2011 Cleveland Browns season
Encyclopedia
The 2011
Cleveland Browns
season will be the team's 65th season as a professional sports franchise and its 61st season as a member of the National Football League
(NFL). The team will attempt to improve on its 2010 season
, where it finished with a record of 5–11 and placed third in the AFC North
. The team will also attempt to break an eight-season playoff appearance drought, the longest in franchise history. This season marks the second season under the leadership of team president Mike Holmgren
and general manager Tom Heckert. It will be the first season under head coach Pat Shurmur
. The Browns will play all of their home games at Cleveland Browns Stadium
in Cleveland, Ohio
.
. In two seasons with the Browns, Mangini had a record of 10–22 and a disappointing 2–10 record against division opponents.
On January 13, the team hired former St. Louis Rams
' offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur
to replace Mangini as head coach. Shurmur served as the Rams' offensive coordinator from 2009–2010, and was an offensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles
from 1999–2008. This is his first opportunity as an NFL head coach.
On January 21, Shurmur made his first addition to the coaching staff, by hiring Dick Jauron
as defensive coordinator. Jauron, who most recently served as the Philadelphia Eagles' secondary coach, has served as defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars
from 1995–98, head coach of the Chicago Bears
from 1999–2003, and head coach of the Buffalo Bills
from 2006–09. Jauron replaces Rob Ryan
, who became the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys
.
On January 25, the Browns hired Chris Tabor as special teams coordinator. Tabor most recently served as the Chicago Bears' assistant special teams coach from 2008–2010. Tabor replaces Brad Seely
, who became the special teams coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers
.
On January 31, the Browns added four new coaches to their staff. The Browns hired former Oakland Raiders
defensive line coach Dwaine Board
as defensive line coach, former Arizona Cardinals
defensive coordinator Billy Davis
as linebackers coach, former University of Miami
offensive coordinator Mark Whipple
as quarterbacks coach, and former NFL wide receiver Mike Wilson
as wide receivers coach.
The rest of the Browns' position coaches were retained from Mangini's staff. The Browns have not hired an offensive coordinator, as Shurmur intends to call the offensive plays for the team.
of Coach Pat Shurmur
and the 4-3 defense of defensive coordinator Dick Jauron
.
F The Browns placed the franchise tag
on Dawson
The Browns did not have a 3rd or 6th round selection. The Browns traded their original 7th round selection but later received a new 7th round selection as a compensatory pick.
* Weatherhead also played for the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League
.
As the Browns do not play any road games against teams that traditionally wear white at home, it is possible that the Browns could wear their white jerseys for every game of the season.
After the final preseason game, all teams had to reduce their rosters to 53 players. The Browns released 25 players and placed two players – RB Brandon Jackson and G Eric Steinbach
– on injured reserve. Notable players released include QB Jarrett Brown
and DB Coye Francies
.
COLOR KEY & NOTES:
. The Bengals struck first, with two Mike Nugent
field goals and a Jermaine Gresham
touchdown reception. Down 13-0, the Browns struck back, with Colt McCoy
completing two touchdown passes to give Cleveland the lead at halftime. Phil Dawson
gave the Browns an insurance field goal, but late in the fourth, Bengals backup QB Bruce Gradkowski
caught the Browns defense slow out of the huddle and hit A. J. Green
for a 41 yard touchdown that proved to be the game winner. With the 27-17 loss, the Browns started the season 0-1.
in Week 2, with both teams looking to rebound from losses. The Colts moved the ball well early, but had to settle for two Adam Vinatieri
field goals to take a 6-0 lead. The Browns answered with an Evan Moore
touchdown reception from Colt McCoy
. The Colts briefly regained the lead on another Vinatieri field goal, but the Browns responded with a Peyton Hillis
touchdown run to take a 14-9 lead into halftime. The Colts added another field goal in the third, but the Browns scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth to put the game away and defeat the Colts 27-19. With the win, the Browns improved to 1-1.
without their leading rusher Peyton Hillis
in a Week 3 matchup. The Dolphins took an early lead, converting a Colt McCoy
interception into a 7-0 lead on a touchdown pass from Chad Henne
. The Browns tied the game on a touchdown pass from McCoy to Joshua Cribbs
. The Dolphins took the lead again on a Dan Carpenter
field goal, and took a 10-7 lead into halftime. The Browns again tied the game in the third with Phil Dawson
's field goal. The Dolphins added two more field goals, and had the Browns down six points in the final minutes. McCoy led the Browns down the field, and hit Mohamed Massaquoi
on a 14 yard touchdown pass to give the Browns a last-minute, 17-16 victory. With the win, the Browns improved to 2-1.
.
2011 NFL season
The 2011 NFL season, the 92nd regular season of the National Football League, began on Thursday, September 8, 2011 with the Super Bowl XLV champion Green Bay Packers defeating the New Orleans Saints 42–34 at Lambeau Field and will end with Super Bowl XLVI, the league's championship game, on...
