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Cleveland Browns

Frank Fleming
Author: 
Frank Fleming
74 mins
October 31st, 2023
Bet With Confidence
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  • 70th Season*

  • First NFL Game September 16, 1950

  • *-Played in AAFC 1946-1949, Hiatus 1996-1998

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Historical Moments

1946:A new rival league known as the All-American Football Conference is formed. The league consist of eight teams Buffalo Bisons, Brooklyn Dodgers, Chicago Rockets, Los Angeles Dons, Miami Seahawks, New York Yankees, San Francisco 49ers, and the Cleveland Browns. The Browns were the best of these teams, as they started off with a dominant 44-0 win over the Miami Seahawks. The Browns would continue to dominate the AAFC as they won their first seven games. After back-to-back losses in the middle of the season the Browns closed the season with five straight wins to easily win the Western Division with a 12-2 record. In the first AAFC Championship Game, the Browns would edge the New York Yankees 14-9.

1947:The Browns would continue to dominate the AAFC, losing just one game while again winning the Western Division with a 12-1-1 record. In the AAFC Championship Game the Browns again faced the New York Yankees this time at Municipal Stadium, where they won 14-3.

1948:The Browns continued to rule over the AAFC, winning all 14 games in the regular season. In the AAFC Championship Game it was all Browns again as they crushed the Buffalo Bills 49-7. At 14-0 the Browns accomplishment was largely looked down upon by the NFL, as there continued calls for a challenge to the NFL Champions went unanswered.

1949:With the merger of the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees, the AAFC was reduced from eight teams to seven; as the league changed its playoff format with the top four teams all qualifying. Once again the Browns finished in first place posting a 9-1-2 record. In the playoffs the Browns would beat the Buffalo Bills 31-21. Just days before the AAFC Championship Game, the NFL announced it would merge with the AAFC taking the Browns and two other teams. One of the other teams accepted into the NFL would be the AAFC Championship Game opponent the San Francisco 49ers. In the final AAFC Championship the Browns would make it perfect four-for-four, as they beat the 49ers 21-7.

1950:Going into the NFL most experts thought the Browns would be exposed as benefiting from a weaker league, but the Browns proved that they could dominate any league in their inaugural NFL campaign. The Browns make their NFL in grand style by routing the Eagles 35-10 in Philadelphia on September 16th. The Browns would go on to finish the season with a 10-2 record which was good enough to finish in a first Place tie with New York Giants. This would set up the Browns in a Divisional Playoff Game against the Giants who gave the Browns their only two losses. However this time the Browns would get revenge by beating the Giants in an 8-3 defensive struggle to earn a trip to the NFL Championship Game. The 1950 NFL Championship game in Cleveland had a mixture of sub plots and irony. The game matched up the Cleveland Browns who were in their first NFL season and the Los Angeles Rams, who played in Cleveland from 1937-1945. The Browns would pull the game out 30-28 winning their fifth Championship in their fifth year of existence.

1951:The Browns open their second NFL season with a 24-10 loss to their old AAFC rival 49ers. The Browns would not lose another game in the regular season completing an 11-1 season. Along the way the Browns shut their opponents out three times, and scored more then 30 points five times. The Browns would have no problem earning another trip to the NFL Championship Game. However, the Rams would get revenge from the year before by stunning the Browns 24-17 in Los Angeles.

1952:The Browns win two games out of every three games to complete an 8-4 season which was good enough for 1st Place in the American Conference to earn a third straight trip to the NFL Championship Game. However, the Browns would lose 17-7 to the Detroit Lions in front of a disappointed crowd of 50,934 at Municipal Stadium.

1953:Led by NFL MVP Quarterback Otto Graham the Browns waltz through the first 11 games of the season undefeated, in the process of claiming their fourth straight Conference Title. The Browns would go to Philadelphia for a chance to end the season undefeated. However, the Eagles would end the Browns winning streak with a 42-27 victory. However the most painful loss of the season came two weeks later as the Browns lost their third straight NFL Championship game with a 17-16 nail bitter against the Lions in Detroit.

1954:The Browns get off to a shaky start losing two of their first three games. However, the Browns would then go on to win eight straight on their way to a 9-3 season which was good enough for a fifth straight trip to the NFL Championship. In the Championship Game a Day after Christmas the Browns were matched up with the Lions for the third year in a row. However, the Browns would put all their frustrations of the previous two years into a 56-10 rout at Municipal Stadium.

1955:The Browns finish with a 9-2-1 record good enough for first place in the Eastern Conference yet again. This marked the tenth time the Browns earned a trip to their league’s championship game in the Browns ten year existence. Once again the Browns are lead by Quarterback Otto Graham who wins his second MVP in three years in what would turn out to be his final season. Graham would go on to lead the Browns to their third NFL Championship with a 38-14 win over the Rams before 87,695 fans in Los Angeles.

1956:After ten consecutive championship game appearances in the AAFC or the NFL, the Browns experience their first losing season with a fourth place finish with a record of 5-7.

1957:The Browns select Syracuse Fullback Jim Brown in the first round of the NFL Draft. Brown would go on to capture both the NFL Rookie of the Year, and MVP as the Browns shot back up to the top of the Eastern Conference. After a one-year absence the Browns return to the NFL championship game after completing a 9-2-1 season. However, the Browns would never even be in the Championship game losing 59-14 to the Lions in Detroit.

1958:Led by Jim Brown who rushed for 1,527 yards the Browns rise to the top of the Eastern Conference again. They enter the final game of the season against the Giants with a record of 9-2. If the Browns win the game they advance to the NFL championship if they lose they have to face the Giants a week later in a Divisional Playoff Game. Not only would the Browns lose the final regular season game but they would also lose the Playoff game to the Giants as the Giants Defense shuts down Jim Brown holding the Browns to ten points in the regular season finale, and pitching a shutout in Playoffs.

1959:The Browns would get off to another strong start winning six of their first eight games. However, consecutive 21-20 losses at home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers ended their playoff hopes. After being blown out by the New York Giants 48-7 the Browns would finish the season with a road win over the Philadelphia Eagles to finish in second place with a 7-5 record.

1960:The Browns complete an 8-3-1 season as Jim Brown rushes for 1,257 yards, his 3rd consecutive 1,000 yard season. However, it was only good enough for 2nd place as the Browns finish a game and a half out of first place.

1961:Art Modell purchases the Cleveland Browns for the then unheard of sum of $4 million. Under new ownership the Browns would continue to fall short of the playoff finishing in third place with a record of 8-5-1.

1962:In a stunning move the Browns trade Bobby Mitchell to the Washington Redskins for the number one overall Draft Pick, which they use on Heisman Trophy winning Running Back from Syracuse Ernie Davis. However, Davis will never play a down as a preseason physical revealed that he had Leukemia that would kill him within a year, which served as double blow after the death of promising young Defensive Back Don Fleming. With the tragic stories hanging around the Browns all season the team struggles to a 7-6-1 season. After the season Paul Brown the man who which the franchise is named after was fired and replaced by Assistant Blanton Collier.

1963:With Jim Brown rushing for 1,863 yards the Browns finish 10-4 in their first season with Blanton Collier at the helm. However, the Browns would finish one game out of the first place in the Eastern Conference.

1964:With Jim Brown having another dominate season, the Browns get off to an 8-1-1 start. However, two losses in the three games put their NFL Championship hopes in doubt. To win the Eastern Conference the Browns needed a win New York over the Giants, a place they have had their troubles with over the years. Luckily for the Browns, the Giants were an aging group of veterans that had struggled all season, and the Browns took full advantage winning 52-20 to advance to the NFL Championship game for the eighth time. In the NFL Championship Game at Municipal Stadium in front of almost 80, 000 fans, the Browns would have no problem at all dispatching the Baltimore Colts. The Browns would end up sewing up their fourth NFL title with a 27-0 win.

1965:With NFL MVP Jim Brown leading the way once again with 17 Touchdowns and 1,544 yards rushing the Browns finish 11-3, and win the eastern Conference by a full four games. However, the Brown quest fore back-to-back NFL Championships would hit a wall in the Championship Game. The Browns would lose a 23-12 heartbreaker to the Packers in Green Bay.

