2010 Cleveland Browns season

The 2010 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 62nd season as a professional sports franchise and its 58th season as a member of the National Football League (NFL). The team failed to break the longest playoff appearance drought in franchise history, a current streak of eight seasons without reaching the playoffs. The team finished 5–11, matching its win total from the 2009 season and placed third in the AFC North. This season marked the first season under the leadership of team president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert. It also marked the second season under head coach Eric Mangini. The Browns played all of their home games at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.

2010 Cleveland Browns season
General managerTom Heckert
Head coachEric Mangini
Home fieldCleveland Browns Stadium
Local radioWTAM · WMMS
Results
Record5–11
Division place3rd AFC North
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersC Alex Mack
T Joe Thomas

Off-season edit

Personnel changes edit

On December 21, 2009, the Browns hired Mike Holmgren, former Green Bay Packers head coach and Seattle Seahawks head coach and general manager, to take over as the team president. His duties will include personnel management and oversight over all operations.

Although many believed that the institution of Holmgren as president would lead to the firing of Browns' head coach Eric Mangini, he announced his intent to retain Mangini and the entire coaching staff for the 2010 season on January 7, 2010.[1]

On January 10, the Browns hired former Philadelphia Eagles' general manager Tom Heckert as general manager, the first major hire by Holmgren.[2]

Roster changes edit

Free agents edit

Pos Player Tag[3] 2010 Team Signed
LB Marcus Benard ERFA Browns March 17[4]
LB Blake Costanzo ERFA Browns March 17[4]
SS *Abram Elam RFA Browns June 14[5]
TE Greg Estandia RFA Browns March 16[6]
WR Mike Furrey UFA Redskins June 8[7]
TE Michael Gaines UFA Texans April 23
G Rex Hadnot UFA Cardinals March 11[8]
RB *Jerome Harrison RFA Browns June 14[5]
LB *D'Qwell Jackson RFA Browns June 14[9]
RB Chris Jennings ERFA Browns March 17[4]
FS Brodney Pool RFA Jets March 11[10]
LB *Matt Roth RFA Browns June 14[5]
FS Hank Poteat UFA
LB *Jason Trusnik RFA Browns March 12[11]
T Ryan Tucker UFA Retired
FS Ray Ventrone ERFA Browns March 5[12]
FB *Lawrence Vickers RFA Browns June 14[5]
G Billy Yates UFA Browns March 18[13]
Player re-signed by Browns

* The Browns used a second-round tender on these players

Releases edit

Pos Player Released 2010 Team Signed
QB Derek Anderson March 9[14] Cardinals March 17[15]
C Hank Fraley March 3[16] Rams March 14[17]
TE Steve Heiden March 12[11]
RB Jamal Lewis February 17[18]
WR Donté Stallworth February 9[19] Ravens February 17[20]

Signings edit

Pos Player 2009 Team Signed
QB Jake Delhomme Panthers March 13[21]
WR Bobby Engram Chiefs July 8[22]
LB Scott Fujita Saints March 7[23]
C Eric Ghiaciuc Chargers April 8[24]
T Tony Pashos 49ers March 7[23]
TE Alex Smith Eagles May 4[25]
CB DeAngelo Smith Lions April 28[26]
TE Benjamin Watson Patriots March 12[27]

Trades edit

On March 5, the Browns traded DE Corey Williams and a seventh round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft to the Detroit Lions for a fifth round pick in 2010.[28]

On March 8, the Browns traded a conditional draft pick in 2011 to the Seattle Seahawks for QB Seneca Wallace.[29]

On March 14, the Browns traded QB Brady Quinn to the Denver Broncos for RB Peyton Hillis, a sixth round draft pick in 2011, and a conditional draft pick in 2012.[30]

Also on March 14, the Browns traded LB Kamerion Wimbley to the Oakland Raiders for a 2010 third round draft pick.[31]

On April 2, the Browns traded LB Alex Hall and 2010 fourth- and fifth- round draft picks (Nos. 105 and 137, respectively) to the Philadelphia Eagles for CB Sheldon Brown and LB Chris Gocong.[32]

