2008 Cleveland Browns season

The 2008 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 60th season as a professional sports franchise and its 56th season as a member of the National Football League (NFL). The Browns finished with a 4–12 record and failed to qualify for the playoffs. The season marked Romeo Crennel's fourth (and what would be final)[1] year as head coach of the Browns. Cleveland played all of their home games at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. To end the 2008 season, the Browns offense failed to score a touchdown for 25 consecutive quarters. Also from 2008 to 2020, the Browns have failed to surpass a winning record,[2] thus they failed to make the playoffs for the sixth straight season.

2008 Cleveland Browns season
Head coachRomeo Crennel
General managerPhil Savage
Home fieldCleveland Browns Stadium
Local radioWTAM · WMMS
Results
Record4–12
Division place4th AFC North
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersLS Ryan Pontbriand
DT Shaun Rogers
LT Joe Thomas
Uniform

Off-season

Coaching staff changes

On January 7, the Browns signed offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski to a two-year contract extension, effectively allowing the coach to remain in Cleveland through the 2011 season.[3] Chudzinski declined an opportunity to interview for the vacant head coach position of the Baltimore Ravens to remain in Cleveland.[3]

On January 11, it was announced by Crennel that the team had fired defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, and that a replacement would be announced soon.[4] Grantham's firing comes just months after signing a two-year contract extension.[5] The next day, it was announced that Mel Tucker, defensive backs coach for the Browns, was given the job.[6] After spending three years on the Browns defensive coaching staff, Cory Undlin was promoted to defensive backs coach to replace Tucker.[7]

On January 29, the team announced that it had re-signed head coach Romeo Crennel to a two-year contract extension.[8] General manager Phil Savage stated that Crennel did not ask for an extension, but rather that the team felt that it was the proper thing to do for the head coach.[9]

Free agents
Pos.PlayerTagSignedTeamContract
LBKeith AdamsUFA
FBCharles AliERFAMarch 13Browns1 year
QBDerek AndersonRFAFebruary 29Browns3 years[10]
DBGary BaxterUFAMarch 13Browns1 year
WRTim CarterUFAMay 22Texans1 year
DBRicardo ColcloughUFAMarch 1Panthers2 years
OLNat DorseyUFA
DLSimon FraserRFAMarch 7Falcons
OLLennie FriedmanUFAMarch 12Browns1 year
LBKris GriffinRFAMarch 26Browns1 year
DLBobby HamiltonUFA
DBDaven HollyRFAFebruary 28BrownsSecond-round tender[11]
DLEthan KelleyUFA
RBJamal LewisUFAFebruary 21Browns3 years[12]
OLSeth McKinneyUFAMarch 28Browns1 year
DLAlvin SmithERFA
LBMatt StewartUFAApril 18Cardinals1 year
LBChaun ThompsonUFAMarch 14Texans2 years
DLTed WashingtonUFA
UFA: Unrestricted free agent; RFA: Restricted free agent; ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent

Signings
Pos.PlayerSignedContractAcquired
CBTerry CousinMay 232 yearsfree agent
OLRex HadnotMarch 102 yearsfree agent
LBShantee OrrMarch 211 yearfree agent
DLShaun Rogers[13]March 16 yearstrade with Lions
WRDonté Stallworth[14]March 17 yearsfree agent
DLCorey Williams[15] February 296 yearstrade with Packers

Releases
Pos.PlayerTagSignedTeamContract
SGary Baxter[16]UFA
OLLeCharles Bentley[17]UFA
DLOrpheus Roye[18]UFASteelers
CBKenny Wright[19]UFA

2008 NFL Draft

The Browns did not have a selection in the first three rounds.[20]

Round Pick Name Position College
4[21] 5 (104) Beau Bell Linebacker UNLV
4 11 (111) Martin Rucker Tight End Missouri
6[22] 24 (190) Ahtyba Rubin Defensive Tackle Iowa State
6[23] 25 (191) Paul Hubbard Wide receiver Wisconsin
7 25 (231) Alex Hall Defensive End St. Augustine's

Coaching Staff
Cleveland Browns 2008 coaching staff

Head Coaches

Offensive Coaches

  

Defensive Coaches

Special Teams Coaches

  • Special Teams Coordinator – Ted Daisher
  • Assistant Special Teams/Head Coach Liaison – Chris Caminiti

Strength and Conditioning

  • Head Strength and Conditioning – Tom Mylinski
  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Alan DeGennaro

Final roster
2008 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, 14 inactive, 9 practice squad

Preseason

Schedule
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 7 New York Jets L 24–20 0–1 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
2 August 18 at New York Giants L 37–34 0–2 Giants Stadium Recap
3 August 23 at Detroit Lions L 6–26 0–3 Ford Field Recap
4 August 28 Chicago Bears L 10–16 0–4 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap

Regular season

Schedule
Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 7 Dallas Cowboys L 10–28 0–1 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
2 September 14 Pittsburgh Steelers L 6–10 0–2 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
3 September 21 at Baltimore Ravens L 10–28 0–3 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
4 September 28 at Cincinnati Bengals W 20–12 1–3 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
5 Bye
6 October 13 New York Giants W 35–14 2–3 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
7 October 19 at Washington Redskins L 11–14 2–4 FedEx Field Recap
8 October 26 at Jacksonville Jaguars W 23–17 3–4 Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Recap
9 November 2 Baltimore Ravens L 27–37 3–5 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
10 November 6 Denver Broncos L 30–34 3–6 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
11 November 17 at Buffalo Bills W 29–27 4–6 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap
12 November 23 Houston Texans L 6–16 4–7 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
13 November 30 Indianapolis Colts L 6–10 4–8 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
14 December 7 at Tennessee Titans L 9–28 4–9 LP Field Recap
15 December 15 at Philadelphia Eagles L 10–30 4–10 Lincoln Financial Field Recap
16 December 21 Cincinnati Bengals L 0–14 4–11 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
17 December 28 at Pittsburgh Steelers L 0–31 4–12 Heinz Field Recap

Standings
Braylon Edwards during 2008 training camp
AFC North
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(2) Pittsburgh Steelers 12 4 0 .750 6–0 10–2 347 223 W1
(6) Baltimore Ravens 11 5 0 .688 4–2 8–4 385 244 W2
Cincinnati Bengals 4 11 1 .281 1–5 3–9 232 350 W3
Cleveland Browns 4 12 0 .250 1–5 3–9 204 364 L6

7-9

Regular season week-by-week results

Week 1: vs. Dallas Cowboys
1 2 34Total
Cowboys 7 14 7028
Browns 0 7 0310

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

The Browns began their 2008 campaign at home against the defending NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Cowboys RB Marion Barber got a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Browns responded with QB Derek Anderson completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow. Dallas would respond with QB Tony Romo completing a 35-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens, along with another 1-yard TD run from Barber. In the third quarter, Cleveland's defensive struggles continued as RB Felix Jones got an 11-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Browns tried to rally, yet all they could come up with was a 34-yard field goal from kicker Phil Dawson.

With the loss, Cleveland began its season at 0–1.

Scoring Summary

First quarter

  • 6:40 DAL – Barber 1 yard run (Folk kick) 7–0 DAL

Second quarter

  • 12:43 CLE – Winslow 2 yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick) 7–7
  • 9:48 DAL – Owens 35 yard pass from Romo (Folk kick) 14–7 DAL
  • 0:26 DAL – Barber 1 yard run (Folk kick) 21–7 DAL

Third quarter

  • 6:24 DAL – Jones 11 yard run (Folk kick) 28–7 DAL

Fourth quarter

  • 10:13 CLE – Dawson 34 yard field goal 28–10 DAL

Week 2: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 7 3010
Browns 0 0 336

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Hoping to rebound from their disappointing home loss to the Cowboys, the Browns stayed at home for the first of five primetime games with a Week 2 AFC North duel against their hated rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in very high winds due to the remnants of Hurricane Ike. After a scoreless first quarter, Cleveland trailed as Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward. In the third quarter, Pittsburgh increased its lead with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 48-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Browns got on the board with kicker Phil Dawson getting a 31-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland tried to rally, but the only thing that came out of it was Dawson's 38-yard field goal.

With their 10th-straight loss to Pittsburgh, the Browns fell to 0–2.

This would be the Browns' last appearance on Sunday Night Football until 2019.

Scoring Summary

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • 7:58 PIT – Reed 48 yard field goal 10–0 PIT
  • 1:25 CLE – Dawson 31 yard field goal 10–3 PIT

Fourth quarter

  • 3:21 CLE – Dawson 38 yard field goal 10–6 PIT

Week 3: at Baltimore Ravens
1 2 34Total
Browns 0 10 0010
Ravens 0 7 21028

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Trying to snap their two-game losing streak, the Browns flew to M&T Bank Stadium for a Week 3 AFC North duel with the Baltimore Ravens. After a scoreless first quarter, Cleveland got on the board with QB Derek Anderson completing a 19-yard TD pass to RB Jerome Harrison. The Ravens would respond with RB Willis McGahee getting a yard TD run. The Browns would close out the half with kicker Phil Dawson hitting a 38-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Baltimore took control as RB Le'Ron McClain scored on a 1-yard TD run, safety Ed Reed returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown, and McClain getting another 1-yard TD run.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 0–3.