1966:Jim Brown who dominated pro football like no other player since 1957 stuns the Browns, and all of Pro-football, by announcing from the set of “The Dirty Dozen” his retirement at the age of 30, to pursue an acting career. With the sudden departure of Brown, Cleveland was forced to rely on Leroy Kelly top carry the running load. Kelly did a more then adequate job by rushing for 1,141 yards, as the Browns finished in second place with a 9-5 record.

1967:The Browns get off to a rough start by losing their first two games. However, the Browns would recover nicely to finish with a 9-5 record, which was good enough to earn the Century Division title. However in the Divisional Playoffs the Browns would be blown out by the Cowboys 52-14 in Dallas to advance to the NFL Championship.

1968:The Browns stumble out of the gate losing three of their first five games. Fortunately, the Browns were able to recover winning their next eight games to finish with a 10-4 record, which was good enough to capture their second consecutive Century Division Title. In the Divisional Playoffs the Browns would get a measure of revenge by beating the Cowboys 31-20 in front of 81,497 fans at Municipal Stadium. However, one week later the Browns would lay an egg in the NFL Championship at Municipal Stadium as the Baltimore Colts blanked the Browns 34-0 to advance to Super Bowl III.

1969:The Browns cruise to their third consecutive Century Division Title with a 10-3-1 record. In the Divisional Playoffs the Browns face the Cowboys for the third year in a row, and take the rubber match up in Dallas 38-14. However, the Browns would be shut down again in the NFL Championship game losing 27-7 to the Vikings in Minnesota.

1970:The Browns are one of three NFL teams shifted to the AFC as the NFL fully takes over the AFL in the process evening both conferences at 13 teams apiece. The Browns play host to history on September 21st as 85,703 fans witness the fist ever Monday Night Football game at Municipal Stadium as Browns defeated the New York Jets 31-21. Three weeks later the Browns won another key first game by winning their first match-up with Paul Brown’s Cincinnati Bengals 30-27, giving the Browns a 3-1 start. However, the Browns would go into a tailspin losing four of the next five including a rematch with Bengals in Cincinnati. The Browns would go on to finish with a mediocre 7-7 record one game behind the Bengals for first place in the AFC Central.

1971:The Browns get off to another good start at 4-1 only to stumble again losing four straight to fall to 4-5. However, the Browns would rebound to win the final four games of the season to finish 9-5, and win a weak AFC Central Division. In the playoffs the Browns would fall in the first round 200-3 to the Baltimore Colts at Municipal Stadium.

1972:After a 2-3 start the Browns run off a six game winning streak to climb in to the heart of the AFC Central race. However, the Browns chances of winning the division ended with a 30-0 loss to the Steelers in Pittsburgh. However, trey Browns would recover to win their final 2 games to finish 10-4, and claim the AFC Wild Card. In the Divisional Playoffs in Miami the Browns take a 14-10 lead into the 4th quarter, but the Dolphins would roar back to win 24-10 to advance to the AFC Championship game on their way to an undefeated season.

1973:After their solid season, which included a playoff appearance the Browns got off to a solid start, winning three of their first four games on the way to a 7-3-1 start. However, the Browns would not win another game the rest of the season and settled for third place with a 7-5-2 record.

1974:The Browns who have know nothing but success for their first 28 season suffer through their first ten loss season finishing at the bottom of the AFC Central with a 4-10 record.

1975:The Browns trip out of the gate with new coach Forrest Gregg at the helm, losing their first nine games of the season. The Browns would finally get their first win of the season by beating their in-state rival Cincinnati Bengals 35-23. The Browns would go on to finish with a woeful 3-11 record.

1976:After a 1-3 start the Browns win seven of their next eight games, and find themselves right in the playoff hunt. However, a 39-14 loss to the Chiefs in Kansas City in the final game of the season ended the Browns season at 9-5.

1977:After a 6-4 start, the Browns lose their final four games of the season, to finish with a disappointing 6-8 record. Prior to the final game of the season Head Coach Forrest Gregg is dismissed, and replaced by Dick Modzelewski.

1978:With new Coach Sam Rutigliano at the helm the Browns get off to a fast start winning their first three games of the season. However, the Browns would manage to only finish with a mediocre 8-8 record.

1979:Led by Mike Pruitt who rushes for 1,294 yards, and Brian Sipe who passes for 3,793 yards the Browns get off to a 7-3 start. However the Browns would lose four of their final six games to finish at 9-7, and fail to miss the playoffs.

1980:After a 2-3 start the Browns go on an incredible winning streak in which the Browns came from behind to win in the 4th Quarter four weeks in a row, earning the Browns the nickname “Kardiac Kids”. After a close loss to the Steelers, and blow out win over the Bengals the Browns would once again pull out late wins with Field Goals. However, the Browns get a taste of their own medicine in Week 15 as the Vikings stunned the Browns with a Hail Mary Touchdown in the final seconds. However, the Kardiac Kids would bounce back in the final game of the season with a 27-24 nail bitter over the Bengals to claim the AFC Central with an 11-5 record, as Quarterback Brian Sipe claimed the NFL MVP. In the Playoffs against the Oakland Raiders the Browns found themselves in the middle of another tight game. However, the Browns could not find any late magic losing 14-12 to the eventual Super Bowl Champions at Municipal Stadium.

1981:The Browns are unable to repeat the magic of the year before finishing with a disappointing 5-11 record, which included losses in seven of their final eight games.

1982:The Browns are among eight teams that qualify for the playoffs despite finishing with a mediocre record of 4-5 in a strike-shortened season. The Browns would go on to lose 27-10 to the Raiders in the first round, at Los Angeles.

1983:The Browns continue to play mediocre football falling one game short of the division title with a record of 9-7.

1984:After a woeful 1-7 start, the Browns replace Coach Sam Rutigliano with Defensive Coordinator Marty Schottenheimer. The Browns would go on to finish with a disappointing 5-11 record.

1985:After a 4-6-start rookie Quarterback Bernie Kosar takes over reins of the offense, and leads the Browns to an 8-8 record, which was good enough to finish in first place in a weak AFC Central. Also leading the Browns Offense was Ernest Byner, and Kevin Mack who each rushed for 1,000 yards, becoming just the third pair of teammates to rush for 1,000 yards in the same season. In the playoffs the Browns would get off to a 21-3 halftime lead in Miami. However, Dan Marino would lead the Dolphins to a 24-21-comeback win to advance to the AFC Championship Game.

1986:With Quarterback Bernie Kosar leading the way with 3,854 yards passing the Browns win a team record 12 games on the way to capturing the AFC Central with a 12-4 record. In the Division Playoffs the Browns find themselves down by ten points to the New York Jets at Municipal Stadium. However, with four minutes left the Browns begin an amazing comeback benefiting from penalties against the Jets to tie the game and send it to Overtime. The game would go to a second Overtime becoming the second longest game in NFL history before Matt Bahr kicked the winning Field to send the Browns on to the AFC Championship. In the AFC Championship Game at Municipal Stadium, the Browns reverse a 13-10 defect into a 20-13 lead with two minutes left, as the Browns are poised to make a trip to their fist Super Bowl. However, Broncos Quarterback John Elway leads Denver to a 91-yard game tying Touchdown drive in the final minute. The Broncos would go on to win 23-20 in Overime to advance on to Super Bowl XXI.

1987:Led by another 3,000-yard passing season by Bernie Kosar, the Browns captured their third straight AFC Central crown, as they finished the season 10-5. In the Divisional Playoffs against the Indianapolis Colts at Municipal Stadium, the Browns have no problem advancing to their second straight AFC Championship Game as they rout the Colts 38-21. For the second year in a row the Browns are matched up against the Broncos for a trip to the Super Bowl. The Browns would fall behind early at Mile Stadium, as the Broncos roared out to a big halftime lead. However, the Browns would roar back scoring 30 points in the second half, and driving for the winning Touchdown in the final two minutes. However, the Browns dreams would come up just a few yards short as Running Bakc Earnest Byner fumbles at the goal line as the Browns fall 38-33.