2010 Draft class edit

Round Pick Player Position College Signed Notes
1 7 Joe Haden Cornerback Florida July 31[33]
2 38 T. J. Ward Safety Oregon July 26[34]
59 Montario Hardesty Running back Tennessee July 26[34] From Dallas via Philadelphia[35]
3 85 Colt McCoy Quarterback Texas July 23[36] from New England via Oakland[37]
92 Shawn Lauvao Offensive tackle Arizona State July 23[36] from New York Jets[38]
5[39] 160 Larry Asante Safety Nebraska July 14[40] from New York Jets[38]
6 177 Carlton Mitchell Wide receiver South Florida July 7[41]
186 Clifton Geathers Defensive end South Carolina June 28[42] from Carolina[43]

The Browns did not have a fourth-[39] or seventh-round selection[44]

Undrafted free agents edit

Position Player College Signed Cut
T Casey Bender South Dakota State April 30[45]
DB Benjamin Burney Colorado April 30[45]
DB Chris Chancellor Clemson April 30[45]
LB Auston English Oklahoma April 30[45]
WR Johnathan Haggerty Oklahoma State April 30[45]
DE Swanson Miller Oklahoma State April 30[45]
WR Dion Morton Colorado State April 30[45]
T Joel Reinders Waterloo April 30[45]
DT Kwaku Danso East Carolina May 17[45]
WR Aaron Valentin Purdue April 30[45] May 4[25]
TE Troy Wagner Indiana April 30[45] May 4[25]

Uniform changes edit

After wearing solid brown pants with their white away jerseys during their 2009 campaign, the Browns returned to wearing their traditional white pants with orange-brown-orange lining for their 2010 away games. Furthermore, they wore white socks with orange-brown-orange piping with these uniforms, bringing back the "classic" Browns away look, as well as marking a departure from the past decade when solid brown socks were worn with both the home and away uniforms. These changes were confirmed during the team's first preseason game against the Packers on August 14 and by Eric Mangini the following week.[46]

Staff edit

Cleveland Browns 2010 staff
Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

Roster edit

Opening training camp roster edit

2010 Cleveland Browns training camp roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists

Rookies in italics
Roster updated July 31, 2010
Depth ChartTransactions

80 Active, 1 Inactive

Week 1 roster edit

2010 Cleveland Browns Week 1 roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists

Practice squad

Rookies in italics
Roster updated September 9, 2010
Depth ChartTransactions

53 Active, 6 Inactive, 8 PS

Final roster edit

2010 Cleveland Browns final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
53 active, 13 inactive, 8 practice squad

Preseason edit

Preseason schedule edit

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 August 14 at Green Bay Packers W 27–24 1–0 Lambeau Field Recap
2 August 21 St. Louis Rams L 17–19 1–1 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
3 August 28 at Detroit Lions L 27–35 1–2 Ford Field Recap
4 September 2 Chicago Bears W 13–10 2–2 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap

Regular season edit

Schedule edit

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 September 12 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 14–17 0–1 Raymond James Stadium Recap
2 September 19 Kansas City Chiefs L 14–16 0–2 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
3 September 26 at Baltimore Ravens L 17–24 0–3 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
4 October 3 Cincinnati Bengals W 23–20 1–3 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
5 October 10 Atlanta Falcons L 10–20 1–4 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
6 October 17 at Pittsburgh Steelers L 10–28 1–5 Heinz Field Recap
7 October 24 at New Orleans Saints W 30–17 2–5 Louisiana Superdome Recap
8 Bye
9 November 7 New England Patriots W 34–14 3–5 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
10 November 14 New York Jets L 20–26 (OT) 3–6 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
11 November 21 at Jacksonville Jaguars L 20–24 3–7 EverBank Field Recap
12 November 28 Carolina Panthers W 24–23 4–7 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
13 December 5 at Miami Dolphins W 13–10 5–7 Sun Life Stadium Recap
14 December 12 at Buffalo Bills L 6–13 5–8 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap
15 December 19 at Cincinnati Bengals L 17–19 5–9 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
16 December 26 Baltimore Ravens L 10–20 5–10 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
17 January 2 Pittsburgh Steelers L 9–41 5–11 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap

Note: Intra-divisional opponents are in bold text.