Scoring Summary

Second quarter

  • 14:52 CLE – Harrison 19 yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick) 7–0 CLE
  • 6:40 BAL – McGahee 5 yard run (Stover kick) 7–7
  • 1:04 CLE – Dawson 38 yard field goal 10–7 CLE

Third quarter

  • 11:13 BAL – McClain 1 yard run (Stover kick) 14–10 BAL
  • 10:23 BAL – Reed 32 yard interception return (Stover kick) 21–10 BAL
  • 4:49 BAL – McClain 1 yard run (Stover kick) 28–10 BAL

Week 4: at Cincinnati Bengals
1 2 34Total
Browns 3 0 01720
Bengals 0 6 0612

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Still searching for their first win of the year, the Browns flew to Paul Brown Stadium for a Week 4 AFC North duel with the Cincinnati Bengals in Round 1 of 2008's Battle of Ohio. In the first quarter, Cleveland drew first blood as kicker Phil Dawson got a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Bengals responded with kicker Shayne Graham getting a 42-yard and a 45-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, the Browns began the fourth quarter with QB Derek Anderson completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards and RB Jamal Lewis getting a 1-yard TD run. Cincinnati would answer with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick completing a 4-yard TD pass to WR Chad Ochocinco (with a failed 2-point conversion), yet Cleveland pulled away with Dawson nailing a 29-yard field goal.

With their first win of the season, the Browns' record improved to 1–3.

Scoring Summary

First quarter

  • 9:29 CLE – Dawson 25 yard field goal 3–0 CLE

Second quarter

  • 10:22 CIN – Graham 42 yard field goal 3–3
  • 0:08 CIN – Graham 45 yard field goal 6–3 CIN

Fourth quarter

  • 13:05 CLE – Edwards 4 yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick) 10–6 CLE
  • 11:06 CLE – Lewis 1 yard run (Dawson kick) 17–6 CLE
  • 7:46 CIN – Ochocinco 4 yard pass from Fitzpatrick 17–12 CLE
  • 0:32 CLE – Dawson 29 yard field goal 20–12 CLE

Week 5: Bye Week

The Browns entered their bye week with a record of 1–3. The team used the bye week to rest and allow injured players to recover. The Browns also used the extra week to better prepare for their Week 6 opponent: the defending champion New York Giants.

Winslow's Staph Infection

Browns' tight end Kellen Winslow II was hospitalized on October 9 with an undisclosed illness (later revealed to be a staph infection).[24] Winslow spent four nights in the hospital and did not play in the Browns' game against the Giants. Citing Winslow's privacy, the Browns did not comment on his illness.[25]

Week 6: vs. New York Giants
1 2 34Total
Giants 0 14 0014
Browns 3 14 31535

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Coming off their bye week, the Browns went home, donned their throwback uniforms, and played a crucial Week 6 interconference duel with the defending Super Bowl champions, the New York Giants, on Monday Night Football. Also Tom Coughlin’s first game in Cleveland since the 2001 Bottlegate incident when he was with the Jaguars.

In the first quarter, Cleveland drew first blood as kicker Phil Dawson got a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants responded as RB Brandon Jacobs had a touchdown run. The Browns would answer with two touchdowns: A run by RB Jamal Lewis and with QB Derek Anderson pass to TE Darnell Dinkins. New York closed out the half with QB Eli Manning completing a TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress.

In the third quarter, Cleveland added onto its lead as Dawson nailed a 26-yard field goal. The Browns pulled away in the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass from Anderson to WR Braylon Edwards, as well as an Eric Wright interception returned for a touchdown.

With the impressive win, Cleveland improved to 2–3. This was also the Browns' first win on Monday Night Football since 1993.

Scoring Summary

First quarter

  • 10:08 CLE – Dawson 28 yard field goal 3–0 CLE

Second quarter

  • 12:09 NYG – Jacobs 7 yard run (Carney kick) 7–3 NYG
  • 11:10 CLE – Lewis 4 yard run (Dawson kick) 10–7 CLE
  • 2:15 CLE – Dinkins 22 yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick) 17–7 CLE
  • 0:12 NYG – Burress 3 yard pass from Manning (Carney kick) 17–14 CLE

Third quarter

  • 11:55 CLE – Dawson 26 yard field goal 20–14 CLE

Fourth quarter

  • 14:55 CLE – Edwards 11 yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick) 27–14 CLE
  • 8:07 CLE – Wright 94 yard interception return (Anderson pass to Edwards) 35–14 CLE

Crennel Named Coach of the Week

After the Browns' victory over the Giants, head coach Romeo Crennel received NFL Coach of the Week honors for Week 6.[26]

Week 7: at Washington Redskins
1 2 34Total
Browns 0 0 3811
Redskins 0 0 7714

at FedExField, Landover, Maryland

Coming off their impressive Monday Night home win over the Giants, the Browns flew to Fedex Field for a Week 7 duel with the Washington Redskins. After a scoreless first half, Cleveland trailed in the third quarter, as Redskins RB Clinton Portis got a 3-yard TD run. The Browns would respond with kicker Phil Dawson nailing a 37-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Washington answered with QB Jason Campbell completing an 18-yard TD pass to WR Santana Moss. Cleveland tried to rally as QB Derek Anderson completed a 1-yard TD pass to WR/KR Josh Cribbs (along with a 2-point conversion pass to WR Braylon Edwards). However, Dawson's game-tying 54-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right, preserving the Redskins' win.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 2–4.