1988:The Browns suffer through a rash of injuries to their Quarterbacks leading to four different starters during the season. However, the team proved most reliant and scratched and clawed their way to a 9-6 record going into the final game of the season against the Houston Oilers. The Browns would over come a 16-point 3rd Quarter defect to claim a 28-23 win, and finish with a 10-6 record, good enough to a host the Wild Card game against the same Oilers six days later. However, this time there would be no comeback as the Oilers claimed a 24-23 win at Municipal Stadium. Shortly after the season Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer resigned to take a lucrative pay raise to coach the Kansas City Chiefs.

1989:With new Coach Bud Carson at the helm the Browns get off to a 7-3 start before hosting the Schottenheimer lead Chiefs. The much-hyped game would end in a 10-10 deadlock that would be the start of four straight non-winning games for the Browns. However the Browns would recover to win their final two games to finish with a 9-6-1 record that was good enough to claim the AFC Central Division Title. In the Divisional Playoffs the Browns would beat the Buffalo Bills in a wild 34-30 game at Municipal Stadium to advance to the AFC Championship Game for the third time in four years. Once again the Browns were matched up with Broncos, but this time it was not close as the Broncos advanced to Super Bowl XXIV with 37-21 win in Denver.

1990:The Browns stumble out of the gate getting off to a woeful 2-7 start before Coach Bud Carson was fired, and replaced by Jim Shofner. The move would not help, as the Browns would continue to struggle finishing with a pathetic 3-13 record.

1991:Under new Coach Bill Belichick the Browns are not much better managing only a 6-10 record, while finishing in third place in the AFC Central.

1992:The Browns continue to play mediocre football as they finish in third place for the second straight season with a record of 7-9.

1993:The Browns get off to a 5-2 start despite an under lying Quarterback Controversy. Prior to the start of the season the Browns signed Free Agent Quarterback Vinny Testaverde. Originally Testaverde was supposed to back-up his former University of Miami teammate Bernie Kosar. However, when Testaverde performed better when given the opportunity to play some felt there should be a change at the Quarterback position. However, the Browns would go beyond that by unceremoniously releasing Kosar in the middle of the season. The Browns would go on to lose their next four games and seven of their last nine games to finish with a 7-9 record.

1994:The Browns put together a solid 11-5 season to claim their first playoff berth in five years. In the Wild Card Game against the New England Patriots a sold out crown at Municipal Stadium witnessed Head Coach Bill Belichick facing his mentor Bill Parcells. In the game the Pupil would come out the victor as the Browns claimed a 20-13 victory. The Browns would advance on to the Divisional Playoffs against the Steelers. The game would not even be close as the Steelers beat the Browns for the third time 29-9 to advance to the AFC Championship Game in Pittsburgh.

1995:The unthinkable happens to the Browns fans and the city of Cleveland as owner Art Modell announces he is moving the team to Baltimore. Modell had grown envious of Cleveland’s other 2 teams getting new buildings, and new stadiums being built through out the NFL. Modell wanted a new stadium with luxury boxes to help make up for money he lost in non-football investments. To him the Browns were not making enough money in Cleveland despite selling out every game for the last 20 years. The announcement would create a cloud over the season as the Browns lost their first 6 games after the announcement. The Browns would manage to win the final game at Municipal Stadium over the Bengals 26-10, before finishing the season with a 5-11 record.

1996:Immediately after Art Modell announced his move, the city of Cleveland began to fight him and the NFL in an attempt to keep the Browns in Cleveland. The NFL had taken up battles with owners who were attempting to relocate before, only to come up the loser in court. However, the NFL wanted the Browns to remain in Cleveland, and eventually get a new stadium. It was then that a unique compromise was made. Art Modell would be allowed to move the team to Baltimore, but he would not be allowed to take the Browns history with him. The deal also stipulated that Cleveland would get a new NFL franchise in 1999 that would take up the history of the Browns. While Modell’s team that was renamed the Ravens would be regarded as a new team.

1998:While work on the new Cleveland Browns Stadium was completed, the foundation for the front office was being pit together. After Al Lerner won a bidding war for ownership of the Browns for $750 million, work began on the front office. To run the team Learner decided to raid the San Francisco 49ers who had been one of the most successful teams in all of sports over the last 16 years. Learner would name hire both Carmen Policy, and Dwight Clark away to server as the Browns president and vice president.

1999:After a three year absence the NFL returned to Cleveland on September 12th for a primetime season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the 73,138 fans at the new state of the art Cleveland Browns Stadium went home disappointed as the Steelers slaughtered the Browns 43-0. The Browns would go on to lose the first seven games, and were in danger of falling to 0-8 in the closing seconds of a game against the Saints in New Orleans. With three seconds left the Browns trailed 16-14, and need a miracle to score from midfield. Too far to try a field goal, the only hope was to throw up it and hope for a miracle. A miracle is exactly what would happen as Wide Receiver Kevin Johnson caught Tim Couch’s Hail Mary pass to give the Browns a stunning 21-16 victory. The Browns would get another stunning victory two weeks later when they avenged their opening week loss to the Steelers with a 16-15 in Pittsburgh. However that would be the Browns final win of the year, as they finished with a franchise worst 2-14 record, while going 0-8 at home.

2000:The new Browns capture their first win at Cleveland Browns Stadium with 23-20 win over the Steelers on September 17th. The win got the Browns off to a 2-1 start, and the team looked as if things may be going in the right direction. However, the Browns would mange to win only one more game on their way to an awful 3-13 record. After the season Head Coach Chris Palmer was fired after a disappointing 5-27 record in his two year tenure.

2001:Under new Coach Butch Davis the Browns were the surprise of the NFL through the first six weeks, holding a 4-2 record. However the Browns would come back to earth with a heartbreaking loss in Chicago against the Bears, and a loss to the Steelers at home in which the Browns defense did not allow a Touchdown. However the Browns would bounce back and would beat the Ravens in Baltimore to complete a sweep of Art Modell’s team. The Browns would beat the Cincinnati Bengals a week later and stood at 6-4 heading into December. However the youth of the Browns would go no further they would only win one of their last six games to finish with a 7-9 record. However, the season gave fans reason to hope for the future.

2002:The Browns season got off to an odd start as they lost at home to the Kansas City Chiefs at home 40-39 after Dwayne Rudd threw his helmet in celebration for what he thought was a game ending tackle. Instead a penalty was thrown on Rudd giving the Chiefs the opportunity to kick a game winning field goal with nothing on the clock. The Browns would recover to win the next two games but struggled over the next month losing three straight games as Quarterback Tim Couch returned from a preseason injury. After the Browns beat the expansion Houston Texans 34-17 the Browns were hit by tragedy s Owner Al Lerner succumbed to cancer on October 24th. Three days after Lerner’s passing the Browns made a stirring 4th Quarter comeback to beat the New York Jets on the road 24-21, to improve to 4-4. After a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers the Browns would win four of six games and entered the final week of the season with a record of 8-7 and a shot to make the playoffs with a win at home over the Atlanta Falcons. However, things seemed bleak early when Tim Couch broke his right leg in the first half, but back up Kelly Holcomb would lead the Browns to two Touchdowns as the Browns beat the Falcons 24-16. With a 9-7 record the Browns would qualify for the playoffs for the first time since returning to the NFL in 1999. In the playoffs on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers the Browns would hold a 33-21 lead with five minutes left as backup Quarterback Kelly Holcomb had a career day with 429 yards passing. However, the Browns defense would suffer a let down allowing the Steelers to score 15 points to take a 36-33 lead in the final minute. Holcomb would not go down without a fight driving ten Browns down the field. However, Andre King could not get out of bounds fast enough after catching a pass at the Steelers 29 as time ran out on the Browns season.

2003:Coming off their first playoff appearance since their resurrection the Browns were embroiled in a major Quarterback controversy between Tim Couch and Kelly Holcomb. Holcomb would win the job at the start of the season. However early on he would struggle as the Browns dropped their first two games, faced with a 0-3 start the Browns trailed the San Francisco 49ers 12-0 midway through the 4th Quarter. Holcomb would lead the Browns on two long scoring drives to give the Browns a thrilling 13-12 win. However during the comeback Holcomb was injured which trusted Couch back into the starting lineup. With Couch in as starter the Browns won two of their next three games, but in his 4fourh start he would struggle badly and was replaced in the middle of the game by Holcomb, as the Browns lost to the winless San Diego Chargers at home 26-20. The Browns inconsistency at Quarterback would continue through out the season with Holcomb going in and out with injuries while Tim Couch struggled and lost favors with the fans and management. The running game also struggled as William Green struggled with off the field demons and had a disappointing season with 559 yards rushing. It would all prove too much to overcome as the Browns finished in last place with a disappointing 5-11 record. Following the season the Browns would end their Quarterback controversy by cutting Tim Couch and signing Free Agent Jeff Garcia from the 49ers, while Kelly Holcomb stayed on as the back up.