Standings edit

AFC North
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(2) Pittsburgh Steelers 12 4 0 .750 5–1 9–3 375 232 W2
(5) Baltimore Ravens 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 357 270 W4
Cleveland Browns 5 11 0 .313 1–5 3–9 271 332 L4
Cincinnati Bengals 4 12 0 .250 2–4 3–9 322 395 L1

Week-by-week results edit

Week 1: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers edit

Week 1: Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Browns 7 7 0014
Buccaneers 3 7 0717

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

The Cleveland Browns began their NFL season at Raymond James Stadium for a showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the first quarter, the Browns had the early lead as QB Jake Delhomme connected on a 41-yard touchdown pass to WR Mohamed Massaquoi, but the Buccaneers responded with a Connor Barth field goal. In the second quarter, the Browns increased their lead on a touchdown run by RB Peyton Hillis. Near the end of the half, the Browns were driving down the field until Delhomme threw an interception that allowed the Buccaneers to score a touchdown in the half's closing seconds. In the fourth quarter, the Buccaneers took the lead for good on a 33-yard touchdown pass from QB Josh Freeman to WR Micheal Spurlock.

With the loss, the Browns began their season at 0–1.

Week 2: vs. Kansas City Chiefs edit

Week 2: Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 3 7 3316
Browns 0 14 0014

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

The Browns played their home opener against the Kansas City Chiefs looking to bounce back from a close loss in Week 1 against the Buccaneers. With starting QB Jake Delhomme out with an ankle injury, Seneca Wallace started the game for the Browns. Chiefs K Ryan Succop started the scoring with an early field goal. In the second quarter, the Browns scored on a 1-yard run by RB Peyton Hillis, but soon gave the lead back on an interception returned by CB Brandon Flowers. However, the Browns took a 14–10 lead into halftime on a deep touchdown pass from Wallace to WR Josh Cribbs. After the half, the Browns' offense stalled, and Succop kicked two more field goals to give the Chiefs a 16–14 victory.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 0–2.

Week 3: at Baltimore Ravens edit

Week 3: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Browns 3 7 0717
Ravens 7 7 01024

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information

Still looking for a win the Browns flew to M&T Bank Stadium for an AFC North rivalry match against the Ravens. In the 1st quarter the Browns took the early lead when kicker Phil Dawson made a 28-yard field goal, which didn't last very long after QB Joe Flacco found WR Anquan Boldin on an 8 and a 12-yard TD pass. After that the Browns replied and eventually got the lead back when RB Peyton Hillis made a 1-yard TD run, followed in the 4th quarter by QB Seneca Wallace completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Benjamin Watson. Then the Browns fell behind when Flacco made a 27-yard TD pass to WR Anquan Boldin, followed by kicker Billy Cundiff nailing a 49-yard field goal.

With the loss, Cleveland fell to 0–3.

Week 4: vs. Cincinnati Bengals edit

Week 4: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bengals 0 10 3720
Browns 3 10 10023

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

Still looking for their first win of the season, the Browns went home for a Week 4 AFC North duel with the Cincinnati Bengals in Round 1 of 2010's Battle of Ohio.

Cleveland got the early lead in the first quarter as kicker Phil Dawson got a 30-yard field goal. The Browns added onto their lead in the second quarter as quarterback Seneca Wallace completed a 24-yard touchdown pass to tight end Evan Moore. The Bengals answered with kicker Mike Nugent's 24-yard field goal, followed by quarterback Carson Palmer finding wide receiver Terrell Owens on a 78-yard touchdown pass. The Browns would close out the half with Dawson getting a 31-yard field goal after linebacker Scott Fujita blocked a Bengals field goal attempt.

In the third quarter, Cleveland picked up right where they left off as running back Peyton Hillis got a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by Dawson's 22-yard field goal. Afterwards, Cincinnati answered with Nugent making a 25-yard field goal. The Bengals tried to rally in the fourth quarter as Palmer found running back Brian Leonard on a 3-yard touchdown pass, yet the defense prevented Cincinnati from getting any closer.

With the win, the Browns improved to 1–3.

Week 5: vs. Atlanta Falcons edit

Week 5: Atlanta Falcons at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Falcons 0 6 7720
Browns 0 7 3010

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

The Browns stayed at home for their Week 5 game against the Atlanta Falcons, and tried to build on their first win of the season. The Falcons scored first, on a 24-yard field goal by kicker Matt Bryant early in the second quarter. The Browns soon answered with a 19-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Seneca Wallace to running back Peyton Hillis. Bryant hit another field goal in the quarter to cut the Cleveland lead to one point. Wallace was injured near halftime, and did not return. In the second half, quarterback Jake Delhomme came out for the Browns, but the offense failed to generate any momentum other than a Phil Dawson field goal. The Falcons took the lead when wide receiver Roddy White caught a 45-yard pass from quarterback Matt Ryan. Cleveland tried to mount a comeback, but an interception return by defensive end Kroy Biermann sealed the win for Atlanta, 20–10.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 1–4.

