2010 Cleveland Browns season

Last updated

2010 Cleveland Browns season
Owner Randy Lerner
General manager Tom Heckert
Head coach Eric Mangini
Home field Cleveland Browns Stadium
Local radio WTAM  · WMMS
Results
Record5–11
Division place3rd AFC North
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers C Alex Mack
T Joe Thomas

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.

Contents

Off-season

Personnel changes

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

Free agents

PosPlayerTag [3] 2010 TeamSigned
LB Marcus Benard ERFABrownsMarch 17 [4]
LB Blake Costanzo ERFABrownsMarch 17 [4]
SS*Abram Elam RFABrownsJune 14 [5]
TE Greg Estandia RFABrownsMarch 16 [6]
WR Mike Furrey UFARedskinsJune 8 [7]
TE Michael Gaines UFATexansApril 23
G Rex Hadnot UFACardinalsMarch 11 [8]
RB*Jerome Harrison RFABrownsJune 14 [5]
LB*D'Qwell Jackson RFABrownsJune 14 [9]
RB Chris Jennings ERFABrownsMarch 17 [4]
FS Brodney Pool RFAJetsMarch 11 [10]
LB*Matt Roth RFABrownsJune 14 [5]
FS Hank Poteat UFA
LB*Jason Trusnik RFABrownsMarch 12 [11]
T Ryan Tucker UFARetired
FS Ray Ventrone ERFABrownsMarch 5 [12]
FB*Lawrence Vickers RFABrownsJune 14 [5]
G Billy Yates UFABrownsMarch 18 [13]
Player re-signed by Browns

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

Releases

PosPlayerReleased2010 TeamSigned
QB Derek Anderson March 9 [14] CardinalsMarch 17 [15]
C Hank Fraley March 3 [16] RamsMarch 14 [17]
TE Steve Heiden March 12 [11]
RB Jamal Lewis February 17 [18]
WR Donté Stallworth February 9 [19] RavensFebruary 17 [20]

Signings

PosPlayer2009 TeamSigned
QB Jake Delhomme PanthersMarch 13 [21]
WR Bobby Engram ChiefsJuly 8 [22]
LB Scott Fujita SaintsMarch 7 [23]
C Eric Ghiaciuc ChargersApril 8 [24]
T Tony Pashos 49ersMarch 7 [23]
TE Alex Smith EaglesMay 4 [25]
CB DeAngelo Smith LionsApril 28 [26]
TE Benjamin Watson PatriotsMarch 12 [27]

Trades

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

RoundPickPlayerPositionCollegeSignedNotes
1 7 Joe Haden Cornerback Florida July 31 [33]
238 T. J. Ward Safety Oregon July 26 [34]
59 Montario Hardesty Running back Tennessee July 26 [34] From Dallas via Philadelphia [35]
385 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]
6177 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

PositionPlayerCollegeSignedCut
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 StateApril 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

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

Cleveland Browns 2010 staff
Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

Roster

Opening training camp roster

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 Chart • Transactions
80 Active, 1 Inactive

Week 1 roster

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 Chart • Transactions
53 Active, 6 Inactive, 8 PS

Final roster

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

Preseason schedule

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordGame siteNFL.com
recap
1August 14at Green Bay Packers W 27–241–0 Lambeau Field Recap
2August 21 St. Louis Rams L 17–191–1 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
3August 28at Detroit Lions L 27–351–2 Ford Field Recap
4September 2 Chicago Bears W 13–102–2Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap

Regular season

Schedule

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordGame siteNFL.com
recap
1September 12at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 14–170–1 Raymond James Stadium Recap
2September 19 Kansas City Chiefs L 14–160–2 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
3September 26at Baltimore Ravens L 17–240–3 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
4October 3 Cincinnati Bengals W 23–201–3Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
5October 10 Atlanta Falcons L 10–201–4Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
6October 17at Pittsburgh Steelers L 10–281–5 Heinz Field Recap
7October 24at New Orleans Saints W 30–172–5 Louisiana Superdome Recap
8 Bye
9November 7 New England Patriots W 34–143–5Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
10November 14 New York Jets L 20–26 (OT)3–6Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
11November 21at Jacksonville Jaguars L 20–243–7 EverBank Field Recap
12November 28 Carolina Panthers W 24–234–7Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
13December 5at Miami Dolphins W 13–105–7 Sun Life Stadium Recap
14December 12at Buffalo Bills L 6–135–8 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap
15December 19at Cincinnati Bengals L 17–195–9 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
16December 26 Baltimore Ravens L 10–205–10Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
17January 2 Pittsburgh Steelers L 9–415–11Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap

Note: Intra-divisional opponents are in bold text.

