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the 3rd round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Curtis was inactive for the first five games of 2003 after suffering a broken fibula in the final preseason game at Buffalo. In 2004, Curtis played in all but one game, totaling 32 catches for 421...
14 yard pass from McNabbDonovan McNabbDonovan Jamal McNabb is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback from 1999 to 2009 and spent the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins and a portion of the 2011 season with the Minnesota Vikings. In college, McNabb played...
(AkersDavid AkersDavid Roy Akers is a left footed American football placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. He played college football at Louisville....
kick) 7–0 PHI- 6:48 CLE – Dawson
Phil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
27 yard field goal 7–3 PHI- 0:49 PHI – Akers 24 yard field goal 10–3 PHI
2nd Quarter
- 4:45 PHI – Samuel
Asante SamuelAsante T. Samuel is an American football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
50 yard interception return (Akers kick) 17–3 PHI
3rd Quarter
- 3:34 PHI – Akers 34 yard field goal 20–3 PHI
4th Quarter
- 14:52 PHI – Akers 34 yard field goal 23–3 PHI
- 11:14 PHI – Lewis 10 yard pass from McNabb (Akers kick) 30–3 PHI
- 9:11 CLE – McDonald
Brandon McDonaldBrandon McDonald is an American football cornerback for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
24 yard interception return (Dawson kick) 30–10 PHI
Week 16: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Coming off four straight losses in which their offense failed to score a touchdown, the Cleveland Browns played their final home game of the season in near-zero wind chills against the Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
. The Bengals scored first, with CB Leon HallLeon HallLeon Lastarza Hall is an American football defensive back who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football at the University of Michigan. Hall was drafted by the Bengals with the 18th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft...
intercepting a Ken DorseyKen DorseyKenneth Simon "Ken" Dorsey is a former football quarterback. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami. A two-time Heisman Trophy finalist at Miami, Dorsey played for the Cleveland Browns from 2006–2008...
pass and returning it 50 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. WR Chris Henry completed the scoring by adding on a 20 yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. The shutout marked five straight games in which Cleveland's offense couldn't find the end zone. The only bright spot for the Browns was RB Jamal LewisJamal LewisJamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
, who became the 24th NFL player to reach 10,000 career rushing yards.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 4–11, and ended the season 1–7 at home.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
- 8:39 CIN – Hall
Leon HallLeon Lastarza Hall is an American football defensive back who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football at the University of Michigan. Hall was drafted by the Bengals with the 18th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft...
50 yard interception return (GrahamShayne GrahamMichael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
kick) 7–0 CIN
2nd Quarter
- 8:08 CIN – Henry 20 yard pass from Fitzpatrick
Ryan FitzpatrickRyan Joseph Fitzpatrick is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Harvard....
(Graham kick) 14–0 CIN
Week 17: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Coming off five straight losses without a touchdown on offense, the Cleveland Browns closed out the regular season at Heinz FieldHeinz FieldHeinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively...
in a Week 17 AFC North rematch with their hated rival, the Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh SteelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
. The Steelers put up two touchdowns in the second quarter, a 34 yard run by RB Willie ParkerWillie Parker"Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina...
and an 8 yard scramble by QB Byron LeftwichByron LeftwichByron Antron Leftwich is an American football quarterback in the National Football League who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars seventh overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Marshall University.Leftwich has also played...
. The Steelers added 17 points in the second half (22-yard Jeff Reed field goal, 3-yard Gary RussellGary Russell (American football)Gary Russell is an American football running back for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
touchdown run, and a 32-yard interception TD return by Tyrone CarterTyrone CarterTyrone "Chowder" Carter is an American football defensive back who is currently a free agent in the National Football League...
), but they were unnecessary as the Browns were incapable of scoring at all, marking six straight games in which the offense couldn't score a touchdown (an NFL record 24 quarters). Again, the only good news for the Browns was RB Jamal LewisJamal LewisJamal Lafitte Lewis is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens fifth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft...
, who topped 1,000 rushing yards this season. He would become the first Browns running back since Mike PruittMike PruittMichael Pruitt is a former American football running back who played eleven seasons from 1976 to 1986 with the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League...
in 1980 & 1981 to have back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
With the loss, the Browns ended their season at 4–12, with a record of 3–5 away from home. This also marked the Browns' eleventh straight loss to the Steelers.
Scoring Summary
2nd Quarter
- 4:15 PIT – Parker
Willie Parker"Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina...
34 yard run (Reed kick) 7–0 PIT- 0:40 PIT – Leftwich
Byron LeftwichByron Antron Leftwich is an American football quarterback in the National Football League who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars seventh overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Marshall University.Leftwich has also played...
8 yard run (Reed kick) 14–0 PIT
3rd Quarter
- 5:39 PIT – Reed 22 yard field goal 17–0 PIT
4th Quarter
- 9:45 PIT – Russell
Gary Russell (American football)Gary Russell is an American football running back for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
3 yard run (Reed kick) 24–0 PIT- 8:52 PIT – Carter
Tyrone CarterTyrone "Chowder" Carter is an American football defensive back who is currently a free agent in the National Football League...
32 yard interception return (Reed kick) 31–0 PIT
Savage and Crennel fired
After the game, it was announced that GM Phil SavagePhil SavagePhillip "Phil" Savage, Jr. is a former general manager for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He is currently a player personnel executive for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was the senior vice president and general manager of the Browns from 2005–2008...
was fired. One day later, head coach Romeo CrennelRomeo CrennelRomeo Crennel is the former head coach of the Cleveland Browns and current defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. Before becoming the head coach of the Browns, Crennel won three Super Bowls in four seasons as the defensive coordinator of the New England...
would also be released after the Browns ended their season at 4–12, at the bottom of the AFC North.
2009 Pro Bowl
Despite the disappointing performance by the team, LT Joe Thomas, DT Shaun Rogers, and LS Ryan PontbriandRyan PontbriandRyan David Pontbriand is an American football long snapper and center who is currently a free agent. He played collegiately at Rice University, and was drafted in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns...
were recognized for individual accomplishments as they were named to the AFC roster for the 2009 Pro Bowl2009 Pro BowlThe 2009 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl was the NFL's all-star game for the 2008 season. It was played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 8, 2009. This was the last time that a Pro Bowl game was held after the NFL Super Bowl game...
. Thomas and Rogers were selected by the pro-bowl voters., and Pontbriand was selected as a "need" player by the Baltimore RavensBaltimore RavensThe Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
coaching staff, who will be coaching the AFC squad.
KR Josh Cribbs was named a first alternate, K Phil DawsonPhil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
a second alternate, and LG Eric SteinbachEric SteinbachEric Steinbach is an American football player who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round in the 2003 NFL draft. He played college football for the University of Iowa.-High School years:Steinbach is a...
and LB D'Qwell JacksonD'Qwell Jackson-Cleveland Browns:Jackson was signed by the Cleveland Browns on July 24, 2006. In his rookie season, he started thirteen games at weakside linebacker and finished second on the team in tackles with 115, including 58 solo and three tackles for a loss. Jackson posted a career-high 16 tackles at...
were named third alternates at their respective positions.