Scoring Summary

Third quarter

  • 7:38 WSH – Portis 3 yard run (Suisham kick) 7–0 WSH
  • 2:48 CLE – Dawson 37 yard field goal 7–3 WSH

Fourth quarter

Winslow Suspended

On October 21, the Browns suspended TE Kellen Winslow II for one game because of comments made after the Browns' loss to the Redskins. Winslow said he was unhappy about the way the Browns organization treated him while he was out last week for an undisclosed illness, which has since been confirmed to be a staph infection. He told reporters that he felt as though he was being treated like "a piece of meat," and that he was unhappy that general manager Phil Savage did not contact him while he was hospitalized. Savage announce that Winslow was being suspended for the team's game against the Jaguars, without pay, for "conduct detrimental to the club."[27]

Winslow planned to appeal the suspension, but the hearing was not scheduled until October 28, two days after the Jaguars game.

On October 25, the Browns rescinded Winslow's suspension. Although he did not play the game against the Jaguars, he received his game check minus a $25,000 fine.[28]

Week 8: at Jacksonville Jaguars
1 2 34Total
Browns 7 10 0623
Jaguars 0 7 7317

at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida

Hoping to rebound from their last-second road loss to the Redskins, the Browns flew to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium for a Week 8 duel with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In the first quarter, Cleveland drew first blood as QB Derek Anderson completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR Donté Stallworth. In the second quarter, the Jaguars tied the game as QB David Garrard completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Williams. The Browns responded with RB Jamal Lewis getting a 2-yard TD run, along with kicker Phil Dawson getting a 32-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Jacksonville drew closer as Garrard completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Matt Jones. In the fourth quarter, the Jaguars tied the game as kicker Josh Scobee made a 53-yard field goal. Afterwards, Cleveland regained the lead with Dawson nailing a 20-yard and a 42-yard field goal, with the defense fending off Jacksonville's last attempt at a comeback.

With the win, the Browns improved to 3–4.

Scoring summary

First quarter

Second quarter

  • 10:28 JAC – Williams 5 yard pass from Garrard (Scobee kick) 7–7
  • 7:20 CLE – Lewis 2 yard run (Dawson kick) 14–7 CLE
  • 4:09 CLE – Dawson 32 yard field goal 17–7 CLE

Third quarter

  • 10:27 JAC – Jones 8 yard pass from Garrard (Scobee kick) 17–14 CLE

Fourth quarter

  • 8:48 JAC – Scobee 53 yard field goal 17–17
  • 4:35 CLE – Dawson 20 yard field goal 20–17 CLE
  • 4:06 CLE – Dawson 42 yard field goal 23–17 CLE

Week 9: vs. Baltimore Ravens
1 2 34Total
Ravens 10 3 71737
Browns 7 6 14027

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Coming off their road win over the Jaguars, the Browns went home for a Week 9 AFC North rematch with the Baltimore Ravens. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Ravens kicker Matt Stover kicked a 41-yard field goal, along with QB Joe Flacco completing a 47-yard TD pass to WR Mark Clayton. The Browns immediately responded with WR Josh Cribbs returning a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Cleveland increased its lead with kicker Phil Dawson kicking a 23-yard field goal. Baltimore responded with Stover making a 32-yard field goal, yet the Browns replied with Dawson's 54-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Cleveland took the lead as QB Derek Anderson completed a 28-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards and a 7-yard TD pass to RB Jason Wright. The Ravens responded with FB Le'Ron McClain's 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore rallied as Flacco completed a 28-yard TD pass to WR Derrick Mason, Stover kicking a 22-yard field goal, and LB Terrell Suggs returning an interception 42 yards for a touchdown.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 3–5.

