2006 Cleveland Browns
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The 2006 Cleveland Browns season was the team’s 58th season as a professional sports franchise and its 54th season as a member of the
National Football League The National Football League (NFL) is a Professional gridiron football, professional American football league in the United States. Composed of 32 teams, it is divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National ...
(NFL). It began with the team attempting to improve upon their win–loss record from
2005 2005 was designated as the International Year for Sport and Physical Education and the International Year of Microcredit. The beginning of 2005 also marked the end of the International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Internationa ...
, where the team ended the year at 6–10. They were one of the most active teams during the
free agency In professional sports, a free agent is a player or manager who is eligible to sign with other clubs or franchises; i.e., not under contract to any specific team. The term is also used in reference to a player who is under a contract at present ...
period, and looked to be one of the most improved teams of the season at the end of the NFL Draft. They experienced many setbacks during training camp, from which they never fully recovered. By the end of the season they had finished 4–12, losing two more games than the previous season.


Offseason


Free agency

The Cleveland Browns’ front office was busy during the first several days off the freeagent signing period, looking to help the team by signing players who they felt would make immediate impacts upon the team. On the first day, the Browns signed
center Center or centre may refer to: Mathematics *Center (geometry), the middle of an object * Center (algebra), used in various contexts ** Center (group theory) ** Center (ring theory) * Graph center, the set of all vertices of minimum eccentrici ...
LeCharles Bentley LeCharles Vernon Bentley (born November 7, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a guard and center in the National Football League (NFL) for four seasons. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, earn ...
,
wide receiver A wide receiver (WR), also referred to as a wideout, and historically known as a split end (SE) or flanker (FL), is an eligible receiver in gridiron football. A key skill position of the offense (American football), offense, WR gets its name ...
Joe Jurevicius Joe Jurevicius (born December 23, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1998 NFL draft. He playe ...
, and
offensive tackle Offensive may refer to: * Offensive (military), type of military operation * Offensive, the former name of the Dutch political party Socialist Alternative * Fighting words, spoken words which would have a tendency to cause acts of violence by the ...
Kevin Shaffer Kevin Carl Shaffer (born March 2, 1980) is a former American football offensive tackle. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL draft. He played college football at Tulsa. Shaffer also played for the Clevel ...
. Bentley and Shaffer were signed to help protect second-year
quarterback The quarterback (QB) is a position in gridiron football who are members of the offensive side of the ball and mostly line up directly behind the Lineman (football), offensive line. In modern American football, the quarterback is usually consider ...
Charlie Frye Charles Thomas Frye (born August 28, 1981) is an American former football quarterback who currently serves as a defensive assistant for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played six seasons in the National Football ...
in the pocket, and Jurevicius was signed to provide veteran support to the Browns' young receiving corps, which then-consisted of
Braylon Edwards Braylon Jamel Edwards (born February 21, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was a unanimous All-American playing college football for the Michigan Wolver ...
,
Josh Cribbs Joshua Cribbs (born June 9, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kent State Golden Flashes and was sig ...
, and veteran
Dennis Northcutt Dennis LaMont Northcutt (born December 22, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver and punt returner for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona W ...
. On the second day of the free-agent period, the Browns signed punter
Dave Zastudil David Michael Zastudil (born October 26, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a punter in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio Bobcats, and was selected in the fourth round o ...
to replace
Kyle Richardson Kyle Davis Richardson (born March 2, 1973) is a former National Football League (NFL) punter. He played college football at Arkansas State University and went on to have a ten-year professional career. He played for the Rhein Fire in NFL Eur ...
, and to establish a good punting game. An interesting fact about the Browns' free-agent signings deals with the fact that Bentley, Jurevicius, and Zastudil are each
Ohio Ohio ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States. It borders Lake Erie to the north, Pennsylvania to the east, West Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Indiana to the ...
-natives, and expressed their wish to play for the Browns at some point in their careers. A day after signing Zastudil, the Browns signed veteran nose tackle
Ted Washington Theodore Washington Jr. (born April 13, 1968) is an American former professional football player who was a nose tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Louisville Cardinals and was selected by the Sa ...
in an attempt to improve the Browns' run defense. After signing Washington, the Browns made their final key free-agent signing, by inking a deal with
linebacker Linebacker (LB) is a playing position in gridiron football. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and typically line up three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage and so back up the defensive linemen. They play closer to the line ...
Willie McGinest William Lee McGinest Jr. (born December 11, 1971) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the New England Patriots. He played college footbal ...
. McGinest was signed to provide veteran support among the Browns' linebacking corps, and brought back under the direction of head coach
Romeo Crennel Romeo Ashbey Crennel (born June 18, 1947) is an American former football coach. A long-time coaching assistant to Bill Parcells, Crennel served as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 2005 to 2008 and the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012, as we ...
, who coached McGinest defensively through three
Super Bowl The Super Bowl is the annual History of the NFL championship, league championship game of the National Football League (NFL) of the United States. It has served as the final game of every NFL season since 1966 NFL season, 1966 (with the excep ...
s while in
New England New England is a region consisting of six states in the Northeastern United States: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. It is bordered by the state of New York (state), New York to the west and by the ...
.