Week 6: at Pittsburgh Steelers edit

Week 6: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Browns 3 0 0710
Steelers 0 7 71428

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Falcons, the Browns flew to Heinz Field for a Week 6 AFC North duel with their archrival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Browns were forced to start third string rookie quarterback Colt McCoy as injuries sidelined Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace. Cleveland delivered the opening punch in the first quarter as kicker Phil Dawson made a 39-yard field goal, his 235th field goal as a Cleveland Brown which broke Lou Groza's franchise record. The Steelers would take the lead in the second quarter as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completed a 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mike Wallace.

The Browns' deficit increased in the third quarter as Roethlisberger found wide receiver Hines Ward on an 8-yard touchdown pass. Cleveland tried to rally as McCoy completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end Benjamin Watson, but Pittsburgh would pull away with Roethlisberger's 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Heath Miller.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 1–5.

Week 7: at New Orleans Saints edit

Week 7: Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Browns 10 10 01030
Saints 0 3 01417

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Game information

The Cleveland Browns headed south to the Louisiana Superdome for their Week 7 battle against the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints. Cleveland struck first, on a 23-yard field goal by kicker Phil Dawson and a 4-yard run by running back Peyton Hillis to take a 10–0 lead after one quarter. In the second quarter, New Orleans closed the gap on a Garrett Hartley-yard field goal, but the Browns answered with another Dawson field goal and a 30-yard interception return by linebacker David Bowens to push the lead to 20–3 at the half. Special teams played a large role for the Browns in the half, with a 62-yard punt return by Eric Wright thanks to a Josh Cribbs lateral, and a 68-yard rush on a fake punt by punter Reggie Hodges both leading to field goals.

In the fourth quarter, quarterback Drew Brees connected with tight end David Thomas to pull within 10, but another Dawson field goal and a second Bowens interception return sealed the win for the Browns.

With the win, the Browns entered their bye week at 2–5. This win also marked the third consecutive season in which the Browns defeated the defending Super Bowl champion.

Week 9: vs. New England Patriots edit

Week 9: New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 7 0714
Browns 10 7 71034

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

Coming off their bye week, the Browns went home for their Week 9 intraconference duel with the New England Patriots. Cleveland delivered the opening punch in the first quarter as kicker Phil Dawson hit a 38-yard field goal, followed by running back Peyton Hillis' 2-yard touchdown run. The Patriots answered in the second quarter as quarterback Tom Brady completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Aaron Hernandez. Cleveland struck back on a touchdown run by wide receiver Chansi Stuckey.

The Browns added onto their lead in the third quarter as rookie quarterback Colt McCoy got a 16-yard touchdown run. Cleveland continued to pull away in the fourth quarter with another Dawson field goal. New England tried to rally as Brady completed a 1-yard touchdown pass to Hernandez (with the extra point kicked by wide receiver Wes Welker), yet the Browns pulled away with Hillis' 35-yard touchdown run.

With the win, Cleveland improved to 3–5. Hillis was named as the AFC offensive player of the week.[47]

Week 10: vs. New York Jets edit

Week 10: New York Jets at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Jets 3 14 03626
Browns 10 3 07020

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

Coming off their win over the Patriots, the Browns stayed at home for a Week 10 duel with the New York Jets, in a game that marked head coach Eric Mangini coaching against his former team, former Browns WR Braylon Edwards making his first return to Cleveland since being traded, and Jets' head coach Rex Ryan coaching against his brother, Browns' defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. The two teams exchanged early field goals before the Browns scored with a 12-yard touchdown run from RB Peyton Hillis. In the Second quarter New York tied the game on a 25-yard pass from Mark Sanchez to WR Jerricho Cotchery. After A Browns' field goal, the Jets would take the lead for the first time with a Sanchez 1-yard touchdown run late in the first half.