Standings

AFC North
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
(2) Pittsburgh Steelers 1240.7505–19–3375232W2
(5) Baltimore Ravens 1240.7504–29–3357270W4
Cleveland Browns 5110.3131–53–9271332L4
Cincinnati Bengals 4120.2502–43–9322395L1

Week-by-week results

Week 1: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 1: Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Period1234Total
Browns770014
Buccaneers370717

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

Week 2: Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period1234Total
Chiefs373316
Browns0140014

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

Week 3: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Period1234Total
Browns370717
Ravens7701024

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

Week 4: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period1234Total
Bengals0103720
Browns31010023

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

Week 5: Atlanta Falcons at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period1234Total
Falcons067720
Browns073010

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

Week 6: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Period1234Total
Browns300710
Steelers0771428

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

Week 7: Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Period1234Total
Browns101001030
Saints0301417

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

Week 9: New England Patriots at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period1234Total
Patriots070714
Browns10771034

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

Week 10: New York Jets at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period1234OTTotal
Jets31403626
Browns10307020

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

Week 11: Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
Period1234Total
Browns0710320
Jaguars3701424

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

Week 12: Carolina Panthers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period1234Total
Panthers767323
Browns1470324

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

Week 13: Cleveland Browns at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Period1234Total
Browns037313
Dolphins030710

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

Week 14: Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period1234Total
Browns33006
Bills0100313

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

Week 15: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Period1234Total
Browns7001017
Bengals0106319

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

Week 16: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period1234Total
Ravens0137020
Browns730010

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

Week 17: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period1234Total
Steelers14177341
Browns03069

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

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

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]

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 Cleveland Browns season</span> 60th season in franchise history

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 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 failed to score an offensive touchdown for 24 consecutive quarters and were shut out in their final two games, the last time a team would be shut out in back-to-back games until the Carolina Panthers were shut out in their final two games 15 years later. The Cleveland Browns failed to make the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

The 2008 Carolina Panthers season was the franchise's 14th season in the National Football League (NFL). They entered the season and improved on their 7–9 record from 2007, winning the NFC South for the first time since 2003 and earning their first playoff berth since 2005. Their 12–4 finish tied their then-best record in franchise history, which occurred in the 1996 season, and later on tied in 2013; however, this would be surpassed by the 2015 club. The second-seeded Panthers were upset at home in the divisional playoffs by the eventual NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals, 33–13.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Baltimore Ravens season</span> NFL team season

The 2009 season was the Baltimore Ravens' 14th in the National Football League (NFL). The franchise entered the season off an 11–5 record in their previous season, a playoff berth, but a loss in the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship game against the eventual Super Bowl XLIII champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens recorded nine victories to seven losses, although they were unable to win the AFC North division title. However, due to various playoff clinching scenarios in the AFC, the Ravens were able to clinch a wild card berth against the Oakland Raiders in Week 17. As the sixth seed in the AFC for the second straight year, they defeated the third seeded New England Patriots in Foxboro in the AFC Wild Card playoffs, handing Tom Brady's first ever playoff loss at home and New England's first home playoff loss since 1978. They, however, lost in the AFC Divisional playoffs against the top seeded and eventual AFC Champion Indianapolis Colts; with this loss, the 2009 season came to an end for the Ravens. For head coach John Harbaugh, this was his second year with the franchise, compiling an overall record of 20–12 in the regular season.

The 2009 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 61st season as a professional sports franchise and its 57th season as a member of the National Football League (NFL). The team placed fourth in the AFC North with a record of 5–11, improving upon its 2008 record of 4–12, after winning their last four games of the season after a 1–11 start. This season marked George Kokinis and Eric Mangini's first seasons as the team's general manager and head coach, respectively; however, Kokinis was fired on November 2 during the team's Week 9 bye week. The Browns played all of their home games at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season</span> NFL team season

The 2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 35th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the second under head coach Raheem Morris. The Buccaneers entered the season attempting to improve on their 3–13 record and last place finish in the NFC South in 2009, a feat they accomplished after only six games. The Buccaneers achieved the best turnaround in franchise history and became the first team since the NFL merger in 1970 to start 10 rookies and achieve a winning season. Raheem Morris spent his second season as head coach. The Buccaneers had the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, with which they selected Gerald McCoy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Cincinnati Bengals season</span> NFL team season

The 2010 Cincinnati Bengals season was the 41st season for the team in the National Football League (NFL), and their 43rd overall. The Bengals looked to improve on their 10–6 record from 2009, during which they swept the AFC North for the first time in team history and made the playoffs as division champions. At the conclusion of the season, however, the Bengals finished 4–12 and were unable to qualify for the playoffs.

The 2010 Carolina Panthers season was the franchise's 16th season in the National Football League (NFL), and their ninth and final under head coach John Fox. They entered the season trying to improve on their 8–8 record from 2009, but failed to do so with a record of 2–14 and were officially eliminated from postseason contention in Week 11. It was the franchise's worst record between going 1–15 in 2001 and finishing 2–15 in 2023. In Week 16, the team clinched the NFL's worst record of the year and earned the #1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. They would go on to select quarterback Cam Newton with that pick. On December 31, 2010, it was announced that the contracts of Fox and his entire coaching staff would not be renewed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Kansas City Chiefs season</span> NFL team season

The 2010 season was the Kansas City Chiefs' 41st in the National Football League (NFL), their 51st overall and their second under the head coach/general manager tandem of Todd Haley and Scott Pioli. The team improved on its 4–12 record from 2009, won their first AFC West division title since 2003, and made the playoffs for the first time since 2006. In 2010, the Chiefs moved training camp to Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri after spending the previous 19 summers in River Falls, Wisconsin. As of 2022, the 2010 Chiefs are the only NFL team since 2002 to win its division with a losing division record.