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 will be the team's 65th season as a professional sports franchise and its 61st season as a member of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
(NFL). The team will attempt to improve on its 2010 season
2010 Cleveland Browns season
The 2010 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 64th season as a professional sports franchise and its 60th season as a member of the National Football League . The team failed to break the longest playoff appearance drought in franchise history, a current streak of eight seasons without reaching...
, where it finished with a record of 5–11 and placed third 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 team will also attempt to break an eight-season playoff appearance drought, the longest in franchise history. This season marks the second season under the leadership of team president Mike Holmgren
Mike Holmgren
Michael George Holmgren is a former professional football coach and current President of the Cleveland Browns. He served as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1992 to 1998, and the Seattle Seahawks from 1999 to 2008...
and general manager Tom Heckert. It will be the first season under head coach Pat Shurmur
Pat Shurmur
Pat Shurmur is currently the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.-Playing career:Shurmur was a four-year letterman in football at Michigan State University. He played guard and linebacker his freshman season, and started at center the next three seasons. He earned All-Big 10 Conference honors in...
. The Browns will play all of their home games at Cleveland Browns Stadium
Cleveland Browns Stadium
-See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity...
in Cleveland, 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...
.
Personnel changes
On January 3, 2011, one day after the 2010 season, the Browns fired head coach Eric ManginiEric Mangini
Eric Mangini is the former head coach of the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets of the National Football League and current NFL analyst for ESPN.-College:...
. In two seasons with the Browns, Mangini had a record of 10–22 and a disappointing 2–10 record against division opponents.
On January 13, the team hired former 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,...
' offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur
Pat Shurmur
Pat Shurmur is currently the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.-Playing career:Shurmur was a four-year letterman in football at Michigan State University. He played guard and linebacker his freshman season, and started at center the next three seasons. He earned All-Big 10 Conference honors in...
to replace Mangini as head coach. Shurmur served as the Rams' offensive coordinator from 2009–2010, and was an offensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
from 1999–2008. This is his first opportunity as an NFL head coach.
On January 21, Shurmur made his first addition to the coaching staff, by hiring Dick Jauron
Dick Jauron
Richard Manuel Jauron is the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills from 2006 until November 2009. Jauron has previously held head coaching positions with the Chicago Bears and, on an interim basis, with the...
as defensive coordinator. Jauron, who most recently served as the Philadelphia Eagles' secondary coach, has served as defensive coordinator for 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...
from 1995–98, head coach of the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
from 1999–2003, and head coach of 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...
from 2006–09. Jauron replaces Rob Ryan
Rob Ryan
Rob Ryan is the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He is the son of former defensive coordinator and head coach Buddy Ryan and the twin brother of current head coach of the New York Jets, Rex Ryan.-Early life:When his parents, Doris and Buddy Ryan,...
, who became the defensive coordinator of 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...
.
On January 25, the Browns hired Chris Tabor as special teams coordinator. Tabor most recently served as the Chicago Bears' assistant special teams coach from 2008–2010. Tabor replaces Brad Seely
Brad Seely
Brad Seely is the American football assistant head coach and special teams coach for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League.-Playing career:...
, who became the special teams coordinator of 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...
.
On January 31, the Browns added four new coaches to their staff. The Browns hired former 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...
defensive line coach Dwaine Board
Dwaine Board
Dwaine P. Board is the defensive line coach for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League...
as defensive line coach, former 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...
defensive coordinator Billy Davis
Billy Davis (American football)
Billy Davis is an American football coach in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns. He is the linebackers coach. He previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals. He was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers from 2005 through 2006.-Early life:Billy Davis was...
as linebackers coach, former University of Miami
Miami Hurricanes football
The Miami Hurricanes football program competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference of the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision for the University of Miami. The program began in 1926 and has won five AP national championships...
offensive coordinator Mark Whipple
Mark Whipple
Mark Whipple is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the quarterbacks coach for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League . Whipple served as the head football coach at University of New Haven , Brown University , and the University of Massachusetts Amherst...
as quarterbacks coach, and former NFL wide receiver Mike Wilson
Mike Wilson (wide receiver)
Michael Ruben Wilson is a former professional American football wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers from 1981 to 1990. He played football collegiately at Washington State University and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 9th round of the 1981 NFL Draft...
as wide receivers coach.
The rest of the Browns' position coaches were retained from Mangini's staff. The Browns have not hired an offensive coordinator, as Shurmur intends to call the offensive plays for the team.
Scheme Changes
This season marks the Browns' transition into the West Coast OffenseWest Coast offense
In American football, "West Coast Offense" refers to two similar but distinct offensive-strategic-systems of play: the "Air Coryell" system; or more commonly the pass play system popularized by Bill Walsh...
of Coach Pat Shurmur
Pat Shurmur
Pat Shurmur is currently the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.-Playing career:Shurmur was a four-year letterman in football at Michigan State University. He played guard and linebacker his freshman season, and started at center the next three seasons. He earned All-Big 10 Conference honors in...
and the 4-3 defense of defensive coordinator Dick Jauron
Dick Jauron
Richard Manuel Jauron is the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills from 2006 until November 2009. Jauron has previously held head coaching positions with the Chicago Bears and, on an interim basis, with the...
