2007 Cleveland Browns season - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

The 2007

2007 NFL season

The 2007 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League.Regular-season play was held from September 6 to December 30....

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 began with the Browns attempting to improve upon their 4–12 record from the 2006 season

2006 Cleveland Browns season

The 2006 Cleveland Browns season marked the 60th anniversary of the Browns franchise. It began with the team attempting to improve upon their win-loss record from 2005, where the team ended the year at 6–10. They were one of the most active teams during the free agency period, and looked to be one...

, in which the team finished in fourth place in the AFC North

AFC North

The American Football Conference North Division, or AFC North, is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference. It was created prior to the 1967 season as the NFL Century Division when the NFL split into four divisions...

. The Browns also attempted to overcome the many injuries that plagued the team throughout the 2006 season. The Browns remained under the supervision of 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...

and they played all of their home games in 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, Ohio

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...

.

During the 2007 NFL Draft

2007 NFL Draft

The 2007 National Football League Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 28 and April 29, 2007. The draft was televised for the 28th consecutive year on ESPN and ESPN2. The NFL Network also broadcast coverage of the event, its second year doing so...

, the Browns selected Wisconsin

Wisconsin Badgers football

The Wisconsin Badgers are a college football program that represents the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and the Big Ten Conference. They play their home games at Camp Randall Stadium, the fourth-oldest stadium in college football...

offensive tackle Joe Thomas with the third overall selection. The Browns were also able to draft Notre Dame

Notre Dame Fighting Irish football

Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team is the football team of the University of Notre Dame. The team is currently coached by Brian Kelly.Notre Dame competes as an Independent at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level, and is a founding member of the Bowl Championship Series coalition. It is an...

quarterback

Quarterback

Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...

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...

with the 22nd overall selection, after completing a trade with the Dallas Cowboys

Dallas 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...

which saw the Browns send their second-round pick in the 2007 draft, along with their first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft

2008 NFL Draft

The 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...

, to the Cowboys for their first-round selection at number 22. The Browns completed their first-day draft by selecting UNLV

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

University of Nevada-Las Vegas is a public, coeducational university located in the Las Vegas suburb of Paradise, Nevada, USA. The campus is located approximately east of the Las Vegas Strip. The institution includes a Shadow Lane Campus, located just east of the University Medical Center of...

cornerback

Cornerback

A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...

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...

, following another trade with the Dallas which saw the Browns giving up their third- and fourth-round picks in the 2007 draft and swapping sixth-round picks with the Cowboys.

During the off-season, the Browns signed key free agents Eric Steinbach

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...

(Cincinnati

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...

, offensive guard), 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...

(Baltimore

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...

, running back

Running back

A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...

), and Robaire Smith

Robaire Smith

Robaire Fredrick Smith is an American football player who is currently a free agent.-High school and college career:...

(Tennessee

Tennessee Titans

The 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...

, 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...

Coaching staff changes

The Cleveland Browns' offense was marred by bad play-calling throughout the early stages of the 2006 season

2006 Cleveland Browns season

, forcing the resignation of the team's offensive coordinator, Maurice Carthon

Maurice Carthon

Maurice Carthon is a National Football League coach as well as a former professional football running back.Carthon is currently an assistant head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs...

, on October 24, 2006. Following Carthon's resignation, head coach Romeo Crennel

Romeo Crennel

hired assistant head coach and offensive line coach Jeff Davidson

Jeff Davidson

Jeff Davidson is the current offensive line coach for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League.-High school:...

as the team's offensive coordinator for the remainder of the 2006 season. However, the Browns have since lost Davidson to the Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...

, where he was hired to serve as the Panthers' offensive coordinator. Because of Davidson's hiring in Carolina, the Browns have hired Rob Chudzinski

Rob 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...

as the team's new offensive coordinator. The team has also hired Ted Daisher

Ted Daisher

Ted Daisher is an American football coach, currently serving as the defensive backs coach for the Bryant University Bulldogs. Prior to joining the Bulldogs, Daisher had several stops in the professional ranks...

as the team's new special teams coordinator.

Other coaching staff changes made by the Browns in the 2007 off-season include the hiring of Steve Marshall as the offensive line coach; Tom Myslinski

Tom Myslinski

Thomas Joseph Myslinski, Jr. is a professional American football strength and conditioning coach. He was strength and conditioning coach for the Cleveland Browns until the end of the 2009 season. He is also a former National Football League offensive lineman...

as the strength-and-conditioning coach; Alan DeGennaro

Alan DeGennaro

Alan DeGennaro is the current assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Cleveland Browns.-External links:*...

as the assistant strength-and-conditioning coach; Dave Atkins

Dave Atkins (NFL coach)

Dave Atkins is a former American football running back.Atkins was the 19th pick in the 8th round of the 1973 NFL Draft. He joined the San Francisco 49ers for the 1973 and 1974 seasons before moving to the San Diego Chargers for the 1975 season.After Atkins finished his pro playing career, he...

as the senior offensive assistant coach; Anthony Lynn

Anthony Lynn

Anthony Ray Lynn is a former American football running back and current assistant coach for the New York Jets.-Playing career:...

as the running backs coach; Rip Scherer

Rip Scherer

Rip Scherer is the quarterback coach for the Colorado Buffaloes. He previously served as quarterbacks coach/assistant head coach for the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, offensive coordinator for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, the offensive coordinator for the Kansas Jayhawks, the head...

as the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach; and Alfredo Roberts

Alfredo Roberts

Alfredo Roberts is an American football coach and former professional tight end in the National Football League . He is currently the tight ends coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys...

as the tight ends coach.

On June 14, 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 :...

's contract was extended by two years, allowing him to remain with the Browns through the 2009 season.

Roster changes

The Cleveland Browns had one of the busiest off-seasons in terms of movement in the NFL

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...

. Beginning on March 3, 2007, the Browns signed former Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals

offensive guard Eric Steinbach

Eric Steinbach

to a seven-year contract and former Houston Texans

Houston Texans

The 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...

outside 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...

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...

to a three-year contract; the team also resigned center

Center (American football)

Center is a position in American football and Canadian football . The center is the innermost lineman of the offensive line on a football team's offense...

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...

to a four-year contract, fearing that center 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...

's 2006 season-ending knee injury may also be a career-ending injury.

The following day, March 4, the Browns signed former Washington Redskins

Washington 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,...

cornerback

Cornerback

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...

to a three-year contract. One day later, on March 5, the Browns lost 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...

and punt returner

Punt returner

Punt returner is a position on special teams in American football.-Description:The role of a punt returner is to catch the ball after it is punted and to give his team good field position by returning it. Before catching the punted ball, the returner must assess the situation on the field while...

Dennis Northcutt

Dennis LaMont Northcutt is an American football wide receiver and punt returner who last played for the Detroit Lions...

to the Jacksonville 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...

under the terms of a five-year contract.

On March 8, the team signed former Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens

running back

Running back

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...

to a one-year contract, bolstering the team's lackluster running game. Because of Lewis's signing, running back Reuben Droughns

Reuben Droughns

Reuben Droughns is an American football running back who is currently the head coach for the Serbian team Vukovi Beograd, the two-time champions of the Central European Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft...

had been made expendable, and was subsequently traded to the 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...

for wide receiver Tim Carter

Tim Carter (football player)

Timothy M. Carter is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Auburn....

on March 9.

Also on March 9, the Browns terminated the contract of veteran cornerback Daylon McCutcheon

Daylon McCutcheon

Daylon McCutcheon is a retired National Football League cornerback who played his entire career with the Cleveland Browns-High school career:...

, citing that he failed a physical, and lost safety

Defensive back

In American football and Canadian football, defensive backs are the players on the defensive team who take positions somewhat back from the line of scrimmage; they are distinguished from the defensive line players and linebackers, who take positions directly behind or close to the line of...

Brian Russell to the Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...

, though the terms of Russell's deal were not disclosed.

Nerly a week later, on March 14, the Browns terminated the contract of fullback

Fullback (American football)

A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...

Terrelle Smith

Terrelle Vernon Smith is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...

, prior to having to pay Smith a due roster bonus; the team also signed former Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...

offensive guard 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...

to a one-year contract and former Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans

defensive end

Defensive end

Robaire Smith

Robaire Fredrick Smith is an American football player who is currently a free agent.-High school and college career:...

to a four-year contract. On March 16, the Browns signed former Bengals defensive tackle Shaun Smith to a four-year contract. Four days later, on March 20, the team re-signed offensive guard Lennie Friedman

Lennie Friedman

Leonard Lebrecht Friedman is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a free agent in the National Football League....

to a one-year contract; the team also lost defensive end Alvin McKinley

Alvin McKinley

Alvin Jerome McKinley is a former American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...

to 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...

.

On March 29, it was revealed that Browns 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...

entered in to talks with the Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...

' general manager Carl Peterson

Carl Peterson

Carl D. Peterson grew up in Long Beach, California, and is an alumnus of UCLA. He is best known as the former president, general manager, and chief executive officer of the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League...

regarding their veteran quarterback

Quarterback

Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...

, Trent Green

Trent Green

Trent Jason Green is a retired professional American football quarterback. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the eighth round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Indiana University....

. However, Green has since been traded to the Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins

.

On April 2, the team signed former San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...

safety Mike Adams to a two-year contract. On April 14, the Browns re-signed veteran 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...

Steve Heiden

Steve Allen Heiden is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent in the National Football League.-College career:...

to a four-year contract extension, though terms of his deal were not disclosed. On April 16, the Browns signed former Ravens fullback Alan Ricard

Alan Ricard

Alan Ricard is an American football fullback who most recently played for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. Before signing with the Browns he played with the Baltimore Ravens from 2001 to 2005, and briefly for the Buffalo Bills in 2006...

to a one-year contract, though terms of his deal were not disclosed; the team also formally announced the signing of former San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...

tight end

Tight end

Ryan Krause

Ryan Krause is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska-Omaha....