2006 NFL draft

As the
2006 NFL draft The 2006 NFL draft, the 71st in league history, took place in New York City, New York, at Radio City Music Hall on April 29 and April 30, 2006. For the 27th consecutive year, the draft was telecast on ESPN and ESPN2, with additional coverage offe ...
neared in late April, the Browns had already filled in many of their holes through free agency, and would primarily be looking for players who would help the 4–3 defense. The Browns had their eyes set on
Haloti Ngata Etuini Haloti Ngata (; born January 21, 1984) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon Ducks, earning consensus All-American ho ...
, who they would presumably build up to take over for Ted Washington. On the day of the draft, the Browns traded their 12th pick to the
Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional American football team based in Baltimore. The Ravens compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC North, North division. The team plays its home g ...
for the 13th pick and a 6th round pick. Baltimore used the pick to take Ngata, while the Browns selected outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, the player who Cleveland GM
Phil Savage Phillip Savage Jr. (born April 7, 1965) is an American football executive, author and media personality who currently serves as a consultant for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as the senior personne ...
had wanted the whole time. The selection of inside linebacker
D'Qwell Jackson D'Qwell Jackson (; born September 26, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for eleven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins, and was selecte ...
in the second round created a linebacker core of
Andra Davis Andra Raynard Davis ronounced André(born December 23, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators and w ...
, Jackson, McGinest, and Wimbley. Wide receiver Travis Wilson was selected in the 3rd round as a developmental project and future possession receiver. On day two of the draft, seven other players were taken; linebacker Leon Williams, offensive tackle Isaac Sowells, running back Jerome Harrison, cornerback DeMario Minter, fullback
Lawrence Vickers Lawrence Blanchard Vickers Jr. (born May 8, 1983) is an American former professional football fullback who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Colorado Buffaloes and was selected by the Cleveland Bro ...
, nose tackle
Babatunde Oshinowo Babatunde Oluwasegun Temitope Oluwakorede Adisa "Baba" Oshinowo Jr. a-ba-TOON-day OH-shi-no-who(born January 14, 1983) is a former American football defensive tackle. His second name "Oluwasegun" means "God has been victorious" in the Yoruba la ...
, and safety Justin Hamilton. Minter ended up being the only rookie not playing a down that season due to injury. The way the Browns handled the draft was mostly praised, filling in their voids and finding future starters in late rounds.