.
Free Agency
| Pos. | Player | 2011 Team | Signed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE | Titus Adams Titus Adams Titus Adams is an American football defensive end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft... |
UFA | ||
| RB | Mike Bell | UFA | Lions | August 9 |
| OLB | Marcus Benard Marcus Benard Marcus Benard is an American football defensive end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Jackson State. Benard was promoted from the Browns practice squad to the active roster on... |
ERFA | Browns | July 29 |
| ILB | Titus Brown Titus Brown (American football) Titus Markeith Brown is an American football linebacker who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Mississippi State.-External links:**... |
ERFA | Browns | August 3 |
| ILB | Blake Costanzo Blake Costanzo Blake Costanzo is an American football linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2006... |
UFA | 49ers | August 3 |
| K | 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... |
UFA | Browns F | July 29 |
| SS | Abram Elam Abram Elam Abram Elam is an American football safety for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He played college football at Notre Dame and Kent State.... |
UFA | Cowboys | August 3 |
| TE | Greg Estandia Greg Estandia Greg Estandia is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2006. He played college football at Nevada-Las Vegas.Estandia has also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars.-External links:**... |
UFA | ||
| ILB | 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... |
UFA | Browns | March 3 |
| DE | Jayme Mitchell Jayme Mitchell Jayme Dondrell Mitchell is an American football defensive end who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2006... |
UFA | Browns | August 1 |
| TE | Evan Moore Evan Moore Evan James Moore is an American football Tight end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2008... |
ERFA | Browns | July 29 |
| FS | Sabby Piscitelli Sabby Piscitelli Sabatino "The Goat" Piscitelli is an American football safety for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
UFA | Chiefs | August 4 |
| DE | Derreck Robinson Derreck Robinson Derreck Robinson is an American football defensive end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Iowa.Robinson has also been a member of the Miami Dolphins and Dallas... |
UFA | Browns | July 31 |
| OLB | Matt Roth Matt Roth Matthew M. Roth is an American football defensive end and outside linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft... |
UFA | Jaguars | August 12 |
| DE | Brian Schaefering Brian Schaefering Brian Schaefering is an American football defensive end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2008... |
ERFA | Browns | July 29 |
| TE | Alex Smith Alex Smith (tight end) Edwin Alexander "Alex" Smith , is an American football tight end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft... |
UFA | Browns | August 1 |
| DE | Robaire Smith Robaire Smith Robaire Fredrick Smith is an American football player who is currently a free agent.-High school and college career:... |
UFA | ||
| FS | 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... |
UFA | ||
| WR | Chansi Stuckey Chansi Stuckey Chansi V. Stuckey is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft... |
UFA | Cardinals | July 29 |
| ILB | Jason Trusnik Jason Trusnik Jason Trusnik is an American football linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Ohio Northern.... |
UFA | Dolphins | July 29 |
| 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... |
UFA | Texans | August 3 |
| QB | Seneca Wallace Seneca Wallace Seneca Isayha Wallace is an American football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft... |
UFA | Browns | March 3 |
| G | Floyd Womack Floyd Womack Floyd Seneca "Pork Chop" Womack is an American football guard for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Mississippi State.He has also played for the Cleveland Browns... |
UFA | Cardinals | July 31 |
| CB | Eric Wright | UFA | Lions | July 31 |
| G | Billy Yates | UFA | Browns | July 29 |
| Player re-signed by Browns |
F The Browns placed the franchise tag
Franchise Tag
In the National Football League, the franchise tag is a designation a team may apply to a player scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. The tag binds the player to the team for one year if certain conditions are met. Each team has access each year to only one franchise tag and one...