, though the date he was signed and the terms of his deal were not disclosed. On April 19, the Browns re-signed defensive tackle 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...

to the terms of a one-year contract.

On April 25, the Browns resigned free agents 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...

and Mason Unck

Mason Unck

Mason Unck was a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns from 2003–2006. He played college football at Arizona State University. He played primarily as a special teams player. He is currently a free agent.-High school years:...

each to one-year contracts. On April 27, the Browns resigned free agent offensive lineman 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...

to a one-year contract. On May 2, the team waived offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi

Joe Andruzzi

Joseph Dominick Andruzzi is a former American football offensive guard. In May 2007 he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.-College career:...

. Following his release, Andruzzi was hospitalized with lymphoma

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer in the lymphatic cells of the immune system. Typically, lymphomas present as a solid tumor of lymphoid cells. Treatment might involve chemotherapy and in some cases radiotherapy and/or bone marrow transplantation, and can be curable depending on the histology, type, and stage...

. The Browns release a statement wishing Andruzzi well, though it is not known whether his ailment is the reason the Browns released Andruzzi.

On May 3, the Browns announced the signings of nine undrafted free agents. Those players are: Jesse Ainsworth

Jesse Ainsworth

Jesse Jon Ainsworth is an American football placekicker.-High school career:Ainsworth went to Thousand Oaks High School where he played with David Anderson who now plays for the Houston Texans...

, a placekicker

Placekicker

Placekicker, or simply kicker , is the title of the player in American and Canadian football who is responsible for the kicking duties of field goals, extra points...

from Arizona State

Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area of the State of Arizona...

; 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...

, a fullback from Arkansas (Pine Bluff); Mike Alston

Mike Alston

Mike Alston is an American football fullback/linebacker who currently plays for the Spokane Shock in the Arena Football League. Alston was signed by the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League as an undrafted free agent in 2007. Alston completed his college career at Toledo.-External...

, a linebacker from Toledo

University of Toledo

The University of Toledo is a public university in Toledo, Ohio, United States. The Carnegie Foundation classified the university as "Doctoral/Research Extensive."-National recognition:...

; Rick Drushal, an offensive lineman from Wooster

The College of Wooster

The College of Wooster is a private liberal arts college primarily known for its Independent study program. It has roughly 2,000 students and is located in Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio, United States . Founded in 1866 by the Presbyterian church as the University of Wooster, it was from its creation...

; Hunter Funtaine

Hunter Funtaine

Funtaine Hunter is a professional American football and Canadian football linebacker who is currently a free agent....

, a linebacker from Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is a private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1873, the university is named for shipping and rail magnate "Commodore" Cornelius Vanderbilt, who provided Vanderbilt its initial $1 million endowment despite having never been to the...

; Mike Mason, a wide receiver

Wide receiver

from Tennessee State

Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University is a land-grant university located in Nashville, Tennessee. TSU is the only state-funded historically black university in Tennessee.-History:...

; Tyrone Moss, a halfback from Miami (Florida)

University of Miami

The University of Miami is a private, non-sectarian university founded in 1925 with its main campus in Coral Gables, Florida, a medical campus in Miami city proper at Civic Center, and an oceanographic research facility on Virginia Key., the university currently enrolls 15,629 students in 12...

; Brent Pousson

Brent Pousson

Brent Teunissen is an American football offensive tackle who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played collegiately at McNeese State.-External links:*...

, an offensive lineman from McNeese State

McNeese State University

McNeese State University is a public university located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in the United States. Founded in 1939 as a junior college, McNeese experienced growth due to economic activity in the region. It adopted its present name in 1970....

; and Scott Stephenson, an offensive lineman from Iowa State

Iowa State University

Iowa State University of Science and Technology, more commonly known as Iowa State University , is a public land-grant and space-grant research university located in Ames, Iowa, United States. Iowa State has produced astronauts, scientists, and Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, along with a host of...

. The team also signed three try-out rookies on May 8, signing linebacker Kevin Sears, offensive lineman Cliff Louis

Cliff Louis

Clifford Louis is a gridiron football guard and offensive tackle for the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2007...

and running back Jerome Jackson

Jerome Jackson

Jerome Alexander Terrell Jackson is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. After Jackson graduated from the University of Michigan, he was not selected in the 2007 NFL draft...

.

On June 17, the Browns waived cornerback Antonio Perkins

Antonio Perkins

Antonio Perkins is an American football cornerback. He most recently played for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in 2008.- Early years :...

, fullback Alan Ricard, and offensive linemen Brent Pousson and Scott Stephenson. On June 26, the team waived safety Ben Emanuel

Ben Emanuel

Benjamin F. Emanuel is a football free safety who is currently a free agent. He went to UCLA. He attended Clear Brook High School.-Pro career:...

and claimed former Tampa Bay Buccaneer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...

wide receiver Efrem Hill

Efrem Hill

Efrem Dale Hill is a professional American and Canadian football wide receiver for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Carolina Panthers in 2005...

from waivers.

2007 NFL Draft

Prior to the 2007 NFL Draft

2007 NFL Draft

, the Browns were set to utilize either the third pick or fourth pick of the first round. This discrepancy was because the Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

had similar records and strength-of-schedule averages. After the coin toss, it was determined that the Browns will use the third pick of the draft. The 2007 NFL Draft was held on April 28 and 29 2007 in New York City

New York City

New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...

, New York

New York

New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...

Draft		\| Player name	\| Position	\| College	\| Height	\| Weight
Rnd	Pick	\| Player name	\| Position	\| College	\| Height	\| Weight
1	3	Joe Thomas	Offensive tackle	Wisconsin University of Wisconsin–Madison The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1848, UW–Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It became a land-grant institution in 1866...	6 ft 6 in	313 lbs
1	22	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...	Quarterback Quarterback Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...	Notre Dame University of Notre Dame The University of Notre Dame du Lac is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States...	6 ft 3 in	226 lbs
2	53	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...	Cornerback Cornerback A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...	UNLV University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Nevada-Las Vegas is a public, coeducational university located in the Las Vegas suburb of Paradise, Nevada, USA. The campus is located approximately east of the Las Vegas Strip. The institution includes a Shadow Lane Campus, located just east of the University Medical Center of...	5 ft 11 in	190 lbs
5	140	Brandon McDonald Brandon McDonald Brandon 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...	Cornerback	Memphis University of Memphis The University of Memphis is an American public research university located in the Normal Station neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee and is the flagship public research university of the Tennessee Board of Regents system....	5 ft 11 in	181 lbs
6	200	Melila Purcell Melila Purcell Melila Purcell, III is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Browns in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...	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...	Hawaii University of Hawaii The University of Hawaii System, formally the University of Hawaii and popularly known as UH, is a public, co-educational college and university system that confers associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees through three university campuses, seven community college campuses, an employment...	6 ft 5 in	269 lbs
7	213	Chase Pittman 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...	Defensive end	LSU Louisiana State University Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name...	6 ft 5 in	273 lbs
7	234	Syndric Steptoe Syndric Steptoe Syndric Marquis Steptoe is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 2007 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...	Arizona University of Arizona The University of Arizona is a land-grant and space-grant public institution of higher education and research located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The University of Arizona was the first university in the state of Arizona, founded in 1885...	5 ft 9 in	182 lbs

The Cleveland Browns had one of the best first-day drafts of any team. The Browns selected Wisconsin

Wisconsin Badgers football

offensive tackle Joe Thomas with the third overall pick of the draft, after many had predicted that the Browns would select Notre Dame

Notre Dame Fighting Irish football

quarterback

Quarterback

Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...

Brady Quinn

or Oklahoma

Oklahoma Sooners football

The Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...

running back

Running back

Adrian Peterson. However, the Browns selected Quinn with the 22nd selection of the draft, following a trade with the Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys

which saw the Browns send their second-round pick of the 2007 draft and their first-round pick of the 2008 NFL Draft

2008 NFL Draft

to the Cowboys for their first-round pick at number 22. During the second round of the draft, the Browns made another trade with the Cowboys, this time using the selection to pick UNLV

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

cornerback

Cornerback

Eric Wright

Eric A. Wright

. The Browns gave up their third- and fourth-round picks of the draft, and swapped their sixth-round pick with the Cowboys.

On the second day of the draft, the Browns looked to fill holes which were left by departing players through free agency. In the fifth round, the Browns drafted Memphis

University of Memphis

The University of Memphis is an American public research university located in the Normal Station neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee and is the flagship public research university of the Tennessee Board of Regents system....

cornerback Brandon McDonald

Brandon McDonald

Brandon 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...

; in the sixth round, the Browns drafted Hawaii

University of Hawaii

The University of Hawaii System, formally the University of Hawaii and popularly known as UH, is a public, co-educational college and university system that confers associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees through three university campuses, seven community college campuses, an employment...

defensive end

Defensive end

Melila Purcell

Melila Purcell, III is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Browns in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...

; and in the seventh round, the Browns drafted LSU

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name...

defensive end Chase Pittman

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...

and Arizona

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a land-grant and space-grant public institution of higher education and research located in Tucson, Arizona, United States. The University of Arizona was the first university in the state of Arizona, founded in 1885...

wide receiver

Wide receiver

Syndric Steptoe

Syndric Marquis Steptoe is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft...

.

On July 18, the Browns signed the first of their seven draft picks, signing Pittman to a four-year contract. On July 22, the Browns signed three more draft picks, this time singing McDonald, Purcell and Steptoe each to four-year contracts. Steptoe is likely to compete to be the team's starting punt-returner heading into the 2007 season. On July 26, the Browns signed Thomas to a six-year contract (voidable after five years) and Wright to a four-year contract. Thomas and Wright will look to battle to become the starters at left tackle and cornerback respectively.