Trades

During the 2006 offseason, the Cleveland Browns made two significant trades. Their first would be trading veteran
quarterback The quarterback (QB) is a position in gridiron football who are members of the offensive side of the ball and mostly line up directly behind the Lineman (football), offensive line. In modern American football, the quarterback is usually consider ...
Trent Dilfer Trent Farris Dilfer (born March 13, 1972) is an American football coach and former quarterback who is the head coach for the UAB Blazers football team. Dilfer previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. He achieved ...
to the
San Francisco 49ers The San Francisco 49ers (also written as the San Francisco Forty-Niners and nicknamed the Niners) are a professional American football team based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 49ers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member ...
for fourth-year quarterback
Ken Dorsey Kenneth Simon Dorsey (born April 22, 1981) is an American professional American football, football Coach (sport), coach and former quarterback who is the passing game specialist for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). Dorse ...
. The trade was an important step in solidifying second-year quarterback
Charlie Frye Charles Thomas Frye (born August 28, 1981) is an American former football quarterback who currently serves as a defensive assistant for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played six seasons in the National Football ...
as the Browns' starting quarterback heading into the 2006 regular season. The other important trade the Browns made would fill the void at center left by newly acquired free agent
LeCharles Bentley LeCharles Vernon Bentley (born November 7, 1979) is an American former professional football player who was a guard and center in the National Football League (NFL) for four seasons. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, earn ...
. The Browns traded a conditional 2008 draft choice to the
Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. The team plays its ...
for
center Center or centre may refer to: Mathematics *Center (geometry), the middle of an object * Center (algebra), used in various contexts ** Center (group theory) ** Center (ring theory) * Graph center, the set of all vertices of minimum eccentrici ...
Hank Fraley. The Browns subsequently signed Fraley to a one-year contract.


Center troubles during training camp

On July 27, the first day of the Cleveland Browns' training camp, free agent center LeCharles Bentley suffered a season-ending knee injury during the first contact play of camp. Bentley was quoted as saying, "No one touched me. It was a freak thing. I took two steps, felt the injury and that was it. It felt like someone had kicked me." Bentley also said that he's " ..never been a patient person", and that " .. arning to adjust my body and my limitations is going to be a difficult challenge. When it's all said and done, it's going to make me better." Bentley was expected to help protect second-year quarterback Charlie Frye. After news of Bentley's injuring, backup center
Bob Hallen Robert Joseph Hallen (born March 9, 1975) is an American former professional football player who was an offensive guard and center in the National Football League (NFL). Hallen played high school football at Mentor High School, where he was ...
left training camp, leaving the team without a center. On July 30, the Browns signed veteran center Todd Washington. On August 7, Washington announced his retirement. On August 12, Hallen announced his retirement, citing two herniated discs and
stenosis Stenosis () is the abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel or other tubular organ or structure such as foramina and canals. It is also sometimes called a stricture (as in urethral stricture). ''Stricture'' as a term is usually used when narrowing ...
as the reason for his retirement. The Browns faced even more problems when third-string center Alonzo Ephraim, who was signed following Bentley's injury, was suspended for substance abuse. August 17 saw the Browns center woes diminishing slightly, as they acquired
Ross Tucker Ross Finch Tucker (born March 2, 1979) is an American former professional football offensive lineman and current Emmy nominated sports broadcaster. Tucker was an All-Ivy League offensive lineman at Princeton University then played seven seasons ...
from the Patriots. On August 24, the Browns acquired center Lennie Friedman from the
Chicago Bears The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago. The Bears compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC North, North division. They are one of two remaining ...
for a conditional 2007 draft choice. On September 2, the Browns finally found what they had been looking for when they traded a conditional 2008 draft choice to the
Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC East, East division. The team plays its ...
for center Hank Fraley. Upon signing Fraley, Ross Tucker's contract was terminated.


Preseason

The Cleveland Browns started off with a 20–7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Next, they managed to get their first preseason win at home 20–16 against the Detroit Lions. They then won their first preseason away game 20–17 against the Buffalo Bills, before losing their final preseason game at home against the Chicago Bears 20–7. The Cleveland Browns came out of their preseason with a record of 2–2. Their performance during the pre-season showed promise for the team heading into the regular season.


Personnel


Final roster


Regular season


Schedule

Note: Intra-divisional opponents are in bold text.