on Dawson
Releases
| Pos. | Player | Released | 2011 Team | Signed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LB | Eric Alexander | July 28 | ||
| LB | Eric Barton Eric Barton Eric Barton is a former American football linebacker who played for twelve seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at Maryland before he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 1999 NFL Draft... |
February 9 | ||
| LB | David Bowens David Bowens David Walter Bowens is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 1999 NFL Draft... |
February 9 | ||
| DE | Kenyon Coleman Kenyon Coleman Kenyon Octavia Coleman is an American football defensive end who plays for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft out of the University of California, Los Angeles by the Oakland Raiders... |
February 9 | Cowboys | July 29 |
| QB | Jake Delhomme Jake Delhomme Jake Christopher Delhomme is an American football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Delhomme played college football at Louisiana-Lafayette before being signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 1997... |
July 28 | ||
| TE | Tyson DeVree Tyson DeVree Tyson DeVree is an American football tight end who is currently under contract with the Indianapolis Colts. He was signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2008... |
July 28 | Colts | July 31 |
| DT | Shaun Rogers | February 9 | Saints | March 1 |
| TE | Robert Royal Robert Royal Robert Shelton Royal is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft... |
February 9 | ||
| T | John St. Clair John St. Clair John Bradley St. Clair is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia.St... |
February 9 |
Signings
| Pos. | Player | 2010 Team | Signed |
|---|---|---|---|
| RB | Brandon Jackson | Packers | July 29 |
| P | Richmond McGee Richmond McGee Richmond McGee is an American football punter for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as a street free agent in 2008... |
Bears | August 3 |
| CB | Dmitri Patterson | Eagles | August 2 |
| FS | Usama Young Usama Young Usama Young is an American football free safety in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns. He played college football at Kent State University.-Early years:... |
Saints | July 29 |
Trades
| Date | Trade Partner(s) | Player(s) Traded | Player(s) Acquired | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 29 | 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,... |
2012 2012 NFL Draft The 2012 NFL Draft will be the 77th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players.-Trades:... conditional 7th round Draft Pick |
G John Greco John Greco John Patrick Greco is an American football guard for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was a top guard prospect in the 2008 NFL Draft... |
2011 Draft class
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College | Signed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21 | Phil Taylor Phil Taylor (American football) Phillip Eugene "Phil" Taylor is an American football Nose tackle for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted 21st overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Baylor.-External links:**... |
Defensive tackle | Baylor Baylor Bears football The Baylor Bears football team represents Baylor University in Division I FBS college football. They are a member of the Big 12 Conference. The team plays its home games at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, Texas.-History:... |
August 2 | From Kansas City |
| 2 | 37 | Jabaal Sheard Jabaal Sheard Jabaal Sheard is an American football defensive end for the Cleveland Browns.-College career:He is described as someone who has not gotten enough credit on the Pittsburgh defensive line and noted for his "extraordinary game" against Notre Dame and the pressure he put on quarterback Jimmy Clausen... |
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... |
Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Panthers football Pittsburgh Panthers football is the intercollegiate football team of the University of Pittsburgh, often referred to as "Pitt", located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Traditionally the most popular sport at the university, Pitt football has played at the highest level of American college football... |
July 29 | |
| 59 | Greg Little Greg Little (American football) Greg Little is an American football wide receiver. He played college football and college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels, and currently plays for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League.-College career:... |
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... |
North Carolina North Carolina Tar Heels football The North Carolina Tar Heels football team represents the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in collegiate level football. In Carolina’s first 121 seasons of football competition, the Tar Heels have compiled a record of 646–488–54, a winning percentage of .566... |
July 29 | From Atlanta | |
| 4 | 102 | Jordan Cameron Jordan cameron -Cleveland Browns:Cameron was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 102nd pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He is expected to sit and learn behind current starting tight end, Benjamin Watson.-External links:* * * *... |
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... |
USC | July 29 | |
| 124 | Owen Marecic Owen Marecic Owen Marecic is an American football player for the Cleveland Browns. He played at the collegiate level for Stanford University.-Early life:Marecic moved with his family around the United States following his father's career as an IT executive... |
Fullback | Stanford Stanford Cardinal football The Stanford Cardinal football program represents Stanford University in college football at the NCAA Division I FBS level and is a member of the Pac-12 Conference's North Division. Stanford, the top-ranked academic institution with an FBS program, has a highly successful football tradition. The... |
July 29 | From Atlanta | |
| 5 | 137 | Buster Skrine Buster Skrine Darryl "Buster" Skrine is an American football defensive back for the Cleveland Browns. He played college football for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he was twice named to the First Team All-Southern Conference. He was selected with the 137th pick in the fifth round of the... |
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... |
Chattanooga | July 29 | |
| 150 | Jason Pinkston Jason Pinkston Jason R. Pinkston is an American football offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He is the cousin of Todd Pinkston, a former NFL wide receiver.-Collegiate career:... |
Offensive tackle | Pittsburgh | July 29 | From NY Giants via Minnesota | |
| 7 | 248 | Eric Hagg Eric Hagg Eric Hagg is an American football safety for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Browns in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska, and high school football in Arizona at Ironwood High School.-External links:**... |
Safety | Nebraska University of Nebraska–Lincoln The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is a public research university located in the city of Lincoln in the U.S. state of Nebraska... |
July 29 | Compensatory selection |
The Browns did not have a 3rd or 6th round selection. The Browns traded their original 7th round selection but later received a new 7th round selection as a compensatory pick.