Until August 7, the Browns and Brady Quin could not agree on a contract, and the quarterback missed nearly two weeks of training camp. The parties then agreed, in principle, to a contract. Hours later, the team and Quinn finalized the contract, and Quinn signed with the team under the terms of a five-year contract. The contract is worth $20 million.

Roster

Cleveland Browns 2007 final roster

Quarterbacks

3 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...
11 Ken Dorsey
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...
10 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...

Running Backs

41 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...

FB
35 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...
31 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...
47 Lawrence Vickers
Lawrence Vickers
Lawrence Blanchard Vickers, Jr. is an American football fullback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft...

FB
29 Jason Wright

Wide Receivers

86 Tim Carter
16 Josh Cribbs KR/PR
17 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....
84 Joe Jurevicius
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....
81 Travis Wilson

Tight Ends

87 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...
82 Steve Heiden
Steve Heiden
Steve Allen Heiden is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent in the National Football League.-College career:...
80 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...

Offensive Linemen

70 Nat Dorsey

Nat Dorsey

66 Hank Fraley

Hank Fraley

62 Lennie Friedman

Lennie Friedman

Leonard Lebrecht Friedman is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a free agent in the National Football League....

G/C

50 Marvin Philip C

77 Kevin Shaffer

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...

61 Isaac Sowells

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...

65 Eric Steinbach

Eric Steinbach

73 Joe Thomas T

72 Ryan Tucker

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...

G/T

Defensive Linemen

75 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...

DE
96 Bobby Hamilton DE
93 Louis Leonard
Louis Leonard
Louis Leonard is an American football defensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Fresno State....

NT
60 Melila Purcell
Melila Purcell
Melila Purcell, III is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Browns in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...

DE
99 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...

DE
98 Robaire Smith
Robaire Smith
Robaire Fredrick Smith is an American football player who is currently a free agent.-High school and college career:...

DE
91 Shaun Smith
Shaun Smith (American football)
Shaun Jamel Smith is an American football defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2003...

NT/DE

Linebackers

59 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...

ILB

54 Andra Davis

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

58 D'Qwell Jackson

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

55 Willie McGinest

Willie McGinest

William Lee "Willie" McGinest, Jr. is a retired American football linebacker in the National Football League.-Early life and career:...

OLB/DE

90 David McMillan OLB

56 Antwan Peek

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

51 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...

OLB

94 Leon Williams

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

95 Kamerion Wimbley

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

28 Leigh Bodden
Leigh Bodden
Leigh Edmond Bodden is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Duquesne....

CB
30 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...

CB
39 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...

CB
26 Sean Jones SS
22 Brandon McDonald
Brandon McDonald
Brandon 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...

CB
21 Brodney Pool
Brodney Pool
Brodney Depaul Pool is an American football safety for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma....

FS
27 Nick Sorensen
Nick Sorensen
Nick Sorensen is an American football safety for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He played college football at Virginia Tech.-High school years:Sorensen lived in Vienna, Virginia and attended...

SS
24 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...

CB
25 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...

CB

Special Teams

4 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...

K
64 Ryan Pontbriand
Ryan Pontbriand
Ryan 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...

LS
15 Dave Zastudil
Dave Zastudil
David Michael Zastudil is an American football punter for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League...

P

Reserve Lists

20 Mike Adams FS (IR)

13 Kyle Basler

Kyle Basler

Kyle Basler is an American football punter who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League...

P (NFLE NF-Inj.)

23 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....

SS/CB (IR)

57 LeCharles Bentley

LeCharles Bentley

C (IR)

53 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...

ILB (IR)

5 Efrem Hill

Efrem Hill

WR (IR)

78 Ethan Kelley

Ethan Kelley

NT (IR)

68 Seth McKinney

Seth McKinney

G/C (IR)

37 Justin Sandy

Justin Sandy

Justin Michael Sandy is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2004...

FS (IR)

73 Alvin Smith NT (NFLE NF-Inj.)

52 Matt Stewart OLB (IR)

92 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...

NT (IR)

Practice Squad

33 Kory Chapman
Kory Chapman
Robrielle Kory Chapman is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Jacksonville State.Chapman has also been a member of the New England Patriots, Indianapolis...

RB
85 Brad Cieslak
Brad Cieslak
Bradley Ryan Cieslak is an American football tight end who is currently a Free Agent. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Northern Illinois.-Early years:...

TE
37 A. J. Davis
A. J. Davis (American football)
A. J. Davis is an American football cornerback currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...

CB
63 Cliff Louis
Cliff Louis
Clifford Louis is a gridiron football guard and offensive tackle for the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2007...

OT
97 Chase Pittman
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
83 Steve Sanders WR
12 Syndric Steptoe
Syndric Steptoe
Syndric Marquis Steptoe is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft...

WR
79 Zach West
Zach West
Zachary Alex West is an American football defensive end who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2007...

DE

Rookies in italics

Paul Ernster signed

Prior to the team's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh 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...

, the Browns signed punter Paul Ernster

Paul Ernster

Paul T. Ernster is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

to punt in place of Dave Zastudil

Dave Zastudil

David Michael Zastudil is an American football punter for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League...

in the team's week one season opener. To make room for Ernster on the team's roster, the Browns waived cornerback Jereme Perry

Jereme Perry

Jereme Jovon Perry is an American football defensive back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2006...

Week 1: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Cleveland Browns opened the regular season at home in Cleveland Browns Stadium

Cleveland Browns Stadium

against the Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers

, who entered the game under the direction of the team's new head coach, Mike Tomlin

Mike Tomlin

Michael Tomlin is the current head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. Tomlin is the third youngest head coach in any of the four major North American professional sports. He is the tenth African-American head coach in NFL history, and first in Steelers history...

. The two teams were tied in their overall series with 55 wins apiece. However, the Browns' ended the day with a 34–7 loss to the Steelers.

A number of Browns errors gave Pittsburgh opportunities to take a first quarter lead. After being stopped on their first possession, the Browns were forced to punt. Paul Ernster

Paul Ernster

Paul T. Ernster is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

fumbled the snap which resulted in a poor kick, and the Browns were called for four penalties on the play. The Steelers took possession on the Browns' 22-yard line and scored on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Ben 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...

to 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...

. On the Browns' next possession, Charlie Frye

Charlie Frye

Charles Frye, , is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Akron.-Early years:...

threw an interception to Deshea Townsend

Deshea Townsend

Trevor Deshea Townsend is a former defensive back in the National Football League, and is currently a defensive backs coach for the Arizona Cardinals and most recently a player for the Indianapolis Colts...

, which eventually led to the Steelers' second score of the game, a 26-yard field goal by Jeff Reed. The Brown next possession ended when 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...

fumbled the ball at the Browns' 40-yard line. The Steelers quickly converted the turnover, with Roethlisberger completing a 40-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes

Santonio Holmes

Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...

on the next play to bring the score to 17–0.

After being sacked five times and throwing for only 34 yards on 4-of-10 passing, Frye was removed from the game and was replaced by second-string quarterback 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...

. In the second quarter, Willie 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...

fumbled the ball and gave the Browns possession. However, the team was forced to punt, and just two drives later, the Browns fumbled the ball again — this time on a sack by Ryan Clark

Ryan Clark (American football)

Ryan Terry Clark is an American football safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2002...

of Anderson. The Browns were able to hold the Steelers scoreless through the second quarter as Roethlisberger failed to connect on his last six pass attempts of the quarter. However, the Steelers also held the Browns scoreless, and the teams entered halftime with the Steelers ahead 17–0.

The second half began well for the Steelers, with an eight play, 71-yard drive that ended in a 5-yard touchdown pass to rookie Matt Spaeth

Matt Spaeth

Matt Spaeth is an American football tight end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...

. The Browns countered with a long drive of 76 yards that ended with a one-yard touchdown pass from Anderson to second-year fullback Lawrence Vickers

Lawrence Vickers

Lawrence Blanchard Vickers, Jr. is an American football fullback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft...

, cutting the deficit to 24–7. However, this would be the Browns' only score of the game. On the next drive, the Steelers answered with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger to Heath Miller

Heath Miller

Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...

, giving the Steelers a 31–7 advantage. The Browns punted on their next possession, and the Steelers capped an eight-minute drive with a 31-yard field goal by Reed, giving the Steelers a 34–7 lead which they never surrendered. On the Browns' next offensive possession, 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....

dropped a pass from Anderson which was ruled a fumble. Following a Steelers punt, Anderson threw an interception to Ike Taylor

Ike Taylor

Ivan "Ike" Taylor is an American football defensive back for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League...

on a pass intended for Edwards, and Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch

Charlie Batch

Charles "Charlie" Batch is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft...

ran the clock out, securing the win.

The loss put the Browns record at 0–1, and allowed the Steelers to take a one-game lead in the overall series, 56 wins to 55. Following the game, head coach Romeo Crennel

Romeo Crennel

stated that he didn't know who would start at quarterback in the next game versus the Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals

. He also stood by his decision not to insert rookie Brady Quinn

Brady Quinn

into the game, even after chants were heard from the home crowd hoping otherwise.

Scoring drives

First Quarter
- PIT – TD: 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...
  
  5-yard pass from 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...
  