The third quarter started with a Jets' drive that lasted 19 plays and almost 10 minutes, but resulting in no points as K Nick Folk missed a short field goal. The Jets added onto their lead in the fourth quarter with Folk making a 25-yard field goal. On the Browns' next drive, rookie QB Colt McCoy drove the team down the field and the Browns scored on a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mohamed Massaquoi, to tie the game at 20 and send it into overtime.

In overtime, both teams squandered chances to win; Browns WR Chansi Stuckey fumbled the ball in Jets' territory, Folk missed a field goal for the Jets, and Sanchez threw an interception near the goal line. It was the Jets who would finally break through late in the overtime period as Sanchez completed the game-winning 37-yard touchdown pass to WR Santonio Holmes with only 16 seconds left.

With the loss, Cleveland fell to 3–6.

Week 11: at Jacksonville Jaguars edit

Week 11: Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 7 10320
Jaguars 3 7 01424

at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

Game information

Coming off a last-second loss to the Jets, the Browns headed to Florida for their Week 11 duel with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars struck first on a 47-yard field goal by Josh Scobee. In the second quarter, the Browns took the lead with an 11-yard pass from Colt McCoy to Peyton Hillis. But the Jaguars responded with David Garrard completing a 5-yard pass to Mike Thomas, and they took a 10–7 lead into halftime. In the third, the Jaguars turned the ball over on five straight possessions, but the Browns could only convert them into ten points, taking a 17–10 lead. In the fourth, Marcedes Lewis had a 14-yard touchdown reception, tying the game. The Browns retook the lead on a Phil Dawson field goal, but the Jaguars struck back with Maurice Jones-Drew running it in from a yard out. McCoy drove the Browns down the field, but Sean Considine intercepted his final pass, and the Jaguars defeated the Browns, 24–20.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 3–7.

Week 12: vs. Carolina Panthers edit

Week 12: Carolina Panthers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Panthers 7 6 7323
Browns 14 7 0324

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

The Browns returned home for a Week 12 duel with the Carolina Panthers after suffering back-to-back last-second losses. Jake Delhomme returned to quarterback for Cleveland against his former team after missing eight games with an ankle injury. The Panthers scored on their opening possession on a 26-yard run by Mike Goodson, but the Browns stormed back, with Peyton Hillis rushing for a touchdown on three consecutive possessions. Carolina added two field goals by John Kasay to end the half, and the Browns led 21–13. In the third quarter, the Browns' offense fell apart, failing to score and turning the ball over twice. Captain Munnerlyn returned an interception for a touchdown, pulling the Panthers within one. In the fourth quarter, Kasay hit a 43-yard field goal to give the Panthers the lead, but Phil Dawson returned the favor and put the Browns back on top. In the final minute, Panthers' QB Jimmy Clausen drove his team down the field, but Kasay's 42-yard field goal attempt hit the left upright as time expired, and the Browns held on to win, 24–23

With the win, the Browns improved to 4–7. This marked the Browns' first victory over the Panthers in franchise history, as the Browns lost each of the three previous meetings.

After the game, CB Joe Haden was named the Defensive Rookie of the Month for November. In four games during the month, Haden recorded 15 tackles, seven defended passes, and three interceptions. He became the first Browns' player to ever win this award.[48]

Week 13: at Miami Dolphins edit

Week 13: Cleveland Browns at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 3 7313
Dolphins 0 3 0710

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

The Browns, coming off a close victory over the Panthers, headed to Sun Life Stadium for their Week 13 battle against the Miami Dolphins. After a scoreless first quarter, the Browns scored first on a Phil Dawson 32-yard field goal. The Dolphins tied it at the half with Dan Carpenter hitting a 60-yard field goal, the longest in franchise history. In the second half, Benjamin Watson gave the Browns a 10–3 lead with a 3-yard touchdown reception from Jake Delhomme. The Dolphins responded with Chad Henne driving Miami down the field and tying the game with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Fasano. Late in the fourth quarter, Mike Adams intercepted Henne's pass and returned it to the 2. The Browns bled out the clock, and Dawson hit the game-winning field goal as time expired, giving the Browns a 13–10 victory.

With the win, the Browns improved to 5–7, matching their win total from the 2009 season.