Undrafted free agents
| Pos. | Player | College | Signed | Cut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OLB | Derrick Addai | Kentucky State Kentucky State University Kentucky State University is a four-year institution of higher learning, located in Frankfort, Kentucky, United States, the Commonwealth's capital. The school is an historically black university, which desegregated in 1954... |
July 29 | August 3 |
| G | Dominic Alford | Minnesota Minnesota Golden Gophers football The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers are one of the oldest programs in college football history. They compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and the Big Ten Conference. The Golden Gophers have claimed six national championships and have an all time record of 646–481–44 as... |
July 26 | September 3 |
| DT | Kyle Anderson | Georgetown College | July 26 | August 28 |
| DT | Andre Carroll | Delaware State Delaware State Hornets football The Delaware State University Hornets football team plays at 7,193-seat Alumni Stadium located in Dover, Delaware. The facility opened in 1957 as a multi-purpose for football, and track and field. The Hornets compete in Division I FCS, and are full-members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference... |
July 29 | September 3 |
| WR | L.J. Castile | Delta State Delta State University Delta State University, also known as DSU, is a regional public university located in Cleveland, Mississippi, United States, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta... |
July 29 | September 3 |
| CB | James Dockery James Dockery James Dockery is an American football cornerback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football for Oregon State University he also graduated from Palm Desert High School in Palm Desert,... |
Oregon State Oregon State Beavers football The Oregon State Beavers football team represents Oregon State University in NCAA Division I-A college football. The team first fielded an organized football team in 1893 and is currently a member of the Pacific-12 Conference. The head coach is Mike Riley, with Danny Langsdorf as the offensive... |
July 26 | |
| OLB | Archie Donald | Toledo Toledo Rockets football The Toledo Rockets football team is a college football program in Division I FBS, representing the University of Toledo. The Rockets compete in the Mid-American Conference. Toledo began playing football in 1917, although it did not field teams in 1931, and 1943-1945. Since the inception of the AP... |
August 3 | September 3 |
| DE | Jabari Fletcher | Appalachian State Appalachian State Mountaineers football The Appalachian State Mountaineers football team is the college football team at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. The Mountaineers have competed in the Southern Conference since 1972, and are currently a Division I Football Championship Subdivision member of the National... |
July 26 | August 28 |
| T | Calton Ford | Norfolk State Norfolk State University Norfolk State University is a four-year, state-supported, coed, liberal arts, historically black university located in Norfolk, Virginia. It is member school of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund and the Virginia High-Tech Partnership.-Academics:... |
July 29 | September 3 |
| TE | Evan Frosch | TCU TCU Horned Frogs football The TCU Horned Frogs football team is the intercollegiate football team of Texas Christian University. TCU competes as a member of the Mountain West Conference in the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, but will move to the Big 12 Conference for the 2012 season. TCU began playing football... |
July 29 | September 3 |
| CB | Carl Gettis | Missouri Missouri Tigers football The Missouri Tigers football team represents the University of Missouri in NCAA Division I FBS college football. The team has competed in the North Division of the Big 12 Conference since the conference's inception in 1996... |
July 26 | September 3 |
| OLB | Eric Gordon Eric Gordon Eric Ambrose Gordon, Jr. , nicknamed "EJ", is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA. In high school, he was named "Mr. Basketball" of Indiana during his senior year while playing at North Central High School... |
Michigan State Michigan State Spartans football The Michigan State Spartans football program represents Michigan State University in college football as members of the Big Ten Conference at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level... |
August 3 | September 3 |
| CB | Darian Hagan Darian Hagan Darian Hagan is a former American football and Canadian football player, who, since February 2005, is an assistant coach of the University of Colorado Buffaloes football team.-College career:... |
Cal | July 29 | August 28 |
| LB | Benjamin Jacobs | Fresno State Fresno State Bulldogs football The Fresno State Bulldogs football team represents California State University, Fresno in NCAA Division I FBS college football. The green “V” on the Bulldogs' helmets, uniforms, field symbolize California Central Valley, specifically the San Joaquin Valley, the agricultural valley from which they... |
July 29 | |
| WR | Chris Matthews | Kentucky Kentucky Wildcats football The Kentucky Wildcats football team is a college football program that competes in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and the East Division of the Southeastern Conference.-History:Paul "Bear" Bryant Era... |
July 26 | September 3 |
| WR | Juan Nunez | Western Michigan Western Michigan Broncos football The Western Michigan Broncos football program represents Western Michigan University in the Football Bowl Subdivision of Division I and the Mid-American Conference . Western Michigan has competed in football since 1906, when they played three games in their inaugural season... |
July 26 | August 28 |
| T | Jarrod Shaw | Tennessee Tennessee Volunteers football The Tennessee Volunteers football team are an American college football team at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville . The NCAA Division I team is also a member of the Southeastern Conference .... |
July 29 | September 3 |
| RB | Armond Smith Armond Smith Armond Smith is an American football running back who is currently on the practice squad of the Cleveland Browns. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football for Union College.... |
Union College Union College Union College is a private, non-denominational liberal arts college located in Schenectady, New York, United States. Founded in 1795, it was the first institution of higher learning chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. In the 19th century, it became the "Mother of Fraternities", as... |
July 29 | |
| OLB | Brian Smith Brian Smith (linebacker) Brian Mark Smith is a former linebacker in the National Football League for the Los Angeles Rams. Smith attended Auburn University.-External links:*... |
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... |
July 26 | September 3 |
| OLB | Sidney Tarver | Tennessee State | July 26 | September 3 |
| QB | Troy Weatherhead | Hillsdale College Hillsdale College Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, United States, is a co-educational liberal arts college known for being the first American college to prohibit in its charter all discrimination based on race, religion, or sex; its refusal of government funding; and its monthly publication, Imprimis... * |
July 26 | August 28 |
| K | Jeff Wolfert Jeff Wolfert Jeff Wolfert is an American football kicker who is currently a free agent. He made his professional debut with the Omaha Nighthawks of the United Football League... |
Missouri Missouri Tigers football The Missouri Tigers football team represents the University of Missouri in NCAA Division I FBS college football. The team has competed in the North Division of the Big 12 Conference since the conference's inception in 1996... |
July 29 | August 28 |
| MLB | Alex Wujciak Alex Wujciak Alex Wujciak is an American football linebacker. He was signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football at Maryland.-Early years:Wujciak was born on April 15, 1988 to Alan and Erin Wujciak in West Caldwell, New Jersey... |
Maryland Maryland Terrapins football The Maryland Terrapins football team represents the University of Maryland in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision competition. The Terrapins compete within the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference... |
July 26 | August 3 |
Arena Football League
The Arena Football League is the highest level of professional indoor American football in the United States. It is currently the second longest running professional football league in the United States, after the National Football League. It was founded in 1987 by Jim Foster...