  (Reed kick), 7–0 PIT
  - Drive: 4 plays, 22 yards, 2:01 TOP
- PIT – FG: Reed 26 yards, 10–0 PIT
  - Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:54 TOP
- PIT – TD: Holmes
  Santonio Holmes
  Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
  
  40-yard pass from Roethlisberger (Reed kick), 17–0 PIT
  - Drive: 1 play, 40 yards, 0:07 TOP

Third Quarter
- PIT – TD: Spaeth
  Matt Spaeth
  Matt Spaeth is an American football tight end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
  
  5-yard pass from Roethlisberger (Reed kick), 24–0 PIT
  
  Drive: 8 plays, 71 yards, 4:27 TOP
- CLE – TD: Vickers
  Lawrence Vickers
  Lawrence Blanchard Vickers, Jr. is an American football fullback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
  
  1-yard pass from 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...
  
  (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...
  
  kick), 24–7 PIT
  - Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:41 TOP
- PIT – TD: Miller
  Heath Miller
  Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
  
  22-yard pass from Roethlisberger (Reed kick), 31–7 PIT
  
  Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 4:29 TOP
Fourth Quarter
- PIT – FG: Reed 31-yards, 34–7 PIT
  - Drive: 13 plays, 72 yards, 8:00 TOP

Charlie Frye traded

On Tuesday, September 11, the Browns traded Frye, who was expected to start against the Bengals in week two, to the Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks

for a sixth-round draft choice. The Browns are the first team since 1970 to trade their starting quarterback before Week 2. The team's general manager, Phil Savage

Phil Savage

, stated that Anderson was to be named the team's new starting quarterback, with Quinn moving up the depth chart to be Anderson's backup. The Browns also re-signed Ken Dorsey

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...

, whom the team had cut just ten days earlier, to be the team's third-string quarterback and mentor to Quinn.

Week 2: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Browns remained at home for their Week 2 game with their interstate rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals

. Coming into the game, the Bengals held a one-game advantage over the Browns in the all-time series, 34–33 . However, the Browns defeated the Bengals in a high-scoring contest, 51–45, which saw 12 offensive touchdowns – and tied the overall series between the two teams at 34 wins each.

The game opened with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer

Carson Palmer

Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...

to running back Rudi Johnson

Rudi Johnson

Burudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...

– the first receiving touchdown of his career. After a Cleveland punt, safety Sean Jones intercepted a Palmer pass intended for Chad Johnson, which gave the Browns possession. However, they were unable to score a touchdown, and scored with a 39-yard 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...

field goal instead. After a Bengals punt, Dawson kicked another 39-yard field goal before the end of the quarter.

The Bengals began the second quarter with Rudi Johnson fumbling the football, which was recovered by cornerback Leigh Bodden

Leigh Bodden

Leigh Edmond Bodden is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2003. He played college football at Duquesne....

. Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

, starting after the team's trade of Charlie Frye during the week, completed a pass to Joe Jurevicius

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....

in the back of the endzone for a 17-yard touchdown, putting the Browns ahead 13–7. The Bengals countered with another touchdown pass, this time a 23-yard pass to T. J. Houshmandzadeh

T. J. Houshmandzadeh

T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...

. Browns head coach Romeo Crennel

Romeo Crennel

challenged the ruling on the field that the receiver was in bounds on the catch, but the officials upheld the call. On the ensuing kickoff, Josh Cribbs returned the ball 88 yards to the Bengals' 11-yard line. The drive was capped off with a 9-yard pass from Anderson to Jurevicius, giving him his second touchdown reception of the game and putting the Browns ahead 20–14. The Bengals answered the Browns' touchdown pass with another score of their own, this time a 22-yard pass to Chad Johnson. Johnson was wide open in the endzone, uncovered because Bodden had slipped. After his catch, Johnson attempted to find the Browns' Dawg Pound

Dawg Pound

The Dawg Pound is the name of the bleacher section behind the east end zone in Cleveland Browns Stadium, the home field of the Cleveland Browns. It is known for its extremely zealous fan base.-Formation:...

so he could jump into it and keep his pregame promise to do so if he scored. He was unable to do so, though, since he had scored in the end zone opposite the Dawg Pound. Following the Bengals' score, the Browns answered with a 97-yard kickoff return to Cincinnati's four-yard line by Cribbs; however, due to several penalties on the play, it was called back. Though the team was penalized, Anderson eventually threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to 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...

to give the Browns a 27–21 lead at halftime.

The Bengals began the third quarter with a Dexter Jackson interception of Anderson, and the team gained ground on the Browns with a 20-yard 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...

field goal. On the Browns' next drive, Anderson hooked up with Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards

for a 34-yard touchdown pass, allowing the Browns to increase their lead to ten points once again, 34–24. However, just as in the first half, the Bengals answered the Browns' score with a score of their own, a 14-yard touchdown pass to Chad Johnson. Carrying out his promise, Johnson leaped into the Dawg Pound, where a fan poured beer onto him. With the Bengals only trailing by three points, running back 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...

exploded out of the backfield and ran 66 yards for a touchdown to increase the Browns' lead back to ten points. Five minutes later, on the next drive, Carson Palmer hit T. J. Houshmandzadeh once again, this time a 5-yard touchdown pass, to bring the Browns' lead back to three. The Browns' next drive was cut short on a fourth-and-short rushing attempt by fullback Lawrence Vickers

Lawrence Vickers

; however, the Bengals were forced to punt on their next drive, and managed to down the ball inside the Browns' ten-yard line.

The Browns answered the Bengals' third-quarter touchdown with a 37-yard pass from Anderson to Edwards, once again increasing the lead to ten points, 48–38. After another punt by the Bengals, Phil Dawson kicked his third field goal of the game, from 18 yards, to give the Browns a 13 point lead. With time running down, Palmer led his team to yet another score, this time on a 7-yard pass to Glenn Holt

Glenn Holt

Glenn Holt, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2006...

, to cut the Browns' lead to six points. However, this would be the final scoring drive of the game; the Browns punted on their next possession, which was followed by a Leigh Bodden

Leigh Bodden

interception of a Palmer pass in Browns territory as Palmer was attempting to lead his team on a quick scoring drive. The play was reviewed by officials but upheld, allowing Derek Anderson to take a knee to run the clock out and win his first game as a starting quarterback.

Browns' quarterback Derek Anderson tied a franchise record with five touchdown passes in the game. Running back Jamal Lewis also became the first Browns running back in more than 20 years, rushing for 215 yards on 22 carries and scoring a touchdown. Wide receiver Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow also added more than 100 yards receiving each: Edwards had eight receptions for 146 yards with two touchdowns, and Winslow had six catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. The teams' combined score at the end of the game was 96 points; the teams together scored 106 points in a game in 2004. The rivals now own two of the top scoring games in the history of the league. Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer also set a franchise record with his six touchdown passes, while wide receiver Chad Johnson became the franchise's all-time leader in receiving yards. It was only the third time in NFL history that two quarterbacks had thrown at least five touchdown passes in the same game.

Scoring drives

First Quarter
- CIN – TD: R. Johnson
  Rudi Johnson
  Burudi Ali "Rudi" Johnson is a former American football running back who played professionally from 2001 - 2008. Rudi was born in Petersburg, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Richmond. His first name "Burudi" is Swahili and means "cool'" and his middle name "Ali" represented his family's...
  
  13-yard pass from Palmer
  Carson Palmer
  Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
  
  (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...
  
  kick), 7–0 CIN
  - Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 4:28 TOP
- CLE – FG: 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...
  
  39 yards, 7–3 CIN
  - Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 2:59 TOP
- CLE – FG: Dawson 39 yards, 7–6 CIN
  - Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 3:24 TOP
Second Quarter
- CLE – TD: Jurevicius
  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....
  
  17-yard pass from 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...
  
  (Dawson kick), 7–13 CLE
  - Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 3:40 TOP
- CIN – TD: Houshmandzadeh
  T. J. Houshmandzadeh
  T. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
  
  23-yard pass from Palmer (Graham kick), 14–13 CIN
  
  Drive: 7 plays, 67 yards, 3:23 TOP
- CLE – TD: Jurevicius 9-yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick), 20–14 CLE
  - Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 1:01 TOP
- CIN – TD: C. Johnson 22-yard pass from Palmer (Graham kick), 21–20 CIN
  - Drive: 7 plays, 88 yards, 3:26 TOP
- CLE – TD: 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...
  
  25-yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick), 27–21 CLE
  - Drive: 5 plays, 88 yards, 2:00 TOP

Third Quarter
- CIN – FG: Graham 20 yards, 27–24 CLE
  - Drive: 5 plays, 23 yards, 2:45 TOP
- CLE – TD: 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....
  
  34-yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick), 34–24 CLE
  - Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 3:52 TOP
- CIN – TD: C. Johnson 14-yard pass from Palmer (Graham kick), 34–31 CLE
  - Drive: 4 plays, 34 yards, 2:06 TOP
- CLE – TD: 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...
  
  66-yard run (Dawson kick), 41–31 CLE
  - Drive: 1 play, 66 yards, 0:17 TOP
- CIN – TD: Houshmandzadeh 5-yard pass from Palmer (Graham kick), 41–38 CLE
  - Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 5:05 TOP
Fourth Quarter
- CLE – TD: Edwards 37-yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick), 48–38 CLE
  - Drive: 5 plays, 92 yards, 3:08 TOP
- CLE – FG: Dawson 18 yards, 51–38 CLE
  - Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 2:45 TOP
- CIN – TD: Holt
  Glenn Holt
  Glenn Holt, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
  
  7-yard pass from Palmer (Graham kick), 51–45 CLE
  - Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 2:05 TOP

Scott Player signed

On September 18, the team signed punter Scott Player

Scott Player

Scott Darwin Player is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Birmingham Barracudas as a street free agent in 1995...

to serve as an insurance policy in case Dave Zastudil

Dave Zastudil

David Michael Zastudil is an American football punter for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League...

was unable to play in the Browns' week three game against the Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...

. The Browns released punter Paul Ernster

Paul Ernster

Paul T. Ernster is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

to make room for Player on the team's roster.