Game summaries


Week 1 vs New Orleans Saints

''at
Cleveland Browns Stadium Huntington Bank Field is a stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. It is the home field of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL), and serves as a venue for other events such as college and high school football, soccer, hockey, and con ...
,
Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–United States border, Canada–U.S. maritime border ...
'' On the first play from scrimmage,
quarterback The quarterback (QB) is a position in gridiron football who are members of the offensive side of the ball and mostly line up directly behind the Lineman (football), offensive line. In modern American football, the quarterback is usually consider ...
Charlie Frye Charles Thomas Frye (born August 28, 1981) is an American former football quarterback who currently serves as a defensive assistant for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played six seasons in the National Football ...
completed a 74-yard touchdown pass to
wide receiver A wide receiver (WR), also referred to as a wideout, and historically known as a split end (SE) or flanker (FL), is an eligible receiver in gridiron football. A key skill position of the offense (American football), offense, WR gets its name ...
Braylon Edwards Braylon Jamel Edwards (born February 21, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was a unanimous All-American playing college football for the Michigan Wolver ...
. However, because of a holding penalty on tackle
Kevin Shaffer Kevin Carl Shaffer (born March 2, 1980) is a former American football offensive tackle. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL draft. He played college football at Tulsa. Shaffer also played for the Clevel ...
, the play was called back. The Browns would only manage 56 yards of total offense during the first half of play. By halftime, New Orleans was leading the game 9–0, because of three field goals (43 yards in the first quarter, 25 and 21 yards in the second) by kicker John Carney. In the second half, Frye completed an 18-yard touchdown pass to
tight end The tight end (TE) is an offense (sports), offensive position in American football, arena football, and Canadian football. It is a hybrid that combines the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a receiver (football), receiv ...
Kellen Winslow Kellen Boswell Winslow Sr. (born November 5, 1957) is an American former professional American football, football tight end who played in the National Football League (NFL). A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1995), he is widely recogn ...
, marking his first career touchdown reception. However, the Saints burgeoned their lead, with opposing quarterback
Drew Brees Drew Christopher Brees (; born January 15, 1979) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 20 seasons. A member of the New Orleans Saints for most of his career, Brees is sec ...
completing a 12-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver
Marques Colston Marques E. Colston ( born June 5, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Hofstra Pride, and was selected by the New Orleans Sai ...
. In the fourth quarter, Frye brought the Browns within two points of the lead when he rushed for a 1-yard touchdown. A 20-yard field goal from Carney put the Saints up for good, 19–14. The Browns were threatening in Saints territory as the clock was winding down, but a Frye pass deflected off Edwards' chest and into the hands of
safety Safety is the state of being protected from harm or other danger. Safety can also refer to the control of recognized hazards in order to achieve an acceptable level of risk. Meanings The word 'safety' entered the English language in the 1 ...
Josh Bullocks. With the loss the Browns began their season 0–1. 0–1 against NFC opponents.