2004:With the addition of Quarterback Jeff Garcia and the selection of Kellen Winslow II in the NFL draft there was an air of excitement surrounding the Browns at the start of the season, with many forecasting K2 as he was called the son of a NFL Hall of Famer the next big thing at Tight End. The Browns would start the season on a strong note beating the Baltimore Ravens 20-3. However, in Week 2 the Browns season began to crumble as a series of injuries, including a season ending injury to Winslow during a 19-12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, would leave the Browns limping the rest of the season. Despite the injuries the Browns played solid football for the first half of the season holding a 3-3 loss before a heartbreaking 34-31 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in overtime. The loss would begin a losing streak which would not end until the final game of the season. Along the way Coach Butch Davis would resign following a tantalizing 58-48 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12. As the season wound down the Browns led by interim Coach Terry Robiske would begin assessing the future trying out third string Quarterback Luke McNown as they finished with a terrible 4-12 record. Following the season the Browns would hire Romeo Crennel off the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots to lead the team in the future while making a major roster shake up and focusing toward the future.

2005:As the season began for the Browns the focus was on the future as new Coach Romeo Crennel hoped to start laying the foundation of the future. Part of that future Kellen Winslow II was on the sidelines after suffering a devastating knee injury in an off-season knee injury. Another part of that future Quarterabck Charlie Frye also began the season on the sidelines learning while veteran Trent Dilfer tried to make the Browns at the very least competitive. In the early going they were competitive as they split their first four games as RB Reuben Droughns acquired from the Denver Broncos in the off-season quickly established himself as the Browns go to back with a solid 1,232 yard season. However there were still plenty of growing pains as the Browns only managed to win two of their next five games as Dilfer struggled, leading the Browns to allow Charlie Frye a chance on the field. With Frye under center the Browns would not fair much better as they ended up finishing in last place with a 6-10 record, but Frye passed for 1,000 yards with four Touchdowns in five starts.

2006:reach respectability, coming off a 6-10 season. Things did not start well for the Browns as they dropped their first three games culminating with a heartbreaking 15-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on a 52-yard Field Goal by Matt Stover with 20 seconds left, after the Browns started the 4th Quarter with a 14-3 win. Looking 0-4 in the face, the Browns rallied from a 21-3 deficit led by Quarterback Charlie Frye’s three touchdown passes to beat the Oakland Raiders on the road 24-21. After two straight losses the Browns earned their first home winning by capitalizing on three big turnovers to beat the New York Jets 20-13. After a hard fought 32-25 loss to the San Diego Chargers the Browns, stunned the Atlanta Falcons on the road 17-13 shutting down Quarterback Michael Vick. After back to back losses to division rivals the Browns rallied behind back up QB Derek Anderson who led two fourth quarter scoring drives to force overtime where the beat the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28. Anderson would get a chance to start the next three games, but would not have the same magic as the Browns closed the season with four straight losses to finish the season with a 4-12 record. In a year of not many positives play of second year Wide Receiver Braylon Edwards, and Tight End Kellen Winslow II, who finally was healthy, gave the Browns to reliable young receivers to build their future on. A future that could hinge on Quarterback Brady Quinn who the Browns drafted 22nd overall after trading up with the Dallas Cowboys, along with Quinn the Browns landed Joe Thomas with the third overall pick.

2007:Heading into the season not much was expected from the Browns, whose fans were eagerly awaiting the debut of Quarterback Brady Quinn, who was drafted with the 22nd overall pick. After taking it on the chin in the opener 34-7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Quinn moved up the depth chart as starter Charlie Frye was traded to the Seattle Seahawks. However, in Week 2 Derek Anderson proved worthy of a least a chance to lead the Browns as he threw five touchdown passes and passed for 328 yards in a 51-45 shoot out win over the Cincinnati Bengals. After a heartbreaking loss on the road to the Oakland Raiders, Anderson again excelled throwing two Touchdwon passes in a 27-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Anderson would play well again over the next two weeks as the Browns lost to the unbeaten New England Patriots and beat the winless Miami Dolphins. After the bye week Anderson continued to put up Pro Bowl numbers passing for 248 yards with three touchdown passes as the Browns finally won on the road, beating the St. Louis Rams 27-20. A week later it was Jamal Lewis who was the hero scoring four touchdowns, while Derek Anderson racked up 364 passing yards to lead the Browns to a 33-30 upset win over the Seattle Seahawks in overtime. With first place on the line the Browns faced the Steelers again, and this time put up a fight as they held a 28-24 lead in the fourth quarter, behind three touchdown passes from Derek Anderson, However, the Steelers led by Ben Roethlisberger would end up winning the game 31-28. On the road against the Baltimore Ravens, the Browns appeared to be heading for another win as they led 27-14 entering the fourth quarter led by a thrilling 100-yard interception return by Brodney Pool. However, the Ravens would come charging back scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter, and taking a lead on a 47-yard Field Goal by Matt Stover with 31 seconds left. The Browns would not go down quietly as Anderson hit Braylon Edwards on 18-yard pass to set Phil Dawson up for a long field goal attempt. Dawson’s kick was right on target but ruled no good as it seemed to hit the cross bar and bounce out. However, on closer examination the kick had hit the goal support meaning it was good, as the Ravens celebrated, and the Browns began walking off the field dejected. The officials began to huddle and reversed the call giving the Browns new life as the game went to overtime tied 30-30. In overtime the Browns quickly marched down the field, and set Dawson up for a 33-yard game winning Field Goal. At 6-4 the Browns were right in the middle of the playoff picture, as Derek Anderson continued to put up tremendous numbers in a 27-17 win over the Houston Texans. However, there were still some bumps in the road, and a 27-21 loss on the road to the Arizona Cardinals demonstrated that the Browns were still an imperfect team. On a sloppy night at the Meadowlands the Browns were able to hold off the New York Jets 24-18, as Joe Jurevicius recovered two on-side kicks. Bad weather followed them right to Cleveland, as they beat the Buffalo Bills 8-0 in the snow. Controlling their own destiny the Browns suffered a costly set back in the next to last game of the regular season, as Anderson was picked off four times, as the Browns lost to the Bengals in Cincinnati 19-14. That loss would end up costing the Browns a playoff spot as they missed the playoffs despite beating the San Francisco 49ers 20-7 to finish the year with a record of 10-6.

2008:After posting a 10-6 record the Browns entered the season with playoff aspirations. However, after starting the season with three straight losses the Browns found themselves in a hole before September was over, as Quarterback Derek Anderson coming off a season in which he made the pro bowl played poorly. The Browns would finally get on track with a 20-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on the road. After a bye week the Browns looked to be hitting their stride as Anderson passed for 310 with two Touchdown passes in a 35-14 win over the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. The win was the first Monday Night win for the Browns since 1993. However, a week later Anderson and the Browns took a step backwards as they were beaten by the Washington Redskins on the road 14-11. The Browns would rebound to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-17, but after a 37-27 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the Browns sat at 3-5 at the season’s midpoint. With Brady Quinn getting his first start against the Denver Broncos, the Browns continued to stumble losing 34-30 in a Thursday Night game in Cleveland. Quinn would lead the Browns to a 29-27 win over the Buffalo Bills on the road a week later. However, it would be the only win for Quinn as he suffered a season ending foot injury a week later in a 16-6 loss to the Houston Texans. The loss to the Texans would be the start of a season ending six game losing streak that saw the Browns use three different Quarterbacks as they finished in last place with a disappointing 4-12 record. The season would cost Coach Romeo Crennel his job as he is replaced by Eric Mangini following the season.