AFC Player of the Week

For his performance against the Bengals, quarterback Derek Anderson was named the AFC Player of the Week

American Football Conference

The American Football Conference is one of the two conferences of the National Football League . This conference and its counterpart, the National Football Conference , currently contain 16 teams each, making up the 32 teams of the NFL....

. Anderson was 20-for-33 passing with five touchdowns and one interception for a passer rating of 121.0.

Week 3: at Oakland Raiders

The Cleveland Browns traveled to Oakland

Oakland, California

Oakland is a major West Coast port city on San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California. It is the eighth-largest city in the state with a 2010 population of 390,724...

for their first road game of the season to face the Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders

. Historically, the Browns and the Raiders split their all-time series at 27 games a piece heading into week three's game. The Browns had won six of their last seven meetings with the Raiders, but the team fell short by a final score of 26–24, allowing the Raiders to end their eleven-game losing streak.

The Browns' first drive was marred by three penalties and a sack, forcing the team into an almost-impossible 3rd-and-40 situation. The Browns were forced to punt, but held the Raiders to a three-and-out series on their first drive. However, the Browns were forced to punt again on their second drive, and allowed the Raiders to score the first points of the game on a 32-yard Sebastian Janikowski

Sebastian Janikowski

Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...

field goal, putting the Raiders up 3–0. The Browns' next drive ended prematurely, as quarterback Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

was intercepted by Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard, who returned the interception 26 yards. The Raiders' next drive was stalled by the Browns, forcing the team to kick a field goal, this time a 22-yard field goal. The Browns were forced to punt again on their next drive, and the Raiders were able to score on a 41-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Josh McCown

Josh McCown

Joshua Treadwell McCown is an American football quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Sam Houston State.McCown has played for the Detroit Lions, Oakland...

to wide receiver Ronald Curry

Ronald Curry

Ronald Antonio Curry is an American football wide receiver, currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at North Carolina....

. The score was made possible by a brilliant play-action fake which caused rookie cornerback Eric Wright

Eric A. Wright

to bite on the fake, allowing Curry to run untouched to the endzone. The Browns' next drive was once again ended by an interception, as Kirk Morrison

Kirk Morrison

Kirk David Morrison is an American football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

picked Anderson off and returned the interception 45 yards before being tackled by Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards

to save the touchdown. The Raiders were held to a field goal, this time 23 yards, despite their outstanding field position, increasing their lead to 16–0. On the kickoff, however, returner Josh Cribbs managed to break down the Raiders' defense en route to a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown, putting the Browns on the board for the first time in the game. The Raiders then fumbled on their next possession, allowing defensive end 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...

to fall on the loose ball. Anderson then led the Browns down the field to a 23-yard Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

field goal, bringing the Browns within six points as the first half came to a close.

Raiders quarterback McCown was replaced by Daunte Culpepper

Daunte Culpepper

Daunte Rachard Culpepper is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He last played for the Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League . Prior to joining the UFL, Culpepper enjoyed a successful National Football League career after being drafted 11th overall in...

at the start of the second half due to an ankle injury he sustained on a play in which defensive end Robaire Smith

Robaire Smith

Robaire Fredrick Smith is an American football player who is currently a free agent.-High school and college career:...

fell on his leg during a tackle. Culpepper's entrance into the game was met with a loud series of cheers from Raiders fans, who have wanted to see Culpepper on the field all year. His first drive leading the Raiders in the second half ended with a punt, but the Raiders held the Browns to a three-and-out, forcing another Browns punt. However, on the Raiders' next drive, a 24-yard pass from Culpepper to wide receiver Mike Williams was fumbled and recovered by cornerback 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...

. The Browns capitalized on the momentum from the fumble and scored six quick points on a 21-yard pass from Anderson to Edwards, bringing the Browns to within nine points of the Raiders. However, the Raiders' next drive culminated in a one-yard touchdown run by running back Lamont Jordan

LaMont Jordan

LaMont Damon Jordan is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...

, increasing the Raiders' lead to 23–17 while taking more than nine minutes off the game clock. The Browns were forced into a three-and-out on their next possession, and allowed the Raiders to score three more fourth-quarter points on a 48-yard Janikowski field goal, capping the Raiders' scoring for the day at 26, putting them ahead 26–17. The Browns would answer back on their next drive as Anderson scrambled from the pocket and scored on a one-yard touchdown run to bring the Browns within two points of the lead. After a Raider punt, the Browns were forced into their two-minute offense and had to get the ball within field goal range to have a chance of winning the game. The Browns managed to get the ball to the Oakland 22-yard line, and the field goal unit took the field with three seconds left on the clock. Kicker Phil Dawson managed to hit the field goal from 40 yards out; however, Raiders coach Lane Kiffin

Lane Kiffin

Lane Monte Kiffin is the current head coach of the University of Southern California Trojans college football team. He was previously the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers college football team, the Oakland Raiders of the NFL, and the offensive coordinator for the Trojans...

called a timeout just moments before Dawson kicked the ball, effectively icing his kick. With one more chance, the Browns lined up for the field goal again. This time, however, Dawson's field goal was blocked by Tommy Kelly

Tommy Kelly

Tommy Kelly is an American football player who currently plays defensive tackle for the Oakland Raiders.-Early years:...

, ending the Browns' chances for a comeback win.

With the win, the Raiders ended their eleven-game losing streak and took the lead in the overall series between the two teams, 28–27. Derek Anderson, despite his somewhat disappointing performance, put up nearly 250 yards passing for the second straight week, though running back 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...

was held to just 56 yards on 15 carries. With the loss, the Browns have extended their already long streak of games without winning two in a row. That last happened the final game of the 2003 season and the first game of 2004.

Scoring drives

First Quarter
- OAK — FG: Janikowski
  Sebastian Janikowski
  Sebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
  
  32 yards, 3–0 OAK
  - Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 5:34 TOP
Second Quarter
- OAK — FG: Janikowski 22 yards, 6–0 OAK
  - Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 2:35 TOP
- OAK — TD: Curry
  Ronald Curry
  Ronald Antonio Curry is an American football wide receiver, currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft after playing college football at North Carolina....
  
  41-yard pass from McCown
  Josh McCown
  Joshua Treadwell McCown is an American football quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Sam Houston State.McCown has played for the Detroit Lions, Oakland...
  
  (Janikowski kick), 13–0 OAK
  
  Drive: 8 plays, 93 yards, 4:03 TOP
- OAK — FG: Janikowski 23 yards, 16–0 OAK
  - Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:37 TOP
- CLE — FG: Dawson 23 yards, 16–10 OAK
  - Drive: 8 plays, 24 yards, 1:28 TOP
Third Quarter
- CLE — TD: 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....
  
  21-yard pass from 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...
  
  (Dawson kick), 17–16 CLE
  - Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards, 1:22 TOP
- OAK — TD: Jordan
  LaMont Jordan
  LaMont Damon Jordan is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
  
  1-yard run (Janikowski kick), 23–17 OAK
  
  Drive: 15 plays, 80 yards, 9:06 TOP
Fourth Quarter
- OAK — FG: Janikowski 48 yards, 26–17 OAK
  - Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 5:58 TOP
- CLE — TD: Anderson 1-yard run (Dawson kick), 26–24 OAK
  - Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:38 TOP

Week 4: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Coming off their last-second road loss to the Raiders, the Browns went home for an AFC North duel with the Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens

, as 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...

would go up against his former team. In the first quarter, Cleveland got off to a surprisingly fast start with QB Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

(another former Raven) completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Joe Jurevicius

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....

. Immediately after the defense intercepted QB Steve McNair

Steve McNair

Stephen LaTreal McNair was an American football quarterback who spent the majority of his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans....

, the Browns cashed in with Anderson completing a 78-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards

. In the second quarter, Baltimore would get on the board with 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...

getting a 21-yard field goal. Cleveland would answer kicker Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

nailing a 41-yard field goal, along with Lewis getting a 1-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, the Browns increased its lead with Dawson kicking a 20-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Ravens tried to mount a comeback with McNair completing a 4-yard TD pass to TE Quinn Sypniewski

Quinn Sypniewski

Quinn Brian Sypniewski [sip-New-ski] is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He is a graduate of Johnston, Iowa High School and played college football at Colorado.-College career:Sypniewski...

. Fortunately, Cleveland's defense held on to win.

With an impressive win, the Browns improved to 2–2.

Scoring drives

First Quarter
- CLE — TD: Jurevicius
  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....
  
  2-yard pass from 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...
  
  (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...
  
  kick), 7–0 CLE
  - Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 5:14 TOP
- CLE — TD: 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....
  
  78-yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick), 14–0 CLE
  
  Drive: 1 play, 78 yards, 0:08 TOP
Second Quarter
- BAL — FG: 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...
  
  21 yards, 14–3 CLE
  - Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards, 2:27 TOP
- CLE — FG: Dawson 41 yards, 17–3 CLE
  - Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 3:28 TOP
- CLE — TD: 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...
  
  1-yard run (Dawson kick), 24–3 CLE
  - Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 4:18 TOP
- BAL — FG: Stover 29 yards, 24–6 CLE
  - Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 4:00 TOP
Third Quarter
- CLE — FG: Dawson 20 yards, 27–6 CLE
  - Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:37 TOP

Fourth Quarter
- BAL — TD: Sypniewski
  Quinn Sypniewski
  Quinn Brian Sypniewski [sip-New-ski] is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He is a graduate of Johnston, Iowa High School and played college football at Colorado.-College career:Sypniewski...
  
  4-yard pass from McNair
  Steve McNair
  Stephen LaTreal McNair was an American football quarterback who spent the majority of his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans....
  