Week 14: at Buffalo Bills edit

Week 14: Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Browns 3 3 006
Bills 0 10 0313

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

The Browns headed to New York to take on the Buffalo Bills for their Week 14 duel. It was a low-scoring affair due to the freezing rain pelting the field for much of the game. On their opening drive, the Browns drove down to the Bills' one-yard line but could not get into the end. Kicker Phil Dawson kicked a 19-yard field goal in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Ryan Fitzpatrick connected with David Nelson on an 11-yard pass for the game's only touchdown, giving the Bills a 7–3 lead. Dawson hit another field goal to pull the Browns within one, but a Rian Lindell 30-yard field goal gave the Bills a 10–6 lead at the half. Several turnovers in the second half stopped the Browns from making progress down the field, and another Lindell field goal in the fourth quarter sent the Browns to a 13–6 loss. The lone high point for the Browns was Peyton Hillis, who became the first white running back to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season in 25 years.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 5–8 and were eliminated from playoff contention. This marks the eighth consecutive season in which the Browns failed to make the playoffs, a franchise record.

Week 15: at Cincinnati Bengals edit

Week 15: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Browns 7 0 01017
Bengals 0 10 6319

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: December 19
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 28 °F (−2 °C) (Partly Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 56,342
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (CBS): Don Criqui and Steve Beuerlein (blacked out locally)
  • Recap
Game information

Colt McCoy returned for the Cleveland Browns' week 15 Battle of Ohio against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns scored on their opening drive on a 20-yard pass from McCoy to Robert Royal. The Bengals answered with Cedric Benson's 18-yard run to tie the game. Over the rest of the second and third quarters, Clint Stitser hit three field goals to give the Bengals a 16–7 lead. After trading field goals in the fourth, the Browns got within two on a 46-yard pass to Brian Robiskie. However, the Browns failed to stop a third down conversion on the Bengals' next possession, and the Browns lost 19–17.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 5–9 and finished the season 2–6 on the road.

Week 16: vs. Baltimore Ravens edit

Week 16: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Ravens 0 13 7020
Browns 7 3 0010

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: December 26
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 24 °F (−4 °C) (Cloudy), wind chill 13 °F (−11 °C))
  • Game attendance: 65,028
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
  • Recap
Game information

The Browns stayed home for their Week 16 AFC North battle with the Baltimore Ravens. The Browns scored first on a touchdown pass from wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi to wide receiver Brian Robiskie. In the second quarter, the Ravens stormed back, with two field goals by Billy Cundiff and a touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to T. J. Houshmandzadeh. Phil Dawson hit a field goal late in the quarter to send the Browns into halftime down 13–10. The Browns opened the second half with a failed onside kick, which led to a Derrick Mason touchdown reception, and the Browns lost 20–10.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 5–10.

Week 17: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers edit

Week 17: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Steelers 14 17 7341
Browns 0 3 069

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: January 2
  • Game time: 1:00 pm EST
  • Game weather: 27 °F (−3 °C) (Sunny), wind chill: 13 °F (−11 °C))
  • Game attendance: 68,303
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
Game information

Hoping to close out their season on a positive note, the Browns stayed at home for a Week 17 AFC North rematch with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cleveland trailed early in the first quarter as Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw a 56-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mike Wallace, followed by running back Rashard Mendenhall getting a 1-yard touchdown run. The Browns answered in the second quarter with a 19-yard field goal from kicker Phil Dawson, but Pittsburgh struck back with Mendenhall's 1-yard touchdown run, followed by Roethlisberger's 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Heath Miller, and kicker Shaun Suisham booting a 41-yard field goal.

The Steelers would add onto their lead in the third quarter as wide receiver Antwaan Randle El completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Hines Ward. Afterwards, Pittsburgh closed out its dominating day in the fourth quarter with Suisham making a 24-yard field goal. Cleveland would close out the game with rookie quarterback Colt McCoy finding wide receiver Brian Robiskie on a 20-yard touchdown pass, sending the Browns to their worst loss of the season, 41–9.

With the loss, the Browns closed out their season at 5–11, matching their 2009 record. They were 3–5 at home.

Mangini fired edit

The day after the season ended, team president Mike Holmgren fired head coach Eric Mangini after going 10–22 in two seasons.