Scoring Summary

First quarter

  • 10:43 BAL – Stover 41 yard field goal 3–0 BAL
  • 5:28 BAL – Clayton 47 yard pass from Flacco (Stover kick) 10–0 BAL
  • 5:19 CLE – Cribbs 92 yard kickoff return (Dawson kick) 10–7 BAL

Second quarter

  • 5:53 CLE – Dawson 23 yard field goal 10–10
  • 0:32 BAL – Stover 32 yard field goal 13–10 BAL
  • 0:07 CLE – Dawson 54 yard field goal 13–13

Third quarter

  • 13:13 CLE – Edwards 28 yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick) 20–13 CLE
  • 6:17 CLE – Wright 7 yard pass from Anderson (Dawson kick) 27–13 CLE
  • 1:15 BAL – McClain 1 yard run (Stover kick) 27–20 CLE

Fourth quarter

  • 14:07 BAL – Mason 28 yard pass from Flacco (Stover kick) 27–27
  • 5:40 BAL – Stover 22 yard field goal 30–27 BAL
  • 2:52 BAL – Suggs 42 yard interception return (Stover kick) 37–27 BAL

Quinn Named Starter

On November 3, it was announced that quarterback Derek Anderson would be benched in favor of QB Brady Quinn for the Browns' next game against the Denver Broncos.[29]

Week 10: vs. Denver Broncos
1 2 34Total
Broncos 7 3 32134
Browns 7 13 3730

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos, November 6, 2008

Hoping to rebound from their season-sweeping loss to the Ravens, the Browns stayed at home for a Week 10 Thursday night game against the Denver Broncos. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Broncos RB Ryan Torain got a 1-yard TD run. The Browns would respond as QB Brady Quinn, making his first career start, completed a 5-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow. In the second quarter, Cleveland took the lead as kicker Phil Dawson made a 24-yard field goal, along with Quinn hooking up with Winslow again on a 16-yard TD pass. Denver would answer with kicker Matt Prater making a 35-yard field goal. The Browns would close out the half with Dawson making a 52-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Cleveland added onto its lead as Dawson got a 33-yard field goal. The Broncos would reply with Prater making a 30-yard field. In the fourth quarter, Denver regained the lead as QB Jay Cutler completing a 93-yard TD pass to WR Eddie Royal and a 27-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham. The Browns would respond with RB Jamal Lewis getting a 1-yard TD run. However, the Broncos replied with Cutler completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall. Cleveland tried to come back, but Denver's defense stiffened.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 3–6, making it impossible to improve on their 10–6 record from the 2007 season.

This also marked Cleveland's eighth-straight loss to Denver.

Scoring Summary

First quarter

Second quarter

  • 12:48 CLE – Dawson 24 yard field goal 10–7 CLE
  • 10:36 CLE – Winslow 16 yard pass from Quinn (Dawson kick) 17–7 CLE
  • 5:55 DEN – Prater 35 yard field goal 17–10 CLE
  • 1:14 CLE – Dawson 52 yard field goal 20–10 CLE

Third quarter

  • 10:25 CLE – Dawson 33 yard field goal 23–10 CLE
  • 5:40 DEN – Prater 30 yard field goal 23–13 CLE

Fourth quarter

  • 13:43 DEN – Royal 93 yard pass from Cutler (Prater kick) 23–20 CLE
  • 10:00 DEN – Graham 27 yard pass from Cutler (Prater kick) 27–23 DEN
  • 5:00 CLE – Lewis 1 yard run (Dawson kick) 30–27 CLE
  • 1:17 DEN – Marshall 11 yard pass from Cutler (Prater kick) 34–30 DEN

Week 11: at Buffalo Bills
1 2 34Total
Browns 6 7 31329
Bills 0 10 31427

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Trying to snap a two-game losing streak, the Browns flew to Ralph Wilson Stadium for a Week 11 MNF duel with the Buffalo Bills. In the first quarter, Cleveland took advantage of early Bills miscues as kicker Phil Dawson kicked two field goals. In the second quarter, the Browns increased their lead as Josh Cribbs scored a 2-yard TD run. Buffalo responded with QB Trent Edwards completing an 18-yard TD pass to RB Marshawn Lynch, along with kicker Rian Lindell getting a 26-yard field goal.

In the third quarter, Cleveland answered with Dawson getting a 43-yard field goal. The Bills would reply with Lindell making a 31-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Browns greatly answered with RB Jerome Harrison getting a 72-yard TD run. Buffalo would immediately respond with CB Leodis McKelvin returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and would take the lead on a 1-yard TD run by Edwards. Afterwards, the Browns regained the lead as Dawson nailed a 56-yard field goal. Buffalo did try to make a comeback, yet Lindell's 47-yard field goal sailed wide right, preserving Cleveland's victory and preventing them from becoming the first NFL team to lose three straight games after having a lead of 13 or more points in each of them.

With the win, the Browns improved to 4–6.