  (Stover kick), 27–13 CLE
  
  Drive: 13 plays, 85 yards, 6:27 TOP

AFC Player of the Month

For his performance in his team's return game, including a 99-yard kick return for a touchdown against the Raiders, kick returner Josh Cribbs was named the AFC's

American Football Conference

Special Teams Player of the Month for the month of September. Cribbs led all return men with 549 punt and kick return yards in the month and had three returns of 30 yards or more.

Week 5: at New England Patriots

Coming off their divisional home win over the Ravens, the Browns flew to Gillette Stadium

Gillette Stadium

Gillette Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston and from downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It serves as the home stadium and administrative offices for the New England Patriots football team and the New England Revolution...

for a Week 5 intraconference duel with the New England Patriots

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...

. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski

Stephen Gostkowski

Stephen Carroll Gostkowski is a placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League...

got a 20-yard field goal, while QB Tom Brady

Tom Brady

Thomas Edward Patrick "Tom" Brady, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . After playing college football at Michigan, Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.He has played in four Super Bowls,...

completed a 34-yard TD pass to WR Donté Stallworth. In the second quarter, the Browns continued to struggle as Gostkowski gave New England a 25-yard field goal, while Brady completed a 7-yard TD pass to TE Benjamin Watson

Benjamin Watson

Benjamin Watson is an American football tight end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots 32nd overall in the 2004 NFL draft. He played college football at Georgia.-Early years:Watson attended Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, South...

.

In the third quarter, Cleveland tried to come back with kicker Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

getting a 42-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Browns drew closer with QB Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

completing a 21-yard TD pass to WR Tim Carter. However, the Patriots resonded with Brady and Watson hooking up with each other on a 25-yard TD pass. The Browns tried to catch up with Anderson completing a 14-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow

Kellen Winslow II

. New England sealed its win with CB Randall Gay

Randall Gay

Randall "Blue" Jerome Gay, Jr. is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Louisiana State...

returning a fumble 19 yards for a touchdown.

With the loss, Cleveland fell to 2–3.

Scoring drives

First Quarter
- NE — FG: Gostkowski
  Stephen Gostkowski
  Stephen Carroll Gostkowski is a placekicker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League...
  
  20 yards, 3–0 NE
  - Drive: 14 plays, 78 yards, 6:59 TOP
- NE — TD: Stallworth 34-yard pass from Brady
  Tom Brady
  Thomas Edward Patrick "Tom" Brady, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . After playing college football at Michigan, Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.He has played in four Super Bowls,...
  
  (Gostkowski kick), 10–0 NE
  
  Drive: 1 play, 34 yards, 0:11 TOP
Second Quarter
- NE — FG: Gostkowski 25 yards, 13–0 NE
  - Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 4:17 TOP
- NE — TD: Watson
  Benjamin Watson
  Benjamin Watson is an American football tight end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots 32nd overall in the 2004 NFL draft. He played college football at Georgia.-Early years:Watson attended Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, South...
  
  7-yard pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick), 20–0 NE
  
  Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, 0:46 TOP
Third Quarter
- CLE — FG: 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...
  
  42 yards, 20–3 NE
  - Drive: 8 plays, 56 yards, 3:28 TOP

Fourth Quarter
- CLE — TD: Carter 21-yard pass from 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...
  
  (Dawson kick), 20–10 NE
  
  Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 3:50 TOP
- NE — TD: Watson 25-yard pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick), 27–10 NE
  - Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 4:30 TOP
- CLE — TD: 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...
  
  14-yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick), 27–17 NE
  
  Drive: 2 plays, 35 yards, 0:48 TOP
- NE — TD: Gay
  Randall Gay
  Randall "Blue" Jerome Gay, Jr. is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at Louisiana State...
  
  15-yard fumble return (Gostkowski kick), 34–17 NE

Week 6: vs. Miami Dolphins

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Patriots, the Browns went home and played a Week 6 intraconference duel with the winless Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins

. In the first quarter, Cleveland drew first blood with RB Jason Wright getting a 1-yard TD run. The Dolphins answered with kicker Jay Feely

Jay Feely

Thomas James "Jay" Feely is an American football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Jay played for the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer team that won the National Championships when he was 16....

getting a 43-yard field goal, yet the Browns would respond with QB Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Cleveland continued its pounding with kicker Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

getting a 40-yard field goal, along with Anderson completing a 24-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards

. The Dolphins would respond with QB Cleo Lemon

Cleo Lemon

Cleo "Cleonardo" Lemon, Jr. is a Canadian football quarterback in the Canadian Football League who is currently a free agent. He most recently played for the Toronto Argonauts. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2002...

completing a 14-yard TD pass to TE David Martin

David Martin (American football)

David Earl Martin is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL Draft...

. Afterwards, the Browns would end the half with kicker Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

nailing a 20-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Miami managed to shrink Cleveland's lead with Lemon getting a 5-yard and a 1-yard TD run. Fortunately, in the fourth quarter, the Browns would put the game out of reach as Anderson and Edwards hooking up with each other again on a 5-yard and a 16-yard TD pass. Afterwards, the Dolphins only response was Lemon's 4-yard TD pass to Martin.

With the win, the Browns entered their bye week at 3–3.

Scoring Drives

First Quarter
- CLE – TD: Wright 1 yard run (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...
  
  kick), 7–0 CLE
  - Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 2:14 TOP
- MIA – FG: Feely
  Jay Feely
  Thomas James "Jay" Feely is an American football placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. Jay played for the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer team that won the National Championships when he was 16....
  
  43 yards, 7–3 CLE
  - Drive: 10 plays, 43 yards, 3:43 TOP
- CLE – TD: 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...
  
  1 yard run (Dawson kick), 14–3 CLE
  - Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 6:08 TOP
Second Quarter
- CLE – FG: Dawson 40 yards, 17–3 CLE
  - Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 5:10 TOP
- CLE – TD: 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....
  
  24-yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick), 24–3 CLE
  - Drive: 1 play, 24 yards, 0:06 TOP
- MIA – TD: Martin
  David Martin (American football)
  David Earl Martin is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
  
  14-yard pass from Lemon
  Cleo Lemon
  Cleo "Cleonardo" Lemon, Jr. is a Canadian football quarterback in the Canadian Football League who is currently a free agent. He most recently played for the Toronto Argonauts. He was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
  
  (Feely kick), 24–10 CLE
  - Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:10 TOP
- CLE – FG: Dawson 20 yards, 27–10 CLE
  - Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 1:03 TOP
Third Quarter
- MIA – TD: Lemon 5 yard run (Feely kick), 27–17 CLE
  - Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:03 TOP
- MIA – TD: Lemon 1 yard run (Feely kick), 27–24 CLE
  - Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 3:41 TOP
Fourth Quarter
- CLE – TD: Edwards 5-yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick), 34–24 CLE
  - Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 6:53 TOP
- CLE – TD: Edwards 16-yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick), 41–24 CLE
  - Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:27 TOP
- MIA – TD: Martin 4-yard pass from Lemon (Feely kick), 41–31 CLE
  - Drive: 4 plays, 26 yards, 0:51 TOP

Week 8: at St. Louis Rams

Coming off their bye week, the Browns flew to the Edward Jones Dome

Edward Jones Dome

The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome The Edward Jones Dome (more formally known as the Edward Jones Dome at America's Center, and previously known as The Trans World Dome (from 1995–2001) is a multi-purpose stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, and home of the St. Louis Rams of the NFL. It was...

for a Week 8 interconference duel with the winless St. Louis Rams

St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...

. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Rams RB Steven Jackson

Steven Jackson

Steven Rashad Jackson is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Rams 24th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State University....

got a 2-yard TD run, along with QB Marc Bulger

Marc Bulger

Marc Robert Bulger [] is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....

completing a 1-yard TD pass to WR Torry Holt

Torry Holt

After injuring his knee at the Senior Bowl, Holt, at 192 pounds, ran a 4.44 second 40-yard dash and had a vertical jump of 37 inches at the 1999 NFL Combine-St. Louis Rams:...

. The Browns responded with kicker Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

getting a 35-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Cleveland took the lead with QB Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards

and a 21-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow

Kellen Winslow II

. St. Louis managed to tie the game prior to halftime with kicker Jeff Wilkins

Jeff Wilkins

For the American basketball player, see Jeff Wilkins .Jeffrey Allen Wilkins nicknamed "Money" is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and St Louis Rams. He played college football at Youngstown State University...

getting a 40-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Browns jumped back into the lead as Anderson and Edwards hooked up with each other on a 5-yard TD pass. The Rams replied with Wilkins kicking a 46-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland got the only score of the period and the victory as Dawson nailed a 45-yard field goal.

With the win, not only did the Browns improve to 4–3, but it would mark the first time since 2003 that Cleveland managed to get back-to-back wins in one season.

Scoring Drives

First Quarter
- STL – TD: Jackson
  Steven Jackson
  Steven Rashad Jackson is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Rams 24th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State University....
  
  2 yard run (Wilkins
  Jeff Wilkins
  For the American basketball player, see Jeff Wilkins .Jeffrey Allen Wilkins nicknamed "Money" is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and St Louis Rams. He played college football at Youngstown State University...
  
  kick), 7–0 STL
  - Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 3:23 TOP
- STL – TD: Holt
  Torry Holt
  After injuring his knee at the Senior Bowl, Holt, at 192 pounds, ran a 4.44 second 40-yard dash and had a vertical jump of 37 inches at the 1999 NFL Combine-St. Louis Rams:...
  
  1 yard pass from Bulger
  Marc Bulger
  Marc Robert Bulger [] is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
  
  (Wilkins kick), 14–0 STL
  
  Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 5:21 TOP
- CLE – FG: 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...
  
  35 yards, 14–3 STL
  - Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:28 TOP

Second Quarter
- CLE – TD: 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....
  