2009:With new Coach Eric Mangini it felt as if the Browns were starting from scratch again, a decade after they re-launched their franchise, making the playoff just once in their first ten years of the new incarnation. Things did not start well for Mangini, as he seemed indecisive on a starting quarterback, before going with Brady Quinn to start the season. However, Quinn struggled and was benched after the Browns dropped their first three games. Derek Anderson took over in the second half of the Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and started and played well as the Browns lost a heartbreaker to the Cincinnati Bengals in overtime 23-20. The Browns looking to shake things up decided to part ways with disappointing receiver Braylon Edwards as they traded him to the New York Jets for WR Chansi Stuckey, LB Jason Trusnik, and third- and fifth- round selections in the 2010 NFL Draft. A week after the deal the Browns finally got in the win column by beating the Buffalo Bills 6-3. Following their win over the Bills, the Browns continued to play awful football losing their next seven games, to drop to 1-11. With their season in tatters the Browns hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Thursday primetime game, hoping to just salvage some dignity. They would do more than that as they stunned and all but eliminated the Steelers, who were defending champions from returning to the playoffs. The 13-6 win was the first victory over the Steelers in six years. A week later Joshua Cribs who all season long was a bright spot in the Browns bleak season set a NFL record with his seventh and eighth career kickoff return for a touchdown as the Browns beat the Kansas City Chiefs on the road 41-34. The Browns would also win their final two games to finish the season with a record of 5-11. The four straight wins to close the season may have saved Eric Mangini’s job, as Mike Holmgren joined the Browns as the new Personnel Director.

2010:As Mike Holmgren took over it became clear that change was in the air as Quarterback Brady Quinn was traded to the Denver Broncos for RB Peyton Hillis and a draft pick. The Browns also released QB Derek Anderson and signed Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, while drafting Colt McCoy as they tried to rebuild their offense. Delhomme started the opener as the Browns lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-14. Seneca Wallace would get the start for Delhomme in the home opener as the Browns came up short again, losing 16-14. After a 24-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on the road, the Browns earned their first win on the season in Week 4, as they beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20, as T.J. Ward saved the day with a crucial sack of Carson Palmer late in the 4th Quarter. Following a 20-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Browns took a chance on rookie Colt McCoy to make the start against the Pittsburgh Steelers, McCoy would throw two intecepions and a touchdown, while passing for 281 yards as the Steelers beat the Browns 28-10. A week later McCoy would not play much better, but the Browns defense would pick off Drew Brees four times, including two that were returned for touchdowns by David Bowens, as the Browns stunned the New Orleans Saints in the Superdome 31-17. After the bye week, the Browns would deliver another big upset stunning the New England Patriots 34-14, as Peyton Hillis had a career day rushing for 184 yards with two touchdowns. The Browns looked to be on the verge of a third straight win a week later as they rallied to force overtime against the New York Jets. However, they failed to cash in on a several oppertunites and ened up losing 23-20 after conservatkley trying to run out the clock , with the ball deep in their own territory. Disappoinment continued the following week as the Browns again lost a game they should have won to the Jacksonville Jaguars, as they failed to capitalize on a 6-1 turnover advantage. With Jake Delhomme getting the start, the Browns nearly saw another win slip from their fingers. However, John Kasay’s kick sailed wide left allowing the Browns to hold on to a 24-23 win against the lowly Carolina Panthers. Once again Peyton Hillis was the star of the game, rushing for 131 yards, with three touchdowns. The Browns would get another win the following week, as they beat the Miami Dolphins on the road 13-10, as Mike Adams picked off Chad Henne deep in the Dolphins territory to set up Phil Dawson for a 23 yard game winning Field Goal as time expired. It would be the last win of the season for the Browns, as they lost their last four games to finish the season with a record of 5-11. This time there would be no saving Coach Eric Mangini’s job as he was replaced by Pat Shurmur following the season.

2011:Under new Coach Pat Schurmur, the Browns season began with a showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. For three quarters, the Browns were leading Battle of Ohio, 17-13. However, in the fourth quarter Bengals backup Quarterback Brcue Gradikowski caught the Browns defense sleeping on a 41 yard Touchdown pass to A.J. Green. The Bengals would go on to win the game 27-17. A week later, with Peyton Hillis rushing for 94 yards and two touchdowns, the Browns would get their first win 27-19on the road against the Indianapolis Colts, who were without Peyton Manning. A week later, they would get a home win, with a thrilling comeback against the Miami Dolphins, as Quarterback Colt McCoy drove the Browns down the field and connected with Mohamed Massaquoi on a 14 yard pass with 48 seconds left to give the Browns a 17-16 win. The Browns would enter an early bye week with a record of 2-2, after a 31-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The Browns would lose again following the bye, as they dropped to 2-3, with a 24-17 road loss to the Oakland Raiders. The Browns would return home for Week 7 and face the Seattle Seahawks in what may have been the single worst game in the history of the National Football League. The Browns would somehow win the snoozer 6-3, as neither team looked capable of doing anything in an ugly sloppy penalty filled game that was won on a 53 yard Field Goal by Phil Dawson. After losses on the road to the to the Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers the Browns returned home and treated their fans to another hideous football game against the St. Louis Rams. This time they were not lucky to get the win, as Dawson missed a chip shot 22 yard field goal as the Rams won the game 13-12. The ugly football by the lake continued the following week as the Browns defense helped secure a 14-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. It would be the last win of the season for the Browns as they went on to complete a dreadful season with a record of 4-12. Among the frustrating statistics for the Browns, was the fact they lost all six games against their divisional rivals. What was even more frustrating is that the Browns defense put up a stellar effort most weeks, allowing more than 24 points just twice during the season. However, the Browns scored 20 or more in just two games. Among the Browns having terrible seasons, was QB Colt McCoy who had just 14 touchdowns, and passed for 2,733 yards. Even more disappointing was Running Back Peyton Hillis, who had a break out season in 2010 and was on the cover of the always popular John Madden Football. However, Hillis got a terrible case of the Madden Curse, fighting through a hamstring injury and a contract dispute all season. Hillis had just 587 yards rushing along with three touchdowns and two fumbles. Following the season the Browns would deal Peyton Hillis to the Kansas City Chiefs, as they drafted RB Trent Richardson of Alabama with the third overall pick. They would also select QB Brandon Weeden of Oklahoma State with the 22nd overall pick, which they acquired a year earlier in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons for Julio Jones.

2012:Change was in the air in Cleveland as the Lerner family sold the Browns to Jimmy Haslam, who unbeknownst at the time was being investigated by the IRS and the FBI and his Pilot Flying J Corporation, for attempting to defraud consumers of millions of dollars in gas and other types of rebates. The ownership change would lead to other changes as President Mike Holmgren and General Manager Tom Heckert would eventually both be dismissed. Before leaving they were busy with building the Browns future as the landed Running Back Trent Richardson from Alabama with the third overall pick, while selecting Quarterback Brandon Weeden with the 22nd overall pick. The selection of Weeden was more of a stretch, as he was already 28 years old, having played minor league baseball before staring at Oklahoma State. They later added Baylor Wide Receiver Josh Gordon with a second round pick in the supplemental draft. Weeden would be named the starting quarterback as the Browns opened the season against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Browns defense had a strong game, picking off Michael Vick four times. However, Brandon Weeden was also intercepted four times and completed just 12 of 35 passes as the Eagles won 17-16. Weeden and Richardson played better in Week 2, each scoring their first career touchdowns. The game would be a classic Ohio shootout, as the Browns rookie QB had 322 passing yards, while Richardson ran for 109 yards. However, in the end it was not enough as the Cincinnati Bengals won the game 34-27. The Browns rookies were unable to carry over their performance to Week 3, as they both struggled at home, with the Browns falling to the Buffalo Bills 24-14. Following a hard fought 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the Browns looked to be off and running with two quick scores against the New York Giants at the Meadowlands as they quickly grabbed a 14-0 lead in the first two minutes, with Trent Richardson scoring a touchdown just 37 seconds into the game, while Brandon Weeden and Josh Gordon connected on a 62 yard touchdown pass. However, the lead would vanish just as quickly as the Giants took a 27-17 lead at the half and won the game 41-27 to drop to 0-5 on the season. A week later the Browns would face the Bengals for the second time and once again brought their A game. This time the Browns would also get the win 34-24, as Sheldon Brown sealed the win by returning an Andy Dalton interception 17 yards for a touchdown. Following a hard luck 17-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Browns would get a second win by beating the San Diego Chargers 7-6, with Trent Richardson scoring the game’s lone touchdown and rushing for 122 yards. Looking for a third straight home win the Browns rallied from an early 14-0 deficit; with five Phil Dawson Field Goals to take a 15-14 lead against the Baltimore Ravens in the 4th Quarter. However, the Ravens would rebound and win the game 25-15. The Browns continued to play well, as they looked to be on their way to an upset 20-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys on the road, as Benjamin Watson caught a Touchdown from Brandon Weeden with 1:07 left in the game. However, the Cowboys would quickly get down the field to tie the game on a 38 yard Field Goal by Dan Bailey. Bailey would also nail the game winner as the Browns as the Browns fell to 2-8. The Browns would not be discouraged, as they would win their next three games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs. However, they would not be able to continue the momentum as they dropped their last three games and finished the season with a record of 5-11. Despite another losing season, the Browns had a player the fans could get excited about as Trent Richardson quickly became a fan favorite rushing for 950 yards, while breaking Jim Brown’s record of 9 rushing Touchdowns by a rookie, scoring 11. Following the season the changes in the Cleveland continued as Joe Banner was named team President and CEO, while Michael Lombardi became the new General Manager. This also would bring a coaching change as Rob Chudzinski replaced Pat Schurmur.