.
Uniform Changes
On June 16, it was announced that the Browns would be wearing white jerseys for all home games. The Browns had previously worn white at home during the 1950s-1980s and again in the early 2000s.As the Browns do not play any road games against teams that traditionally wear white at home, it is possible that the Browns could wear their white jerseys for every game of the season.
Schedule
The Browns' preseason schedule was announced on April 12, 2011.| Week | | Date | | Kickoff (EDT North American Eastern Time Zone The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time... ) | | Opponent | | Results | | Game site | | TV | | NFL.com recap |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | August 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Green Bay Packers 2011 Green Bay Packers season The 2011 Green Bay Packers season is the franchise's 91st season in the National Football League, the 93rd season overall and the sixth under head coach Mike McCarthy... |
W 27–17 | 1–0 | 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... |
WKYC | Recap |
| 2 | August 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Detroit Lions 2011 Detroit Lions season The 2011 Detroit Lions season is the franchise's 82nd season in the National Football League, the 10th playing its home games at Ford Field and the third year under head coach Jim Schwartz. Currently 7–4, the team has improved on its 6–10 record from 2010, which is its third consecutive improved... |
L 28–30 | 1–1 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | WKYC | Recap |
| 3 | August 25 | 7:30 p.m. | at Philadelphia Eagles 2011 Philadelphia Eagles season The 2011 Philadelphia Eagles season will be the 79th season for the team in the National Football League . The Eagles will play all of their home games at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.-Personnel changes:... |
L 14–24 | 1–2 | Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field Lincoln Financial Field is the home stadium of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles. It has a seating capacity of 68,532 . It is located in South Philadelphia on Pattison Avenue between 11th and 10th streets, also aside I-95 as part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex... |
WKYC | Recap |
| 4 | September 1 | 8:00 p.m. | at Chicago Bears 2011 Chicago Bears season The 2011 Chicago Bears season is the franchise's 92nd overall season in the National Football League, and the 8th under head coach Lovie Smith. The Bears, defending NFC North Division champions, will seek a return to the playoffs after falling in the NFC Championship Game to their arch-rivals the... |
L 14–24 | 1–3 | Soldier Field Soldier Field Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears... |
WKYC | Recap |
Roster Moves
After the third preseason game, all NFL teams had to reduce their rosters to 80 players. On August 28, The Browns released eight players, the majority of them being undrafted free agents.After the final preseason game, all teams had to reduce their rosters to 53 players. The Browns released 25 players and placed two players – RB Brandon Jackson and G 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...
– on injured reserve. Notable players released include QB Jarrett Brown
Jarrett Brown
Jarrett Brown is an American football quarterback who is currently with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He played college football at West Virginia, and was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent following the 2010 NFL Draft...
and DB Coye Francies
Coye Francies
Coye Francies is an American football cornerback He is currently a free agent . He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
.