Scoring Summary

First quarter

  • 9:29 CLE – Dawson 40 yard field goal 3–0 CLE
  • 2:28 CLE – Dawson 33 yard field goal 6–0 CLE

Second quarter

  • 9:52 CLE – Cribbs 2 yard run (Dawson kick) 13–0 CLE
  • 6:20 BUF – Lynch 18 yard pass from Edwards (Lindell kick) 13–7 CLE
  • 0:00 BUF – Lindell 26 yard field goal 13–10 CLE

Third quarter

  • 6:27 CLE – Dawson 43 yard field goal 16–10 CLE
  • 0:22 BUF – Lindell 31 yard field goal 16–13 CLE

Fourth quarter

  • 14:47 CLE – Harrison 72 yard run (Dawson kick) 23–13 CLE
  • 14:33 BUF – McKelvin 98 yard kickoff return (Lindell kick) 23–20 CLE
  • 11:32 CLE – Dawson 22 yard field goal 26–20 CLE
  • 2:25 BUF – Edwards 1 yard run (Lindell kick) 27–26 BUF
  • 1:39 CLE – Dawson 56 yard field goal 29–27 CLE

Phil Savage E-Mail controversy

Browns General Manager Phil Savage received a lot of criticism when he received an e-mail from a Browns fans during the Bills game, which read the following:

You are easily the worst GM in the NFL. Chud, Crennel and Tucker should NOT have jobs. How the hell do you play prevent defense the entire game? How do you NOT use Jerome Harrison more? Why the hell would you throw the ball with 6 minutes left? This is officially a regime that is worse than Butch Davis's. By the way, just like last week – this email was written while the Browns still had the lead.[30]

After the game, Savage promptly responded to the fan with the following:

Go root for Buffalo-f#@* you [31]

Week 12: vs. Houston Texans
1 2 34Total
Texans 7 6 3016
Browns 0 6 006

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Coming off their MNF road win over the Bills, the Browns went home for a Week 12 duel with the Houston Texans. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Texans QB Sage Rosenfels completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Walter. In the second quarter, Houston increased its lead as kicker Kris Brown got a 31-yard field goal. The Browns would respond with kicker Phil Dawson getting a pair of 32-yard field goals, but the Texans answered with Brown's 31-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Houston kept its momentum going with Brown nailing a 31-yard field goal. Cleveland tried to rally, but Houston's defense was too much.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 4–7.

Scoring Summary

First quarter

Second quarter

  • 13:43 HOU – Brown 31 yard field goal 10–0 HOU
  • 8:03 CLE – Dawson 32 yard field goal 10–3 HOU
  • 2:24 CLE – Dawson 32 yard field goal 10–6 HOU
  • 0:07 HOU – Brown 31 yard field goal 13–6 HOU

Third quarter

  • 8:53 HOU – Brown 36 yard field goal 16–6 HOU

Quinn out for season

On November 25, it was announced that quarterback Brady Quinn would be out for the season due to a fractured right index finger suffered in the Browns' week 11 duel with the Buffalo Bills. Derek Anderson was announced to be the starter for their next game against the Indianapolis Colts.[32]

Week 13: vs. Indianapolis Colts
1 2 34Total
Colts 3 0 0710
Browns 3 3 006

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Texans, the Browns stayed at home for a Week 13 duel with the Indianapolis Colts. In the first quarter, Cleveland struck first as kicker Phil Dawson kicked a 34-yard field goal. The Colts answered with kicker Adam Vinatieri kicking a 30-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Browns regained the lead as Dawson nailed a 25-yard field goal. However, after a scoreless third quarter, Indianapolis' defense answered in the fourth quarter, as DE Robert Mathis returned a fumble 37 yards for a touchdown. From there on out, Cleveland was unable to come back.

With the loss, the Browns stumbled to 4–8.

Scoring Summary

First quarter

  • 9:09 CLE – Dawson 34 yard field goal 3–0 CLE
  • 2:02 IND – Vinatieri 30 yard field goal 3–3

Second quarter

  • 7:36 CLE – Dawson 25 yard field goal 6–3 CLE

Fourth quarter

  • 9:55 IND – Mathis 37 yard fumble return (Vinatieri kick) 10–6 IND

Anderson out for season

On December 1, it was announced that QB Derek Anderson would be done for the season following a torn MCL suffered in the loss to the Colts. Third-string QB Ken Dorsey was announced to be starting for the Browns' next game against the Tennessee Titans.[33][34]

Bruce Gradkowski signed

On December 2, the Browns signed free-agent veteran QB Bruce Gradkowski to a two-year contract. Gradkowski will serve as the backup QB under Dorsey for the Browns' next game against the Tennessee Titans.[35]

Week 14: at Tennessee Titans
1 2 34Total
Browns 6 0 039
Titans 0 14 7728

at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

Trying to rebound from back-to-back home losses, the Browns flew to LP Field for a Week 14 duel with the Tennessee Titans. Cleveland struck first in the opening quarter as kicker Phil Dawson got a 47-yard and a 41-yard field goal. The Titans took the lead in the second quarter, as QB Kerry Collins completed a 28-yard touchdown pass to FB Ahmard Hall, along with RB LenDale White got a 3-yard touchdown run. Tennessee would increase its lead in the third quarter as Collins completed a 9-yard touchdown to wide receiver Justin Gage. In the fourth quarter, the Browns to rally as Dawson nailed a 39-yard field goal, yet the Titans pulled away as RB Chris Johnson got a 25-yard touchdown run.