2013:The Rod Cudzinski era in Cleveland began at the newly renamed First Energy Stadium with the Browns hosting the Miami Dolphins. The Browns played well early, leading at the half 7-6. However, the Browns would commit three turnovers and managed just a field goal in the second half as the Dolphins won the game 23-10. The Browns defense had another strong start in Week 2, as they built a 6-0 lead on the road against the Baltimore Ravens. Once again the Browns could not build on the lead and lost the game 14-6. Following the loss to the Ravens, the Browns looking to shake things up traded Running Back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts for a first round draft pick. The Browns would also bench QB Brandon Weeden in favor of Brian Hoyer as they faced the Minnesota Vikings on the road. After the Vikings took the early lead Hoyer evened the score by hocking up with Josh Gordon on a 47 yard Touchdown pass. Gordon was missed the first two games due violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy gave the Browns a big boost in Week 3 with 146 yard on receptions. Brian Hoyer would have an up and down debut passing for 321 yards with three interceptions, however his three touchdowns would more than make up for it as he connected with Jordan Cameron with 51 seconds left to win the game 31-27. In his first home start Hoyer was solid with 269 yards and two touchdowns as the Browns stunned the Cincinnati Bengals 17-6. Just as it seemed the Browns found a reliable starting quarterback, Brian Hoyer suffered a torn ACL and was lost for the season during a Thursday Night game against the Buffalo Bills. Without Hoyer, Brandon Weeden returned and played well passing for 197 yards with a touchdown, as the Browns won their third straight game 37-24. The big plays came on special teams and defense with Travis Benjamin returning a punt 79 yards for a touchdown and T.J. getting a 44 yard pick six. With Brandon Weeden under center, the Browns dropped their next two games. Jason Campbell would get the start and played well in Week 8, passing for 293 yards with two scores, but the result was the same as the Browns suffered a 23-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Campbell would play even better the following week, passing for 262 yards with three touchdowns as the Browns beat the Ravens 24-18. Following the bye week, the Browns would struggle losing three straight. Despite the losses Josh Gordon shined, with consecutive games of 200 yards receiving setting a new NFL record. Gordon would follow it up with 151 yards on the road against the New England Patriots as the Browns were on verge of a win in Foxboro leading 26-14 in the final minutes. However, the Browns would have a complete meltdown as the Patriots scored twice in 30 seconds win no timeouts to win the game 27-26 as the Browns failed to cover the on-side kick with one minute left in the game. The Browns would not win another game in 2013, losing three more after their Foxobo flop to finish the year with a record of 4-12. After losing their final seven games, Coach Rob Chudzinski is fired after just one season.

2014:When the season began, fans of the Cleveland Browns were excited over the selection of Quarterback Johnny Manziel, who was chosen with the 22nd overall pick. Nicknamed Johnny Football, Manziel was one of the most exciting players in college football history, becoming the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy at Texas A&M in 2012. Manziel would have to wait for his time to play when the season started as Brian Hoyer began the season for first year Head Coach Mike Pettine. The Browns started the season off poorly, and trailed the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-3 at the half in Heinz Field. The Browns would play much better in the second half and rallied to tie the game helped by a pair of runs by Isaiah Crowell. In the end the Browns would still fall short losing the season opener for a NFL record tenth straight season as Shaun Shuisham hit a 41 yard Field Goal as time expired to win the game 30-27. In their home opener, Johnny Manzeil saw his first action as the Browns took on the New Orleans Saints. Cleveland fans had plenty to cheer early as the Browns held a 16-3 lead in the second quarter following a 62 yard interception return by Tashaun Gipson. The Saints would get on track with a Jimmy Graham touchdown with three seconds left in the second quarter. In the second half the game would shift back and forth, with Billy Cundiff hitting a 29 yard Field Goal in the final seconds to give the Browns a 26-24 win. It marked the first time they won their home opener since 2004. The Browns continued to play competitive football into Week 3, as they faced the Baltimore Ravens. Once again the game would come down to a Field Goal in the final seconds, with the Ravens winning the game 23-21 on a 32 yard boot by Justin Tucker. Through three games the Browns were 1-2, but were the only team not to turn the ball over. Browns games going to the wire remained the trend in Week 5 following a bye week as the Browns faced the Tennessee Titans on the road. Early on it did not look like it was going to be close, as the Titans jumped out to a 28-3 with Charlie Whitehurst hitting Justin Hunter on a 75 yard Touchdown pass. The Browns would begin crawling back late in the second quarter as Jason Dray caught a Brian Hoyer pass with 12 seconds to go before halftime. The second half would be all Browns as they scored 19 unanswered points to win the game 29-28. The winning score was a six yard reception by Travis Benjamin with 69 seconds left. It was the largest comeback in Browns franchise history, and the most points overcome by a trailing road team at 25 points. The Browns carried the momentum into Week 6, where they crushed the Steelers 31-10, ending an eight game losing streak against AFC North rivals. The win would be costly as they lost Center Alex Mack to a broken fibula for the remainder of the season. Just as Cleveland fans began to have dreams of the postseason, the Browns reminded them of who they actually were, losing to the winless Jacksonville Jaguars 24-6. In the first five games the Browns committed just two turnovers, but in their loss in Northern Florida they had three as Brian Hoyer completed just 16 of 41 passes with a fumble and interception. The Browns would recover the following week, beating the Oakland Raiders 23-13 at FirstEnergy Stadium. A week later the Browns would improve to 5-3 with a 22-17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as the Browns third ranked defense made big plays all day, forcing three turnovers and blocking a punt. Four days later the Browns would get their biggest win in years, as they beat the Cincinnati Bengals 24-3 in Southern Ohio on Thursday Night Football. It was a total dominant effort by the Browns defense as they allowed a scant 165 yards total offense and forced four turnovers. With a record of 6-3 the Browns were in first place for the first time since 1995. The stay atop the AFC North would not last long for the Browns as they dropped their next game at home 23-7 against the Houston Texans. The Browns got a boost in Week 12 against the Atlanta Falcons, as Josh Gordon returned from a ten game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Gordon made eight receptions for 120 yards including the key pass to Gordon inside the 35 yard line, setting up Billy Cundiff’s second game-winning field goal of the season with five seconds left for a 26-24 victory. However, Gordon’s demons would get the best of him as he later got suspended for violating team rules, before earning a yearlong suspension for once again violating the NFL’s aftercare policy. Coach Mike Pettine created a quarterback controversy in Week 13, as he benched Hoyer in favor of Manziel, during a 26-10 road loss to the Buffalo Bills. Following the game Pettine indicated he was unsure who would start the following week when the Browns returned home to face the Indianapolis Colts. The Browns gave the Colts all they could handle as Craig Robertson recovered an early Andrew Luck fumble in the end zone. However, the Colts would rally to win the game 25-24 on an Andrew Luck pass to T.Y. Hilton with 32 seconds left. Following the game, Johnny Manziel would be named the Browns new stating QB. In another surprise move, Billy Cundiff was released in favor of Garrett Hartley. Johnny Manziel’s first start could not go worse as he completed just 10-of-18 passes for 80 yards and had two interceptions, while being sacked three times as the Browns were blanked by the Bengals at home 30-0. Manziel’s second start was not much better as he completed just three-of-eight passes for 32 yards before leaving with a hamstring injury in a 17-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Following the season Manziel who struggled in his rookie year checked himself into a rehabilitation center for the treatment of alcohol addiction. Connor Shaw would start the finale, as the Browns lost to the Ravens 17-10 allowing 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to finish with a record of 7-9.

