2007 Cleveland Browns season
Encyclopedia
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
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
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
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...

, 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
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...

 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
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 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...

 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
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
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
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...

 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...

 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 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
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...

 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...

 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 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
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...

 Robaire Smith
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
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...

.

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 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
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...

 Ryan Krause
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
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...

 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 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 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
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...

 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
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
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
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
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 pick of the draft, after many had predicted that the Browns would select 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
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...

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
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...

 Adrian Peterson. However, the Browns selected Quinn with the 22nd selection of the draft, following 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 of the 2007 draft and their first-round pick of 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 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
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...

. 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
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...

 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...

; 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
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...

 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...

.

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
    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...

     T
  • 66 Hank Fraley
    Hank Fraley
    Henry "Hank" F. Fraley is an American football offensive lineman who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played college football at Robert Morris.Fraley has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and St...

     C
  • 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...

     T
  • 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...

     G
  • 65 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...

     G
  • 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
    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...

     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
    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...

     WR (IR)
  • 78 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...

     NT (IR)
  • 68 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...

     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
    -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...

     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...

    , 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
    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...

     stated that he didn't know who would start at quarterback in the next game versus the Cincinnati Bengals
    Cincinnati Bengals
    The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...

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

     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
    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...

     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
    Phillip "Phil" Savage, Jr. is a former general manager for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He is currently a player personnel executive for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was the senior vice president and general manager of the Browns from 2005–2008...

    , stated that 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
    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...

    . 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)
    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...

    , 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
    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...

     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
    -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....

     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
    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...

    ; 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
    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....

     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
    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...

    . 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)
    Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

     was 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
    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...

     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
    -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....

     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
    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, 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 — TD: Cribbs 99-yard kickoff return (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), 16–7 OAK
      • 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
    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...

    , 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)
    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...

     (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
    -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....

    . 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
    Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...

     nailing a 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
    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....

     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
    Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...

     getting a 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)
    Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

     completing a 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
    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...

    . 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
    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...

    . 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)
    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...

     getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Cleveland continued its pounding with kicker Phil Dawson
    Phil Dawson
    Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...

     getting a 40-yard field goal, along with Anderson completing a 24-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards
    Braylon Edwards
    -Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....

    . 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
    Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...

     nailing a 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
    Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...

     getting a 35-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Cleveland took the lead with QB Derek Anderson
    Derek Anderson (American football)
    Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

     completing a 12-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards
    Braylon Edwards
    -Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....

     and a 21-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow
    Kellen Winslow II
    Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...

    . 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
    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...

     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
    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...

     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)
    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...

     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
    The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...

    . In the first quarter, Cleveland got off to a fast start as QB Derek Anderson
    Derek Anderson (American football)
    Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

     completed a 4-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow
    Kellen Winslow II
    Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...

    . 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
    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...

    , 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
    -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....

    , 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
    Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...

     completed a 12-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward
    Hines Ward
    Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...

     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
    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:...

    . Cleveland managed to get a late drive and tried to force overtime, but kicker Phil Dawson
    Phil Dawson
    Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...

    '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
    The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...

    . In the first quarter, Cleveland drew first blood as kicker Phil Dawson
    Phil Dawson
    Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...

     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)
    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...

     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
    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...

     (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
    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...

    . 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)
    Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

     completing a 19-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards
    Braylon Edwards
    -Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....

    . However, 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
    Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...

    .

    In the third quarter, the Browns added on to their lead as kicker Phil Dawson
    Phil Dawson
    Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...

     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)
    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...

     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
    Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...

     getting a 37-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Cleveland started to rebound as QB Derek Anderson
    Derek Anderson (American football)
    Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

     completed a 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
    -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....

     (followed by Josh Cribbs' 2-point conversion pass to TE Kellen Winslow
    Kellen Winslow II
    Kellen Boswell Winslow, II is an American football tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns sixth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft...

    ). In the 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)
    Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

     completed a 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
    -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....

    . 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
    Philip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...

     getting a 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
    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...

     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
    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...

     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
    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...

    . 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
    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...

     completing a 5-yard TD pass to WR 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...

     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)
    Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

     completed a 2-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards
    Braylon Edwards
    -Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....

     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
    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...

     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
    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...

     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
    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...

    . 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)
    Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football quarterback for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft...

     completing a 45-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards
    Braylon Edwards
    -Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....

    . 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
    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...

     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
    -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....

     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
    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...

     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
    -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....

    , 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
    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...

    , and 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...

     were named to the AFC
    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....

     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
    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...

     (1st), 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...

     (2nd), and placekicker 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...

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