With the loss, Cleveland fell to 4–9.

Scoring Summary

First quarter

  • 11:58 CLE – Dawson 47 yard field goal 3–0 CLE
  • 4:00 CLE – Dawson 41 yard field goal 6–0 CLE

Second quarter

  • 14:10 TEN – Hall 28 yard pass from Collins (Bironas kick) 7–6 TEN
  • 1:11 TEN – White 3 yard run (Bironas kick) 14–6 TEN

Third quarter

  • 11:46 TEN – Gage 9 yard pass from Collins (Bironas kick) 21–6 TEN

Fourth quarter

  • 13:30 CLE – Dawson 39 yard field goal 21–9 TEN
  • 8:22 TEN – Johnson 25 yard run (Bironas kick) 28–9 TEN

Week 15: at Philadelphia Eagles
1 2 34Total
Browns 3 0 0710
Eagles 10 7 31030

at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Coming off three straight losses without a touchdown, the Cleveland Browns sought to go 3–0 on Monday Night games, this time on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles struck first with a touchdown pass to WR Kevin Curtis. Both teams also traded field goals in the first quarter. CB Asante Samuel extended the Eagles' lead in the second quarter with an interception return for a touchdown, and K David Akers added a field goal in the third quarter. Cleveland could not answer, but DB Brandon McDonald scored the first touchdown for the Browns in 4 games with an interception return in the fourth quarter. This game saw the Browns extend their offensive troubles, going 16 quarters without an offensive touchdown.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 4–10, the third time in four years under Romeo Crennel that the Browns have had double-digit losses.

Scoring Summary

First quarter

  • 10:45 PHI – Curtis 14 yard pass from McNabb (Akers kick) 7–0 PHI
  • 6:48 CLE – Dawson 27 yard field goal 7–3 PHI
  • 0:49 PHI – Akers 24 yard field goal 10–3 PHI

Second quarter

  • 4:45 PHI – Samuel 50 yard interception return (Akers kick) 17–3 PHI

Third quarter

  • 3:34 PHI – Akers 34 yard field goal 20–3 PHI

Fourth quarter

  • 14:52 PHI – Akers 34 yard field goal 23–3 PHI
  • 11:14 PHI – Lewis 10 yard pass from McNabb (Akers kick) 30–3 PHI
  • 9:11 CLE – McDonald 24 yard interception return (Dawson kick) 30–10 PHI

Week 16: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
1 2 34Total
Bengals 7 7 0014
Browns 0 0 000

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Coming off four straight losses in which their offense failed to score a touchdown, the Cleveland Browns played their final home game of the season in near-zero wind chills against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals scored first, with CB Leon Hall intercepting a Ken Dorsey pass and returning it 50 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. WR Chris Henry completed the scoring by adding on a 20-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. The shutout marked five straight games in which Cleveland's offense couldn't find the end zone. The only bright spot for the Browns was RB Jamal Lewis, who became the 24th NFL player to reach 10,000 career rushing yards.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 4–11, and ended the season 1–7 at home.

Scoring Summary

First quarter

  • 8:39 CIN – Hall 50 yard interception return (Graham kick) 7–0 CIN

Second quarter

Week 17: at Pittsburgh Steelers
1 2 34Total
Browns 0 0 000
Steelers 0 14 31431

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Coming off five straight losses without a touchdown on offense, the Cleveland Browns closed out the regular season at Heinz Field in a Week 17 AFC North rematch with their hated rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers put up two touchdowns in the second quarter, a 34-yard run by RB Willie Parker and an 8-yard scramble by QB Byron Leftwich. The Steelers added 17 points in the second half (22-yard Jeff Reed field goal, 3-yard Gary Russell touchdown run, and a 32-yard interception TD return by Tyrone Carter), but they were unnecessary as the Browns were incapable of scoring at all, marking six straight games in which the offense couldn't score a touchdown (an NFL record 24 quarters). Again, the only good news for the Browns was RB Jamal Lewis, who topped 1,000 rushing yards this season. He would become the first Browns running back since Mike Pruitt in 1980 & 1981 to have back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

With the loss, the Browns ended their season at 4–12, with a record of 3–5 away from home. This also marked the Browns' eleventh straight loss to the Steelers. Also, it set off an 11 season losing streak lasting for more than a decade (as of 2018).