The 2010 Tennessee Titans season was the team's 41st season in the National Football League (NFL), their 51st overall and their 14th season in Tennessee. The Titans hoped to improve on their 8–8 record from the 2009 season, but they failed to do so and ended up finishing 6-10. They started the season 5-2, but lost the next 8 of 9. This was the Titans’ final season under head coach Jeff Fisher, who resigned on January 27, 2011 after 17 seasons with the team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Atlanta Falcons season</span> NFL team season

The 2010 season was the Atlanta Falcons' 45th in the National Football League (NFL), their ninteenith playing their home games at Georgia Dome and their third under head coach Mike Smith.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Arizona Cardinals season</span> NFL team season

The 2010 season was the Arizona Cardinals' 91st in the National Football League (NFL) and their 23rd in Arizona. The Cardinals attempted to improve on their 10–6 record from 2009. But after a modest 3–2 start, the Cardinals fell apart by losing 9 of their remaining 11 contests. They were eliminated from postseason contention for the first time since 2007 in Week 15.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Baltimore Ravens season</span> NFL team season

The 2010 season was the Baltimore Ravens' 15th in the National Football League (NFL) and city of Baltimore, Maryland, the 13th to host home games at M&T Bank Stadium and their 3rd under head coach John Harbaugh. They played in the NFL's American Football Conference (AFC) North Division. The franchise improved from their 9–7 record from their previous season, with a 12–4 record, but had to settle for a wild card berth for the third straight year since Pittsburgh owned the tiebreaker for divisional record. As the AFC's #5 seed, the Ravens travelled to the #4 seeded Kansas City Chiefs defeated them soundly 30–7 in the Wild Card playoffs to advance. The following week however, the Ravens lost to their division rival and eventual AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers in the Divisional playoffs despite having a 21–7 lead at halftime.

The 2010 season was the San Diego Chargers' 41st in the National Football League (NFL) and their 51st overall. The team failed to improve on their 13–3 record the previous season, finishing with a 9–7 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 Indianapolis Colts season</span> 58th season in franchise history; final one with Peyton Manning

The 2010 Indianapolis Colts season was the franchise's 58th season in the National Football League (NFL), the 27th in Indianapolis, and the second under head coach Jim Caldwell. The defending AFC champions were looking to repeat as AFC champions and win it all in Super Bowl XLV to end their four-year championship drought. It was also the final season with Peyton Manning as the team's starting quarterback, as he would sit out the next season due to a neck injury and would be released by Indianapolis on March 7, 2012. Manning's last game as a Colt was on January 8, 2011, a 17–16 loss to the New York Jets in the Wild Card Round and would sign with the Denver Broncos a year later, on March 20, 2012.

The 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 79th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It was the twelfth season under the leadership of general manager Kevin Colbert and the fifth under head coach Mike Tomlin. The Steelers hoped to return to the Super Bowl and defend their AFC championship from 2010, but suffered a 29–23 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. The Steelers played all of their home games at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 Indianapolis Colts season</span> 59th season in franchise history

The 2011 Indianapolis Colts season was the franchise's 59th season in the National Football League (NFL), the 28th in Indianapolis and the third under head coach Jim Caldwell. The Colts were coming off a 10–6 record in 2010 and a second consecutive AFC South championship, as well as a ninth consecutive playoff appearance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Cleveland Browns season</span> 74th season in franchise history

The 2022 season was the Cleveland Browns' 70th in the National Football League (NFL), their 74th overall, and their third under the head coach/general manager tandem of Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry. The Browns failed to improve upon their 8–9 record from the previous season as they finished 7–10. The Browns failed to qualify for the playoffs for the second straight season The Browns introduced a new midfield logo, with Brownie the Elf; this is their first season with a new midfield logo since 2016.

References

  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. 1 2 3 "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. 1 2 3 4 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. 1 2 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 . Retrieved February 18, 2010.
  19. ↑ Walker, James (February 8, 2010). "Stallworth becomes free agent". ESPN . Retrieved February 9, 2010.
  20. ↑ "Ravens sign Stallworth to 1-year deal". ESPN . February 17, 2010. Archived from the original on February 19, 2010. Retrieved February 18, 2010.
  21. ↑ "Browns, Delhomme agree to contract". ESPN . 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. 1 2 "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. 1 2 3 "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.[ dead link ]
  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. 1 2 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. 1 2 "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. 1 2 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. 1 2 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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "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. 1 2 3 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. 1 2 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.
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