Schedule
| Week | | Date | | Kickoff (ET North American Eastern Time Zone The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time... ) | | Opponent | | Results | | Game site | | TV | | NFL.com recap |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | Team record | |||||||
| 1 | September 11 | 1:00 p.m. | Cincinnati Bengals 2011 Cincinnati Bengals season The 2011 Cincinnati Bengals season will be the team's 44th season as a professional sports franchise and its 42nd season as a member of the National Football League . The team has improved on its 2010 season, where it finished with a record of 4–12 and placed fourth in the AFC North. This marks... |
L 17–27 | 0–1 | 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... |
CBS NFL on CBS The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:... |
Recap |
| 2 | September 18 | 1:00 p.m. | at Indianapolis Colts 2011 Indianapolis Colts season The 2011 Indianapolis Colts season is the franchise's 59th season in the National Football League, the 28th in Indianapolis and the third under head coach Jim Caldwell. The Colts are coming off a 10–6 record in 2010 and a second consecutive AFC South championship, as well as a ninth consecutive... |
W 27–19 | 1–1 | Lucas Oil Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium Lucas Oil Stadium is a multi-purpose sports stadium in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The stadium celebrated its grand opening on August 24, 2008, and its ribbon-cutting ceremony August 16, 2008. It replaced the RCA Dome as the home field of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. The stadium was built to... |
CBS | Recap |
| 3 | September 25 | 1:00 p.m. | Miami Dolphins 2011 Miami Dolphins season The 2011 Miami Dolphins season will be the team's 42nd season in the National Football League, the 46th overall and the fourth under head coach Tony Sparano... |
W 17–16 | 2–1 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | CBS | Recap |
| 4 | October 2 | 1:00 p.m. | Tennessee Titans 2011 Tennessee Titans season The 2011 Tennessee Titans season will be the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League , the 52nd overall and the 15th in the state of Tennessee. It will also mark the first season under new head coach Mike Munchak, replacing longtime head coach Jeff Fisher, who resigned on January 27... |
L 13–31 | 2–2 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | CBS | Recap |
| 5 | Bye Bye (sports) A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing... |
|||||||
| 6 | October 16 | 4:05 p.m. | at Oakland Raiders 2011 Oakland Raiders season The 2011 Oakland Raiders season is the franchise's 42nd season in the National Football League and the 52nd overall. 2011 also marks the final season under the ownership of Al Davis, who died on October 8, 2011... |
L 17–24 | 2–3 | O.co Coliseum | CBS | Recap |
| 7 | October 23 | 1:00 p.m. | Seattle Seahawks 2011 Seattle Seahawks season The 2011 Seattle Seahawks season is the franchise's 36th season in the National Football League, the 10th playing their home games at CenturyLink Field and the second under head coach Pete Carroll... |
W 6–3 | 3–3 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | Fox NFL on FOX NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports... |
Recap |
| 8 | October 30 | 4:15 p.m. | at San Francisco 49ers 2011 San Francisco 49ers season The 2011 San Francisco 49ers season is the franchise's 66th season overall, and 62nd in the National Football League . It is the first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke... |
L 10–20 | 3–4 | Candlestick Park | CBS | Recap |
| 9 | November 6 | 1:00 p.m. | at Houston Texans 2011 Houston Texans season The 2011 Houston Texans season will be the team's 10th season in the National Football League . The Texans have improved on their record from the 2010 season, and attempt to earn the franchise's first playoff berth... |
L 12–30 | 3–5 | Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium Reliant Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. Reliant Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,500, a total square footage of with of natural grass playing surface.... |
CBS | Recap |
| 10 | November 13 | 1:00 p.m. | St. Louis Rams 2011 St. Louis Rams season The 2011 St. Louis Rams season will be the team's 74th season in the National Football League, the 17th overall in St. Louis and the third under head coach Steve Spagnuolo. The Rams are coming off a 2010 season, in which they compiled more victories than in the previous 3 years combined... |
L 12–13 | 3–6 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | Fox | Recap |
| 11 | November 20 | 1:00 p.m. | Jacksonville Jaguars 2011 Jacksonville Jaguars season The 2011 Jacksonville Jaguars season is the franchise's 17th season in the National Football League and the 9th under head coach Jack Del Rio, who was fired on November 29 and replaced on an interim basis by defensive coordinator Mel Tucker. The team had hoped to improve on their 8–8 record from... |
W 14–10 | 4–6 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | CBS | Recap |
| 12 | November 27 | 1:00 p.m. | at Cincinnati Bengals 2011 Cincinnati Bengals season The 2011 Cincinnati Bengals season will be the team's 44th season as a professional sports franchise and its 42nd season as a member of the National Football League . The team has improved on its 2010 season, where it finished with a record of 4–12 and placed fourth in the AFC North. This marks... |
L 20–23 | 4–7 | 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... |
CBS | Recap |
| 13 | December 4 | 4:05 p.m. | Baltimore Ravens 2011 Baltimore Ravens season The 2011 Baltimore Ravens season will be the 16th in the National Football League and city of Baltimore, Maryland, and the 14th to host home games at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens will seek to act upon their 12–4 record from 2010 and win the American Football Conference's North division title for... |
Cleveland Browns Stadium | CBS | |||
| 14 | December 8 | 8:20 p.m. | at Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season The 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season will be the team's 79th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League . It is expected to be the twelfth season under the leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the fifth under head coach Mike Tomlin... |
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... |
NFLN NFL Network NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation... |
|||
| 15 | December 18 | * 4:15 p.m. | at Arizona Cardinals 2011 Arizona Cardinals season The 2011 Arizona Cardinals season will be the franchise's 92nd season in the National Football League and the 24th season in Arizona. For Ken Whisenhunt, this will be his fifth season as the head coach of the Cardinals; he has compiled an overall record of 32–32 in the regular season and 4–2 in... |
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... |
CBS | |||
| 16 | December 24 | 1:00 p.m. | at Baltimore Ravens 2011 Baltimore Ravens season The 2011 Baltimore Ravens season will be the 16th in the National Football League and city of Baltimore, Maryland, and the 14th to host home games at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens will seek to act upon their 12–4 record from 2010 and win the American Football Conference's North division title for... |
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... |
CBS | |||
| 17 | January 1 | * 1:00 p.m. | Pittsburgh Steelers 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season The 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season will be the team's 79th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League . It is expected to be the twelfth season under the leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the fifth under head coach Mike Tomlin... |
Cleveland Browns Stadium | CBS | |||
COLOR KEY & NOTES:
- Bold indicates division games.