2015:As the season began the Cleveland Browns were a team in turmoil, as General Manager Ray Farmer was hit with a four game suspension, while the organization was fined $250,000 for sending texts to coaching staff discussing play-calling during games, which violated the league’s electronic device policy. Wide Receiver Josh Gordon meanwhile, was suspended the entire season following a fifth failed drug test, this time for alcohol. Quarterback Johnny Manziel seemed on the same unfortunate path as he checked in to rehab following his rookie season. The Browns would unveil gaudy new uniforms with Browns written down the side of the pants and a large Cleveland wordmark on the jersey. Josh McCown the 23rd starting quarterback since 1999 began the season, his brother Luke made four starts with the Browns in 2004. In the opener McCown fumbled and suffered a concussion as the Browns lost to the New York Jets at the Meadowlands 31-10. Johnny Manziel would get the start with McCown sidelined in the home opener and played passing for 172 yards with two touchdowns as the Browns beat the Tennessee Titans 28-14. The Browns star of the game was Travis Benjamin who had touchdown receptions of 60 and 50 yards, adding a 78-yard punt return touchdown. Josh McCown returned for Week 3 and passed for 341 yards with two scores, but it was not enough as the Browns suffered a 27-20 loss to the Oakland Raiders. In San Diego McCown was solid again, passing for 356 yards, but 12 Cleveland penalties allowed the Chargers to stay in the game and win 30-27 as an off-sides call gave Josh Lambo a second chance to kick the game winning field goal. The Browns continued to play well and were finally rewarded in Week 5, rallying from a 21-9 deficit to beat the Baltimore Ravens in overtime 33-30 as Josh McCown was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week, passing for 457 yards with two touchdowns as Travis Coons won the game with a 32-yard boot. Returning home the Browns nearly beat the Denver Broncos Barkevious Mingo ran back a Peyton Manning interception to the Denver 39 on the first possession of overtime. However, the Browns offense went backwards and was forced to punt as the Broncos won 26-23. The loss would be the start of a seven game losing streak as McCown after suffering a series of injuries was replaced by Johnny Manziel. However, when video of Johnny Football partying surfaced the Browns again benched their first round pick in the 2014 draft. Josh McCown regained the starter spot only to suffer a broken collar bone as Austin Davis became the Browns 24th starting QB since 1999. After Davis struggled against the Cincinnati Bengals, Manziel was given another chance and led the Browns to a 24-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Though it was not without more drama as a first half interception led to a sideline meltdown. It would be the last win of the season as the Browns lost their final three games to finish 3-13. As the season ended so did Johnny Manziel’s career in Cleveland as he went to coaches claiming to feel the effects of a concussion before the final game of the season. As the Browns were losing at home the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-12 a report surfaced that rather than go through the post-concussion protocols, Manziel went to Las Vegas and partied in a fake wig. Fed up the Browns released Johnny Football after just two miserable seasons. The Browns also dismissed GM Ray Farmer and Coach Mike Pettine, cleaning house once again.

2016:The Cleveland Browns were starting over from scratch with a new front office and a new head coach, as Hue Jackson now was in charge on the sidelines, while former baseball General Manager Paul DePodesta while Sashi Brown was in charge of player personnel. The Browns on the field resembled an expansion team, as they signed Robert Griffin III to start the season at quarterback hoping he could revive his career, but it was clear early that RGIII was not the answer as the Browns started three different quarterbacks. After losing the season opener to the Philadelphia Eagles on the road 29-10, the Browns started fast in their home opener scoring three quick touchdowns in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens. However, on the third touchdown Patrick Murray’s extra point was blocked and returned for a defensive two-point which was the games turning point as the Ravens would win 25-20. Murray was released after the game, as Cody Parkey took over the kicking duties. In his first game Parkey missed a potential game winning field goal at the end of regulation as the Browns suffered a 30-24 loss to the Miami Dolphins in overtime. As the season wore on the losses began to snowball, few games were close as the Browns continued to find new lows in a year in which the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Championship and the Cleveland Indians went to Game 7 of the World Series. October turned to November as the Browns remained winless. As December arrived it appeared the Browns would not win a single game as they went into the final home game of the season holding a record of 0-14. On Christmas Eve, the Browns snapped their losing streak as Isiah Crowell led the way with two touchdowns in a 20-17 win over the San Diego Chargers. The Browns season would end with an 27-24 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, finishing with a 1-15 record the worst season in franchise history.

2017:Coming off a 1-15 season, there seemed to be no place to go, but up for the woe-begotten Cleveland Browns. The Browns had three first-round draft picks, thanks to 2016 trade that allowed the Philadelphia Eagles to select Carson Wentz, and a draft-day trade that allowed the Houston Texans to come up and pick Deshaun Watson as the Browns looked to rebuild through the draft, inspired by the movie “Draft Day”. The Browns picked Myles Garrett of Texas A&M first overall, while Jabrill Peppers of Michigan was taken with the 25th pick and David Njoku of Miami taken 29th overall. The Browns also looked to address their quarterback woes by taking DeShone Kizer of Notre Dane was taken in the second round. Kizer got the start in Week 1, and showed some positives passing for 222 yards with a touchdown, but it was not enough as the Browns lost their season opener for the 13th straight season 21-18 at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers. A week later in his first road game, Dizer struggled with three interceptions as the Baltimore Ravens 24-10 beat the Browns. Kizer had his ups and downs in Week 3, as the Browns late rally fell short in a 31-28 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. In the game Kizer threw for 242 yards with two touchdowns, but was picked off three times. The Browns woes continued in Week 4 as they were blown out by the Cincinnati Bengals 31-7 at First Energy Stadium. The following week was all about missed opportunities as they dropped to 0-5 with a 17-14 loss to the New York Jets. In the game, the Browns were 0-for-3 in the red zone, and had two missed field goals and three backbreaking turnovers. After a lackluster 33-17 loss to the Houston Texans, the Browns again had their chance to breakthrough in Week 7 as they hosted the Tennessee Titans. The game would feature a battle of field goals, with Zane Gonzalez tying the game at the end of regulation with a 54-yard boot. However, the Titans got the big kick in overtime and escaped with a 12-9 win. In the game, the Browns lost All-Pro Joe Thomas to a torn triceps muscle. Following the season Thomas would decide to retire, as the years of losing appeared to have taken its toll. London came calling in Week 8, as the Browns actually held a 16-15 lead in the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings. However, the Viking finished the game with 18 unanswered and won 33-16. After the Vikings game in London, the Browns had a chance to get Jimmy Garoppolo from the New England Patriots and A.J. McCarron from the Bengals. The latter was due to the Browns celebrating the trade instead of getting the paperwork to the league office before the deadline. Following the bye week, the Browns were on the road against the Detroit Lions and jumped out to an early 10-0 lead. The Lions began to take the game over in the second quarter, as the Browns botched a chance to go into halftime with a tie by failing to get a playoff in the final seconds. The Browns surged ahead again in the third, only to see Detroit close the game with 21 unanswered to record a 38-24 win. Returning home the Browns dropped to 0-10 with a 19-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars as they committed five turnovers again. In Week 12, the Browns remained winless and lost their seventh straight game in the Battle of Ohio, losing to the Bengals 30-16. Week 13, saw the Browns facing the Los Angeles Chargers, the lone team they beat in 2016 who had since relocated from San Diego to LA. This time there would be no Christmas miracle as the Browns continued to lose, falling to 0-12 with a 19-10 loss. With the Browns at 0-12 a change was made at the top as GM Sashi Brown was fired and replaced by John Dorsey. Week 14, looked like the week for the Browns to breakthrough as they a 21-7 lead over the Green Bay Packers. However, Brett Hundley doing his best Aaron Rodgers impersonation led to fourth quarter drives to tie the game, including a game-tying touchdown to Davante Adams with 17 seconds left in regulation. In overtime DeShone Kizer threw the pass that would win the game, the problem was he threw it to the other team, as Devante Adams returned a pick-six 25 yards to give Green Bay a 27-21 win. The next two weeks would see the Browns suffer blowout losses to drop to 0-15 as they were beat by the Ravens at home 27-10 and the Chicago Bears on the road 20-3 as they went to Heinz Field hoping to avoid becoming the NFL’s second team to suffer an 0-16 season. The Steelers locked into the two seed, rested most of their top players, opening the door for a Cleveland win. However, a 96-yard kickoff return by JuJu Smith-Schuster seemed to remind the Browns that everything that could go wrong will go wrong in 2017. Still they had their chance and were on the move down 28-24 in the final minute, before a wide-open Corey Coleman dropped a pass on fourth and two at the Pittsburgh 11-yard line ending any hope of winning the game. Following their 0-16 season, frustrated fans created their own parade in “celebration” of the Browns winless season, while Hue Jackson made good on his promise to swim in Lake Erie if they went 1-15 again. Despite holding a 1-31 record over two seasons, Jackson was kept on as the Browns coach as they still hoped he could turn it around.