  12 yard pass from 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...
  
  (Dawson kick), 14–10 STL
  
  Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 5:04 TOP
- CLE – TD: 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...
  
  21-yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick), 17–14 CLE
  - Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:13 TOP
- STL – FG: Wilkins 40 yards, 17–17
  - Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 1:08 TOP
Third Quarter
- CLE – TD: Edwards 5 yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick), 24–17 CLE
  - Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:16 TOP
- STL – FG: Wilkins 46 yards, 24–20 CLE
  - Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 5:18 TOP
Fourth Quarter
- CLE – FG: Dawson 45 yards, 27–20 CLE
  - Drive: 12 plays, 45 yards, 7:51 TOP

Week 9: vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Browns returned home to face the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks

in a late afternoon game. The Seahawks struck first as Matt Hasselbeck

Matt Hasselbeck

Matthew Michael Hasselbeck is a National Football League quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft, and traded to Seattle in 2001. After becoming the starter in 2003, Hasselbeck led Seattle to six playoff appearances and...

found Bobby Engram

Bobby Engram

Simon J. "Bobby" Engram III is currently the offensive assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft...

for a 5-yard touchdown pass. The Browns struck back in the 2nd quarter as 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...

scored on a 2-yard run, but Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

missed the extra point. The Seahawks then scored twice more to put the Browns in a hole, first on a Hasselbeck 6-yard pass to D.J. Hackett

D.J. Hackett

DeAndre James "D. J." Hackett is an American football wide receiver who is currently a Free Agent. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...

, then on a 94-yard punt return by Nate Burleson

Nate Burleson

Nathaniel Burleson is an American football player, who currently plays wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League . Burleson played college football for the University of Nevada Wolf Pack, and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2003 NFL...

. Dawson would add a 19-yard field goal to make the score 21–9 at the half.

In the second half, Cleveland opened up with a long drive capped off by Jamal Lewis' 1-yard run for a touchdown. After Josh Brown kicked a field goal for the Seahawks, Lewis scored again from 2 yards out. The Browns tried for two points after this touchdown, but failed to convert. Brown then kicked another field goal to make the score 27–22 with about 7 minutes to play. The Browns drove 89 yards to take the lead for the first time in the game, with Lewis scoring his career-high fourth rushing touchdown of the game. The Browns again went for two, and this time Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

found Joe Jurevicius

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....

for the conversion to put the Browns up by three. The Seahawks then drove down for a game-tying field goal by Brown. In overtime, the Seahawks had the ball first, but were stopped on a 4th-and-1 play, turning the ball over on downs. Cleveland was then able to drive into field goal range, and Dawson kicked a 25-yard field goal for the victory, the Browns' third win in a row (the first time that they had achieved this since 2001

2001 Cleveland Browns season

The 2001 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 49th season with the National Football League.-Regular season:The most notabale game from the 2001 Cleveland Browns season came on a December 16 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Browns were driving toward the east end zone for what would...

Scoring summary
Q	Team	Time	Scoring play	Score

Week 10: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Coming off their overtime home win over the Seahawks, the Browns flew to Heinz Field

Heinz Field

Heinz 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...

for Round 2 of the 2007 Rust Belt series with the Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers

. In the first quarter, Cleveland got off to a fast start as QB Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

completed a 4-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow

Kellen Winslow II

. The Steelers would respond with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Browns increased their lead with Anderson completing a 2-yard TD pass to FB Lawrence Vickers

Lawrence Vickers

, while Pittsburgh only managed to have Reed kick 35-yard field goal. Afterwards, Cleveland continued its early pounding with Anderson completing a 16-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards

, who managed to keep the tips of his feet inbounds. The Steelers would end the half with Reed kicking a 30-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Pittsburgh began to rally as QB Ben Roethlisberger

Ben Roethlisberger

completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward

Hines Ward

for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers took the lead as Roethlisberger got a 30-yard TD run. Fortunately, the Browns immediately responded as WR/KR Josh Cribbs returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. However, Pittsburgh regained the lead with Roethlisberger completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Heath Miller

Heath Miller

. Cleveland managed to get a late drive and tried to force overtime, but kicker Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

's 53-yard field goal attempt fell short.

With their ninth-straight loss to the Steelers, the Browns fell to 5–4.

Edwards' only catch of the game, a 16-yard TD reception, gave him his 10th TD reception on the year. This would be the most in franchise history since 1969.

Scoring Drives

Scoring summary
Q	Team	Time	Scoring play	Extra point	Drive	Score
1	Browns	4:10	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... 4-yard pass to 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...	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... kick	16 plays, 71 yards, 8:55	7–0 CLE
1	Steelers	1:29	Reed 28-yard field goal		7, 52, 2:41	7–3 CLE
2	Browns	14:56	Anderson 2 yard pass to Vickers Lawrence Vickers Lawrence Blanchard Vickers, Jr. is an American football fullback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft...	Dawson kick	4, 3, 1:33	14–3 CLE
2	Steelers	9:02	Reed 35-yard field goal		10, 54, 5:54	14–6 CLE
2	Browns	5:24	Anderson 16-yard pass to 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....	Dawson kick	3, 18, 0:59	21–6 CLE
2	Steelers	:04	Reed 35-yard field goal		15, 57, 5:20	21–9 CLE
3	Steelers	6:14	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... 12-yard pass to 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...	Reed kick	4, 38, 2:04	21–16 CLE
4	Steelers	11:32	Roethlisberger 30-yard run	Roethlisberger pass to Ward	7, 66, 3:15	24–21 PIT
4	Browns	11:14	Cribbs 100-yard kickoff return	Dawson kick	no drive, 0:18	28–24 CLE
4	Steelers	3:13	Roethlisberger 2-yard pass to Miller Heath Miller Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...	Reed kick	14, 78, 8:01	31–28 PIT

Week 11: at Baltimore Ravens

Hoping to rebound from their last-second road loss to the Steelers, the Browns flew to M&T Bank Stadium

M&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 an AFC North rematch with the Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens

. In the first quarter, Cleveland drew first blood as kicker Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

mananged to get a 28-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Browns increased its lead as 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...

(in his first game back in Baltimore) managed to get a 1-yard touchdown. The Ravens managed to get on the board with LB Ray Lewis returning an interception 35 yards for a touchdown. Fortunately, Cleveland responded with Dawson kicking a 39-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Baltimore took the lead 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 2-yard TD run. Fortunately, the Browns replied with QB Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

getting a 1-yard TD run, while Safety Brodney Pool

Brodney Pool

Brodney Depaul Pool is an American football safety for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma....

returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, the Ravens tied the game with kicker Matt Stover

Matt Stover

(a former Brown) managed to kick a 34-yard & a 41-yard field goal, while QB Kyle Boller

Kyle Boller

Kyle Bryan Boller is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at The University of California.Boller has also played for the St...

completed a 27-yard TD pass to WR Devard Darling

Devard Darling

Devard Loran Darling is a Bahamian-American wide receiver of American football who is currently a member of the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State University and Washington State...

. Afterwards, Baltimore retook the lead with Stover kicking a 47-yard field goal. Cleveland tried to make a comeback, as they managed to get into field goal range. Initially, Dawson's 51-yard attempt was ruled no good. However, it turns out that the ball bounced off the upright, went in, bounced off the support bar, and then went back onto the field. In the end, the Browns were awarded the field goal. In overtime, Cleveland sealed the Ravens' fate as Dawson nailed the game-winning 33-yard field goal.

With the win, not only did the Browns improve to 6–4, but it also marked the first time since 2001 that Cleveland swept Baltimore.

WR/KR/PR Josh Cribbs became the 3rd NFL player since the AFL-NFL merger of 1970 to have 300+ return yards in one game.

Scoring summary
Q	Team	Time	Scoring play	Score

Week 12: vs. Houston Texans

Coming off their season-sweeping road win over the Ravens, the Browns went home for a Week 12 duel with the Houston Texans

Houston Texans

. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Texans QB Matt Schaub

Matt Schaub

Matthew Rutledge Schaub is the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.-College career:...

completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Walter

Kevin Walter

Kevin 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...

for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Browns answered with QB Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

completing a 19-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards

. However, Houston woud retake the lead as kicker Kris Brown

Kris Brown

Kristopher "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...

managed to get a 41-yard field goal. Fortunately, Cleveland regained the lead with Anderson completing a 7-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow

Kellen Winslow II

.

In the third quarter, the Browns added on to their lead as kicker Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

getting a 25-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland pulled away with Dawson nailing a 27-yard field goal, along 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. The Texans' only response would be Schaub's 6-yard TD pass to TE Owen Daniels

Owen Daniels

Owen Daniels is an American football tight end and emergency backup quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...

.

With the win, the Browns improved to 7–4. This would also be the first time since 1994 that Cleveland had won five-straight home games.

For Braylon Edwards (4 receptions for 57 yards and 1 touchdown), who had 11 touchdown receptions on the year after this game, it would be the most by a Browns receiver since Gary Collins had 11 in 1963.

For Derek Anderson (24/35 for 253 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception), his 22 touchdown passes (up to this point in the year) is the best by a Browns quarterback since Bernie Kosar

Bernie Kosar

Bernard Joseph "Bernie" Kosar, Jr. is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League. Kosar played for the Cleveland Browns from 1985 to 1993 and then finished his career with the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins.-Early life and high school career:A Hungarian-American...

had 22 in 1987.

Scoring summary
Q	Team	Time	Scoring play	Score

AFC Players of the Month

For the month of November, Josh Cribbs was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month (for the second time in the season), due in large to his spectacular returns in the Pittsburgh game. Additionally, Joe Thomas was named the AFC Offensive Rookie of the Month for his continuing improvement anchoring Cleveland's offensive line, as evidenced by the increased production of 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 the rarity of Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

being sacked.