- Yellow indicates that the game time is subject to change as a result of flexible scheduling.
Week 1: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Browns began the season with a division game against the Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati 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...
. The Bengals struck first, with two 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...
field goals and a Jermaine Gresham
Jermaine Gresham
Jermaine Gresham is an American football tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals. He was drafted by the Bengals with the 21st pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, despite the fact that he had missed all of the previous season with a knee injury....
touchdown reception. Down 13-0, the Browns struck back, with Colt McCoy
Colt McCoy
Daniel "Colt" McCoy is an American football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Browns in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
completing two touchdown passes to give Cleveland the lead at halftime. 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...
gave the Browns an insurance field goal, but late in the fourth, Bengals backup QB Bruce Gradkowski
Bruce Gradkowski
Bruce Raymond Gradkowski is an American Football quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Toledo.Gradkowski has previously been a member of the Tampa...
caught the Browns defense slow out of the huddle and hit A. J. Green
A. J. Green
Adriel Jeremiah "A. J." Green is an American football wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was selected fourth overall by the Bengals in the 2011 NFL Draft...
for a 41 yard touchdown that proved to be the game winner. With the 27-17 loss, the Browns started the season 0-1.
Week 2: at Indianapolis Colts
The Browns took on the Indianapolis ColtsIndianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
in Week 2, with both teams looking to rebound from losses. The Colts moved the ball well early, but had to settle for two Adam Vinatieri
Adam Vinatieri
Adam Matthew Vinatieri is an American football placekicker currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He has played in six Super Bowls, four with the New England Patriots and two with the Colts, winning four. Vinatieri won a Super Bowl in 2006 with Indianapolis and won Super Bowls in 2001,...
field goals to take a 6-0 lead. The Browns answered with an Evan Moore
Evan Moore
Evan James Moore is an American football Tight end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
touchdown reception from Colt McCoy
Colt McCoy
Daniel "Colt" McCoy is an American football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Browns in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
. The Colts briefly regained the lead on another Vinatieri field goal, but the Browns responded with a Peyton Hillis
Peyton Hillis
Hillis was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.-2008 Season:At the start of the 2008 season, Hillis was listed as the Broncos' starting fullback...
touchdown run to take a 14-9 lead into halftime. The Colts added another field goal in the third, but the Browns scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth to put the game away and defeat the Colts 27-19. With the win, the Browns improved to 1-1.
Week 3: vs. Miami Dolphins
The Browns faced the Miami DolphinsMiami 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...
without their leading rusher Peyton Hillis
Peyton Hillis
Hillis was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft.-2008 Season:At the start of the 2008 season, Hillis was listed as the Broncos' starting fullback...
in a Week 3 matchup. The Dolphins took an early lead, converting a Colt McCoy
Colt McCoy
Daniel "Colt" McCoy is an American football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Browns in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
interception into a 7-0 lead on a touchdown pass from Chad Henne
Chad Henne
Chad Steven Henne is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.He graduated from Wilson Senior High School and attended the University of Michigan...
. The Browns tied the game on a touchdown pass from McCoy to Joshua Cribbs
Joshua Cribbs
Joshua "Josh" Cribbs is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He played collegiately for Kent State University. He holds the NFL record with eight kickoff returns for touchdowns...
. The Dolphins took the lead again on a Dan Carpenter
Dan Carpenter
Daniel Roy Carpenter is an American football placekicker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League...
field goal, and took a 10-7 lead into halftime. The Browns again tied the game in the third with 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 field goal. The Dolphins added two more field goals, and had the Browns down six points in the final minutes. McCoy led the Browns down the field, and hit Mohamed Massaquoi
Mohamed Massaquoi
Mohamed Jah Massaquoi is a wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns. He is currently the second string receiver in Head Coach Pat Shurmur's new offense.-High school:...
on a 14 yard touchdown pass to give the Browns a last-minute, 17-16 victory. With the win, the Browns improved to 2-1.
Week 4: vs. Tennessee Titans
With the loss, the Browns dropped to 2–2, heading into their Week 5 byeBye (sports)
A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing...
.