Championship Teams

Browns Best

Browns Best

Paul Brown

Coach 1946-1962

Cliff Lewis

1946-1951

Mac Speedie

1946-1952

Marion Motley

1946-1953

Bill WIllis

1946-1953

Ken Carpenter

1950-1953

Tony Adamle

1947-1951, 1954

Otto Graham

1946-1955

1953 & 1955 NFL MVP

Tommy James

1948-1955

Dub Jones

1948-1955

Frank Gatski

1946-1956

Dante Lavelli

1946-1956

Horace Gillom

1947-1956

Abe Gibron

1950-1956

Len Ford

1950-1957

Pete Brewster

1952-1958

Don Colo

1953-1958

Warren Lahr

1949-1959

Ken Konz

1953-1959

Jim Brown

1957 Rookie of the Year & NFL MVP

Walt Michaels

1952-1961

Milt Plum

1957-1961

Bobby Mitchell

1958-1961

Mike McCormack

1954-1962

Jim Ray Smith

1956-1962

Don Fleming

1960-1962

Ernie Davis

1962 Draft Pick

Ray Renfro

1952-1963

Bob Gain

1952-1964

Jim Brown

1957-1965

1965 NFL MVP

Galen Fiss

1956-1966

Vince Costello

1957-1966

Bernie Parrish

1959-1966

John Morrow

1960-1966

Lou “The Toe” Groza

1946-1959, 1961-1967

Paul Wiggin

1957-1967

John Wooten

1959-1967

Ross Fichtner

1960-1967

Bill Glass

1962-1968

Ernie Green

1962-1968

Frank Ryan

1962-1968

Blanton Collier

Coach 1963-1970

Dick Schafrath

1959-1971

Gary Collins

1962-1971

Ernie Kellerman

1966-1971

Jim Houston

1960-1972

Mike Howell

1965-1972

Bill Nelsen

1968-1972

Ron Snidow

1968-1972

Gene Hickerson

1958-1960, 1962-1973

Leroy Kelly

1964-1973

Ben Davis

1967-1973

Milt Morin

1966-1975

John Demarie

1967-1975

Walter Johnson

1965-1976

Mike Phipps

1970-1976

Paul Warfield

1964-1969, 1976-1977

John Garlington

1968-1977

Don Cockroft

1968-1980

Charlie Hall

1971-1980

Jerry Sherk

1970-1981

Thom Darden

1972-1981

Greg Pruitt

1973-1981

Reggie Rucker

1975-1981

Lyle Alzado

1979-1981

Clarence Scott

1971-1983

Brian Sipe

1974-1983

1980 NFL MVP

Dick Ambrose

1975-1983

Dave Logan

1976-1983

Doug Dieken

1971-1984

Tom DeLeone

1974-1984

Mike Pruitt

1976-1984

Joe DeLamielleure

1980-1984

Robert E. Jackson

1975-1985

Paul McDonald

1980-1985

Chip Banks

1982-1986

1982 Defensive Rookie

Bob Golic

1982-1988

Cody Risien

1979-1989

Matt Bahr

1981-1989

Hanford Dixon

1981-1989

Ozzie Newsome

1978-1990

Eddie Johnson

1981-1990

Felix Wright

1985-1990

Paul Farren

1983-1991

Brian Brennan

1984-1991

Reggie Langhorne

1985-1991

Webster Slaughter

1986-1991

Frank Minnifield

1984-1992

Clay Matthews

1978-1993

Bernie Kosar

1985-1993

Kevin Mack

1985-1993

Mike Johnson

1986-1993

Michael Dean Perry

1988-1994

Eric Metcalf

1989-1994

Earnest Byner

1984-1988, 1994-1995

Leroy Hoard

1990-1995

Michael Jackson

1991-1995

Eric Turner

1991-1995

Vinny Testaverde

1993-1995

Art Modell

Owner 1961-1995

Art Modell’s stunning

decision left Cleveland fans without a team 1996-1998

Al Lerner

Owner 1999-2002

1999 Browns reborn

Jamir Miller

1999-2001

Tim Couch

1999-2003

Kevin Johnson

1999-2003

Quincy Morgan

2001-2003

Courtney Brown

2000-2004

Anthony Henry

2001-2004

Kelly Holcomb

2001-2004

Ross Verba

2001-2004

Robert Griffith

2002-2004

Kenard Lang

2002-2005

Dennis Northcutt

2000-2006

Alvin McKinley

2001-2006

William Green

2002-2006

Orpheus Roye

2000-2007

Leigh Bodden

2003-2007

Charlie Frye

2005-2007

Andra Davis

2002-2008

Sean Jones

2004-2008

Kellen Winslow II

2004-2008

Willie McGinest

2006-2008

Leon Williams

2006-2008

Steve Heiden

2002-2009

Derek Anderson

2005-2009

Braylon Edwards

2005-2009

Brodney Pool

2005-2009

Kamerion Wimbley

2006-2009

Jamal Lewis

2007-2009

Brady Quinn

2007-2009

Jerome Harrison

2006-2010

Robaire Smith

2007-2010

Eric Wright

2007-2010

David Bowens

2009-2010

Abram Elam

2009-2010

Matt Roth

2009-2010

Mike Adams

2007-2011

Evan Moore

2009-2011

Chris Gocong

2010-2011

Peyton Hillis

2010-2011

Phil Dawson

1999-2012

Josh Cribbs

2005-2012

Mohamed Massaquoi

2009-2012

Scott Fujita

2010-2012

Colt McCoy

2010-2012

Benjamin Watson

2010-2012

D’Qwell Jackson

2006-2013

Shawn Lauvao

2010-2013

T.J. Ward

2010-Present

Greg Little

2011-2013

Trent Richardson

2012-2013

Brandon Weeden

2012-2013

Ahtyba Rubin

2008-2014

Jordan Cameron

2011-2014

Jabaal Sheard

2011-2014

Buster Skrine

2011-2014

Phil Taylor

2011-Present

Billy Cundiff

2013-2014

Brian Hoyer

2013-2014

Alex Mack

2009-2015

Craig Robertson

2011-2015

Mitchell Schwartz

2011-2015

Travis Benjamin

2012-2015

Tashaun Gipson

2012-2015

Paul Kruger

2013-2015

Barkeveous Mingo

2013-2015

Karlos Dansby

2014-2015

Taylor Gabriel

2014-2015

Justin Gilbert

2014-2015

Johnny Manziel

2014-2015

Donte Whitner

2014-2015

Travis Coons

2015

Joe Haden

2010-2016

John Greco

2011-2016

Gary Barnidge

2013-2016

Armonty Bryant

2013-2016

Desmond Bryant

2013-2016

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Author

Frank Fleming
Frank Fleming founded the Sports Ecyclopedia in 2001 & is a passionate Devils fan.