2011 Pro Bowl edit

Despite the team's poor performance, T Joe Thomas[49] and C Alex Mack[50] were named to the AFC roster in the 2011 Pro Bowl. Thomas, who will be making his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance, will be the team's starting left tackle.[49] Mack was originally selected as the second alternate at center, but was placed on the team after an injury to Nick Mangold of the New York Jets and Maurkice Pouncey of the Pittsburgh Steelers not being able to play because of the Steelers playing in Super Bowl XLV the following week.[50]

In addition to Thomas and Mack, six Browns' players were named as alternates. RB Peyton Hillis and G Eric Steinbach were named as second alternates; KR Josh Cribbs, ST Ray Ventrone, and FB Lawrence Vickers third alternates, and CB Joe Haden a fourth alternate at their respective positions.[49]

References edit

  1. ^ Leahy, Sean (January 7, 2010). "Browns president Mike Holmgren will keep Eric Mangini as coach". USA Today. Retrieved January 7, 2010.
  2. ^ Withers, Tom (January 10, 2010). "AP source: Heckert leaving Eagles for Browns". Associated Press. Archived from the original on January 14, 2010. Retrieved January 10, 2010.
  3. ^ The players' free agent tags assume the NFL collective bargaining agreement as of February 2010, with no salary cap for 2010.
  4. ^ a b c "Browns re-sign Benard, Costanzo and Jennings". ClevelandBrowns.com. March 17, 2010. Archived from the original on March 23, 2010. Retrieved March 18, 2010.
  5. ^ a b c d Cabot, Mary Kay (June 14, 2010). "All five Cleand Browns restricted free agents agree to team's contract offers". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Archived from the original on June 16, 2010. Retrieved June 15, 2010.
  6. ^ "Browns re-sign Estrandia". Archived from the original on April 7, 2010. Retrieved March 17, 2010.
  7. ^ "Redskins sign Furrey". Archived from the original on October 20, 2009. Retrieved June 11, 2010.
  8. ^ "Cardinals sign Hadnot". Archived from the original on February 28, 2010. Retrieved March 12, 2010.
  9. ^ Cabot, Mary Kay (June 14, 2010). "Cleveland Browns LB D'Qwell Jackson signs his one-year tender". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Archived from the original on June 16, 2010. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
  10. ^ "Jets |Reach agreement with Pool". Archived from the original on March 8, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2010.
  11. ^ a b Florjancic, Matt (March 12, 2010). "Trusnik signs tender, Heiden released". ClevelandBrowns.com. Archived from the original on March 17, 2010. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
  12. ^ "Browns Re-sign Ventrone". Archived from the original on March 8, 2012. Retrieved March 7, 2010.
  13. ^ "Browns re-sign Yates". ClevelandBrowns.com. March 18, 2010. Archived from the original on March 25, 2010. Retrieved March 18, 2010.
  14. ^ "Browns Terminate Anderson's contract". ClevelandBrowns.com. March 9, 2010. Archived from the original on March 23, 2010. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
  15. ^ "Cardinals reach agreement with former Browns QB Derek Anderson". USA Today. March 17, 2010. Retrieved March 17, 2010.
  16. ^ "Browns Release OL Fraley". ClevelandBrowns.com. March 3, 2010. Archived from the original on March 9, 2010. Retrieved March 4, 2010.
  17. ^ "Rams sign Fraley". Archived from the original on May 4, 2010. Retrieved March 18, 2010.
  18. ^ Walker, James (February 17, 2010). "Lewis' NFL future uncertain". espn.com. Retrieved February 18, 2010.
  19. ^ Walker, James (February 8, 2010). "Stallworth becomes free agent". espn.com. Retrieved February 9, 2010.
  20. ^ "Ravens sign Stallworth to 1-year deal". espn.com. February 17, 2010. Archived from the original on February 19, 2010. Retrieved February 18, 2010.
  21. ^ "Browns, Delhomme agree to contract". espn.com. March 12, 2010. Retrieved March 13, 2010.
  22. ^ "WR Bobby Engram signs with Browns". Associated Press. July 8, 2010. Archived from the original on July 11, 2010. Retrieved July 9, 2010.
  23. ^ a b "Browns sign Fujita, Pashos". ClevelandBrowns.com. March 7, 2010. Archived from the original on March 14, 2010. Retrieved March 7, 2010.