Week 13: at Arizona Cardinals

Coming off their home win over the Texans, the Browns flew to the University of Phoenix Stadium

University of Phoenix Stadium

University of Phoenix Stadium, opened August 1, 2006, is a multipurpose football stadium located in Glendale, Arizona. It is the home of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League and the annual Fiesta Bowl...

for a Week 13 interconference duel with the Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...

. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Cardinals CB Roderick Hood

Roderick Hood

Roderick "Rod" Hood is an American football cornerback for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2003...

returned an interception 71 yards for a touchdown, while QB Kurt Warner

Kurt Warner

Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...

completed a 5-yard TD pass to TE Leonard Pope

Leonard Pope

Leonard Pope is an American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...

. The Browns would get on the board with kicker Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

getting a 37-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Cleveland started to rebound as QB Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

completed a 6-yard TD pass to 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...

for the only score of the period.

In the third quarter, Arizona responded with Warner completing a 1-yard TD pass to WR Bryant Johnson

Bryant Johnson

Bryant Andrew Johnson is an American football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals 17th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft...

. The Browns would reply with Anderson completing a 67-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards

(followed by Josh Cribbs' 2-point conversion pass to TE Kellen Winslow

Kellen Winslow II

). In the fourth quarter, the Cardinals increased their lead with kicker Neil Rackers

Neil Rackers

Neil William Rackers is an American football placekicker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft...

getting a 33-yard field goal. Afterwards, Dawson gave Cleveland a 22-yard field goal, yet Arizona answered with Rackers completing a 19-yard field goal. At the end of the game, the Browns had one final chance to win it all. Winslow caught a 37-yard would-be touchdown pass from Anderson in the corner of the endzone just beyond the goal line. After being hit by a defender in mid-air, Winslow's body rotated vertically, and only one of Winslow's feet was able to contact the ground in-bounds. Despite the NFL's "forceout rule" being in effect at the time, the play was ruled incomplete. The play was officially reviewed and upheld, as the forceout rule was not permitted to be invoked based on a review. The NFL eliminated the forceout rule following the 2007 NFL season.
After this game, Cleveland fell to 7–5.

Derek Anderson had thrown 24 TD passes at this point in the season (the most for a Browns quarterback since 1983).

Scoring summary
Q	Team	Time	Scoring play	Score

Week 14: at New York Jets

Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Cardinals, the Browns flew to The Meadowlands

Giants Stadium

Giants Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The building itself was 230.5 m long, 180.5 m wide and 44 m high from service level to the top of the seating bowl and 54 m high to...

for a Week 14 intraconference duel with the New York Jets

New York Jets

The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...

. After a scoreless first quarter, Cleveland drew first blood in the second quarter as QB Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

completed a 7-yard TD pass to 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...

. The Jets would reply with kicker Mike Nugent

Mike Nugent

Mike Nugent is an American football placekicker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

getting a 35-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, the Browns continued their recent success with Anderson completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards

. New York would answer with Nugent kicking a 41-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland increased its lead with kicker Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

getting a 49-yard field goal. The Jets tried to come back as QB Kellen Clemens

Kellen Clemens

Kellen Clemens is an American football quarterback who is currently a member of the Houston Texans of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft...

managed to get a 1-yard TD run, while Nugent kicked a 38-yard field goal. Afterwards, Cleveland pulled away as Lewis got a 31-yard TD run. New York would end the game with Nugent nailing a 35-yard field goal.

With the win, the Browns improved to 8–5.

After 14 weeks, Cleveland has scored 360 points, which is their most since 1987.

Scoring summary
Q	Team	Time	Scoring play	Score

Week 15: vs. Buffalo Bills

Coming off their road win over the Jets, the Browns went home for a Week 15 intraconference game 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...

, trying to protect their #6 playoff spot.

In the first quarter, Cleveland scored as kicker Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

managed to get a 35-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Browns' lead increased as Bills LS Ryan Neill

Ryan Neill

Ryan Neill is an American football long snapper who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He grew up in Wayne, New Jersey and played college football at Rutgers.Neill has also played for the San Diego...

's snap to Punter Brian Moorman

Brian Moorman

Brian Donald Moorman is an American football punter who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played collegiately at Pittsburg State.Moorman is a two-time Pro Bowl selection for...

went over Moorman's head, causing him to kick the ball through Cleveland's endzone for a safety. Later, the Browns scored again as Dawson made a 49-yard field goal. Near the end of the game, Buffalo drove deep into Cleveland territory; however, Buffalo turned the ball over on downs, and Cleveland ran the clock out for the win.

With the win, the Browns improved to 9–5. This would also be the very first game ending in a score of 8–0 since November 10, 1929, when the Chicago Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals

won over the Minneapolis Red Jackets.

Scoring summary
Q	Team	Time	Scoring play	Score

Week 16: at Cincinnati Bengals

Needing a win to secure their first playoff berth since 2002, the Browns flew to Paul Brown Stadium

Paul 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 Round 2 of the 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...

with the Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals

. After a scoreless first quarter, Cleveland trailed in the second quarter as Bengals 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...

nailed a 29-yard and a 38-yard field goal, along with QB Carson Palmer

Carson Palmer

completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh

T. J. Houshmandzadeh

and RB Kenny Watson

Kenny Watson

Kenneth Dwight Watson is an American football running back who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2001...

getting a 1-yard TD run.

In the third quarter, the Browns began to rally as QB Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards

for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland drew closer as Anderson and Edwards hooked up with each other again on a 5-yard TD pass. Late in the game, the Browns tried to take the lead, but Cincinnti's early lead was too much to overcome.

With the loss, Cleveland fell to 9–6.

Despite the loss, Braylon Edwards set the Browns' single-season record for the most touchdown receptions with 15. Also, with TE Kellen Winslow

Kellen Winslow II

reaching 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career, Edwards & Winslow became the franchise's first receiving duo to get 1,000 yards in the same year.

Scoring summary
Q	Team	Time	Scoring play	Score

Week 17: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Needing a Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans

loss (or a win and a Tennessee tie) to make the playoffs, the Browns closed out the regular season with a Week 17 interconference duel with the San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers

. In the first quarter, Cleveland got the first punch with WR/PR/KR Josh Cribbs returning a punt 76 yards for a touchdown for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Browns increased their lead with QB Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

completing a 45-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards

. The 49ers would get on the board with QB Chris Weinke

Chris Weinke

Christopher Jon Weinke is a former professional American football and baseball player. After spending six years in the Toronto Blue Jays minor league baseball system, he enrolled at Florida State University at the age of 26, and played quarterback for the Florida State Seminoles...

completing a 7-yard TD pass to WR Darrell Jackson

Darrell Jackson

Darrell Lamont Jackson is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League for nine seasons...

. Cleveland would end the half with kicker Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

completing a 23-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, the Browns ended the game in the fourth quarter with Dawson nailing a 49-yard field goal. With the win, Cleveland ended the regular season at 10–6, the franchise's first 10-win season since 1994.

However, despite winning over San Francisco, the Browns' season ended when the Titans won the Sunday night game over the Colts. This is because Tennessee had a better record against common opponents (4–1) than Cleveland (3–2).

The Browns were the season's only 9+ win team to not make the playoffs. Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards

ended the season as the Browns' all-time single-season leader in receiving yards with 1,289 yards, breaking Webster Slaughter

Webster Slaughter

Webster Melvin Slaughter is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League from 1986 to 1998....

's 1989 record of 1,236 yards. Also, rookie QB Brady Quinn

Brady Quinn

made his NFL debut while Derek Anderson was nursing a mildly-injured thumb. He went 3 of 8 for 48 yards.

Scoring summary
Q	Team	Time	Scoring play	Score

2008 Pro Bowl

Six Browns players, Wide receiver Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards

, kick returner Josh Cribbs, left tackle Joe Thomas, longsnapper Ryan Pontbriand

Ryan Pontbriand

Ryan 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...

, tight end Kellen Winslow II

Kellen Winslow II

, and quarterback Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson (American football)

were named to the AFC

American Football Conference

team to represent the Cleveland Browns during the 2008 Pro Bowl

2008 Pro Bowl

The 2008 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl was the NFL's all-star game for the 2007 season. It was played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 10, 2008. The game was televised in the United States by Fox and began shortly after 11:40am local time . The NFC won, 42–30, despite a 17-point first half AFC...

. Announced on December 18, 2007, this marked the first time since the 2001 NFL season

2001 NFL season

The 2001 NFL season was the 82nd regular season of the National Football League.Following a pattern set in 1999, the first week of the season was permanently moved to the weekend following Labor Day...

that the Browns had had a Pro Bowl player, with the last being Jamir Miller

Jamir Miller

Jamir Malik Miller is a former professional American football linebacker with the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns of the NFL.-College career:He played for the UCLA Bruins from 1991 through 1993...

representing the team at the 2002 Pro Bowl

2002 Pro Bowl

The 2002 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl was played on February 9, 2002 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. The final score was AFC 38, NFC 30. Rich Gannon of the Oakland Raiders was the game's MVP.-Offense:-Defense:-Special teams:-Offense:-Defense:...

as a linebacker. It was the most selections for a Browns team since the 1995 season.

Edwards was one of the AFC's reserve wide receivers, while Cribbs started as the AFC's kick returner. Thomas, Anderson, and Winslow were all voted first alternates but all played due to injuries or other players electing not to participate in the game. Pontbriand was elected as a "needs" player by the AFC coaching staff.

Guard Eric Steinbach

Eric Steinbach

(1st), fullback Lawrence Vickers

Lawrence Vickers

(2nd), and placekicker Phil Dawson

Phil Dawson

(3rd) were named alternates at their respective positions.

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