Scoring Summary

Second quarter

  • 4:15 PIT – Parker 34 yard run (Reed kick) 7–0 PIT
  • 0:40 PIT – Leftwich 8 yard run (Reed kick) 14–0 PIT

Third quarter

  • 5:39 PIT – Reed 22 yard field goal 17–0 PIT

Fourth quarter

  • 9:45 PIT – Russell 3 yard run (Reed kick) 24–0 PIT
  • 8:52 PIT – Carter 32 yard interception return (Reed kick) 31–0 PIT

Savage and Crennel fired

After the game, it was announced that GM Phil Savage was fired. One day later, head coach Romeo Crennel would also be released after the Browns ended their season at 4–12, at the bottom of the AFC North.[1]

2009 Pro Bowl

Despite the disappointing performance by the team, LT Joe Thomas, DT Shaun Rogers, and LS Ryan Pontbriand were recognized for individual accomplishments as they were named to the AFC roster for the 2009 Pro Bowl. Thomas and Rogers were selected by the pro-bowl voters.,[36] and Pontbriand was selected as a "need" player by the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff, who will be coaching the AFC squad.[37]

KR Josh Cribbs was named a first alternate, K Phil Dawson a second alternate, and LG Eric Steinbach and LB D'Qwell Jackson were named third alternates at their respective positions.[36]

References
  1. Browns to fire Crennel after Savage ousted
  2. As of 2019
  3. Jackson, Zac (January 7, 2008). "Chudzinski signs 2-year extension". clevelandbrowns.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2008. Retrieved January 7, 2008.
  4. Press Release (January 11, 2008). "Grantham not retained for '08". clevelandbrowns.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2008. Retrieved January 12, 2008.
  5. Associated Press (January 11, 2008). "Poor defensive showing costs Browns coordinator his job". NFL. Archived from the original on January 18, 2010. Retrieved January 12, 2008.
  6. Jackson, Zac (January 12, 2008). "Tucker named defensive coordinator". clevelandbrowns.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2008. Retrieved January 12, 2008.
  7. Press release (January 12, 2008). "Undlin named defensive backs coach". clevelandbrowns.com. Retrieved January 12, 2008.
  8. Crennel signs 2-year extension Archived January 31, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  9. Walcoff, Jeff (January 9, 2008). "'We'll do right by him'". clevelandbrowns.com. Archived from the original on January 16, 2008. Retrieved January 10, 2008.
  10. Browns, Anderson, agree on multiyear contract
  11. Notes: Thompson, Holly, others Archived March 3, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  12. Lewis, Browns agree on new three-year deal
  13. Instead of Bengals, Browns land DT Shaun Rogers from Lions
  14. Browns agree to deal with WR Stallworth Archived March 4, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  15. Browns agree to deal with QB Anderson, close to trade for DT Williams
  16. Baxter's contract terminated Archived August 20, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  17. Browns, Bentley part ways Archived June 14, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  18. Browns terminate contract of veteran DE Roye
  19. Wright's contract terminated Archived May 20, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  20. The Browns do not have a first, second, or third round selection due to trades made to other teams. The first-round selection was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in order to acquire quarterback Brady Quinn in the 2007 Draft, the second-round selection was traded to the Green Bay Packers for defensive tackle Corey Williams, and the third-round selection was traded to the Detroit Lions for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers
  21. The Browns received two fourth round selections (104th and 111th overall) from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for the Browns' fourth-round selection (#122 overall), fifth-round selection (#155 overall) and 2009 NFL Draft third-round selection.
  22. The Browns received a sixth-round selection from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for quarterback Charlie Frye
  23. The Browns traded this sixth-round selection to the Philadelphia Eagles as a condition for receiving center Hank Fraley. The Eagles returned the pick to the Browns in exchange for the Browns' 5th-round pick in 2009.
  24. Browns keep Winslow's Staph from Team Archived October 31, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  25. Winslow Remains Hospitalized for Undisclosed Illness Archived July 21, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  26. Crennel Earns Coach of the Week Honors Archived October 21, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  27. "Browns suspend Winslow one game over critical comments". ESPN NFL. October 22, 2008. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  28. Turner, Jamie (October 25, 2008). "Text messages back Winslow, prompt Browns to end suspension". Cleveland.com. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  29. Quinn to start Thursday Archived December 6, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  30. Browns' GM Phil Savage Responds To Email Hecklers Swiftly, But Not Very Politely (UPDATE)
  31. ProFootballTalk
  32. Quinn done for the season
  33. Anderson out for season
  34. Dorsey prepared for task ahead Archived December 5, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  35. Browns sign Gradkowski to two-year contract
  36. Jackson, Zac (December 16, 2008). "Thomas, Rogers Headed to Hawaii". Archived from the original on December 20, 2008. Retrieved December 16, 2008.
  37. Jackson, Zac (January 28, 2009). "Pontbriand added to Pro Bowl roster". Archived from the original on February 3, 2009. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
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