  24. ^ "Browns sign OL Eric Ghiaciuc". ClevelandBrowns.com. April 8, 2010. Archived from the original on April 12, 2010. Retrieved April 8, 2010.
  25. ^ a b c "Browns Make Roster Moves". ClevelandBrowns.com. May 4, 2010. Archived from the original on May 7, 2010. Retrieved May 4, 2010.
  26. ^ "Browns acquire DeAngelo Smith". ClevelandBrowns.com. April 28, 2010. Archived from the original on April 30, 2010. Retrieved April 28, 2010.
  27. ^ "Browns sign Benjamin Watson". ClevelandBrowns.com. March 12, 2010. Archived from the original on March 17, 2010. Retrieved March 12, 2010.
  28. ^ "Williams traded to Detroit". ClevelandBrowns.com. March 5, 2010. Archived from the original on March 14, 2010. Retrieved March 5, 2010.
  29. ^ "Seahawks deal Seneca Wallace to Browns". Seattle PI. March 8, 2010. Retrieved March 8, 2010.
  30. ^ "Quinn sent to Broncos for Hillis, picks". ESPN.com. March 14, 2010. Archived from the original on March 23, 2010. Retrieved March 14, 2010.
  31. ^ Josh Dubow (March 14, 2010). "Raiders acquire Wimbley from Browns". "Associated Press". Retrieved March 14, 2010.
  32. ^ Schefter, Adam (April 2, 2010). "Eagles CB Brown traded to Cleveland". ESPN. Archived from the original on April 5, 2010. Retrieved April 2, 2010.
  33. ^ Miller, Rusty (July 31, 2010). "Haden reaches agreement with Browns". Associated Press. Archived from the original on August 3, 2010. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
  34. ^ a b DiMatteo, Steve (July 26, 2010). "Browns Sign RB Montario Hardesty and Safety T. J. Ward". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 9, 2010.
  35. ^ The Philadelphia Eagles traded a second round selection (No. 59, used to select Montario Hardesty) to the Browns for a third round selection (No. 71) and two fifth round selections (No. 134 and 146)
  36. ^ a b "Browns Sign RB Montario Hardesty and Safety T. J. Ward". ClevelandBrowns.com. July 23, 2010. Archived from the original on July 26, 2010. Retrieved August 9, 2010.
  37. ^ The Oakland Raiders traded a third round selection to the Browns for LB Kamerion Wimbley
  38. ^ a b The New York Jets traded their 2010 third- and fifth-round selections, as well as WR Chansi Stuckey and LB Jason Trusnik to the Browns for WR Braylon Edwards
  39. ^ a b Although the Browns have a fifth-round selection, they traded their original selection (No. 137), a fourth round selection (No. 105), and LB Alex Hall to the Philadelphia Eagles for CB Sheldon Brown and LB Chris Gocong
  40. ^ Grossi, Tony (July 14, 2010). "Cleveland Browns sign fifth-round pick Larry Asante". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Archived from the original on August 12, 2010. Retrieved August 9, 2010.
  41. ^ Smith, Michael David (July 9, 2010). "Browns Sign Carlton Mitchell". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 9, 2010.
  42. ^ Smith, Michael David (June 28, 2010). "Browns Sign Clifton Geathers". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 9, 2010.
  43. ^ The Carolina Panthers traded their 2010 sixth-round selection to the Browns for CB Louis Leonard
  44. ^ The Detroit Lions traded a fifth-round selection to the Browns for DL Corey Williams and a seventh-round selection.
  45. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Browns sign 10 free agents". ClevelandBrowns.com. 30 April 2010. Archived from the original on 3 May 2010. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
  46. ^ "Eric Mangini: Cleveland Browns will abandon the brown-pants look". USA Today. August 17, 2010. Retrieved August 19, 2010.
  47. ^ Barnes, Barry (November 10, 2010). "Peyton Hillis Wins AFC Offensive Player of the Week". FanHouse. Archived from the original on November 13, 2010. Retrieved December 3, 2010.
  48. ^ DeMattio, Steve (December 2, 2010). "CB Joe Haden Named Defensive Rookie of the Month". DawgPound Daily. Retrieved December 3, 2010.
  49. ^ a b c Florjancic, Matt (December 28, 2010). "Thomas named to Pro Bowl". ClevelandBrowns.com. Archived from the original on December 31, 2010. Retrieved January 25, 2011.
  50. ^ a b Florjancic, Matt (24 January 2011). "Mack added to Pro Bowl roster". ClevelandBrowns.com. Archived from the original on 13 February 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2011.

External links edit