Week 2 at Cincinnati Bengals

''at
Paul Brown Stadium Paycor Stadium, previously known as Paul Brown Stadium, is an outdoor football stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL) and opened on August 19, 2000. Originally named aft ...
,
Cincinnati Cincinnati ( ; colloquially nicknamed Cincy) is a city in Hamilton County, Ohio, United States, and its county seat. Settled in 1788, the city is located on the northern side of the confluence of the Licking River (Kentucky), Licking and Ohio Ri ...
'' The Browns traveled to
Cincinnati Cincinnati ( ; colloquially nicknamed Cincy) is a city in Hamilton County, Ohio, United States, and its county seat. Settled in 1788, the city is located on the northern side of the confluence of the Licking River (Kentucky), Licking and Ohio Ri ...
for their week two match-up against the
Cincinnati Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati. The Bengals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC North, North division. The team plays its h ...
at
Paul Brown Stadium Paycor Stadium, previously known as Paul Brown Stadium, is an outdoor football stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL) and opened on August 19, 2000. Originally named aft ...
. The Browns offense struggled for the second straight week, turning in only 56 rushing yards. Despite Charlie Frye passing for 244 yards, he threw no touchdowns and two interceptions. The Bengals scored three times in the first half. Wide receiver
Kelley Washington James Kelley Washington (born August 21, 1979) is an American former professional football wide receiver and special teamer. He was selected 65th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft. He played college footba ...
caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from quarterback
Carson Palmer Carson Hilton Palmer (born December 27, 1979) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. He played college football for the USC Trojans, winning the Heisman Trophy as ...
, and wide receiver
Chad Johnson Chad Ochocinco Johnson (born Chad Javon Johnson, January 9, 1978), known from 2008 to 2012 as Chad Ochocinco, is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He ...
caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Palmer, in the first quarter. Kicker
Shayne Graham Michael Shayne Graham (born December 9, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker for 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies. He made hi ...
added three more points in the second quarter with a 37-yard field goal.
Phil Dawson Philip Drury Dawson (born January 23, 1975) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns football, Texas Lo ...
put the Browns' only points on the board in the first quarter with a 30-yard field goal. The second half was slightly better for the Browns, with their defense holding the Bengals scoreless in the third quarter. After a field goal from 37 yards by Graham in the fourth quarter, the Browns capped off a 76-yard drive with
Reuben Droughns Reuben Droughns (; born August 21, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Oregon Ducks, he was selected by the Detroit Lions i ...
' first rushing touchdown of the season. The Browns had excellent field position for that drive because of a 75-yard pass from Frye to Braylon Edwards.
Running back A running back (RB) is a member of the offensive backfield in gridiron football. The primary roles of a running back are to receive American football plays#Offensive terminology, handoffs from the quarterback to Rush (American football)#Offense ...
Rudi Johnson then scored two touchdowns from 1 yard and 9 yards out. Charlie Frye put the Browns' final points on the board when he ran in from two yards out for the score. In the end though, the Browns would end up losing Round 1 of 2006's Battle for Ohio while dropping to 0–2. 0–1 against division rivals and 0–1 in conference games.


Week 3 vs Baltimore Ravens

''at
Cleveland Browns Stadium Huntington Bank Field is a stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. It is the home field of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL), and serves as a venue for other events such as college and high school football, soccer, hockey, and con ...
,
Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–United States border, Canada–U.S. maritime border ...
'' The Browns returned home, still searching for their first win of the year, with a Week 3 division battle, against the
Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional American football team based in Baltimore. The Ravens compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC North, North division. The team plays its home g ...
. The Ravens drew first blood in the first quarter, as kicker
Matt Stover John Matthew Stover (born January 27, 1968) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker for 20 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Baltimore Ravens. After five seasons for the Clevelan ...
kicked a 32-yard field goal for the only score of the quarter. In the second quarter, the Browns came to life, as QB
Charlie Frye Charles Thomas Frye (born August 28, 1981) is an American former football quarterback who currently serves as a defensive assistant for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played six seasons in the National Football ...
completed a 58-yard TD pass to WR
Braylon Edwards Braylon Jamel Edwards (born February 21, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was a unanimous All-American playing college football for the Michigan Wolver ...
and Frye managed to get a TD on a 1-yard TD run. After a scoreless third quarter, it seemed that Cleveland would finally get its first victory, but in the fourth quarter, the Ravens managed to fly back into the game. QB
Steve McNair Stephen LaTreal McNair (February 14, 1973 – July 4, 2009),Steve McNair Found Dead
would complete a 3-yard TD pass to TE
Todd Heap Todd Benjamin Heap (born March 16, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a tight end for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily for the Baltimore Ravens. He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice with ...
. Finally, Stover would help Baltimore steal one from the Browns, with a 43-yard and a 52-yard field goal. With their last-second loss, the Browns fell to 0–3. 0–2 against division rivals and 0–2 in conference games.


Week 4 at Oakland Raiders

''at
McAfee Coliseum Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, often shortened to the Oakland Coliseum, is a multi-purpose stadium in Oakland, California, United States. It serves as part of the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Complex, located next to Oakland Arena. In ...
,
Oakland, California Oakland is a city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area in the U.S. state of California. It is the county seat and most populous city in Alameda County, California, Alameda County, with a population of 440,646 in 2020. A major We ...
'' The Browns flew to
McAfee Coliseum Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, often shortened to the Oakland Coliseum, is a multi-purpose stadium in Oakland, California, United States. It serves as part of the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Complex, located next to Oakland Arena. In ...
to take on the
Oakland Raiders The Oakland Raiders were a professional American football team based in Oakland, California, from its founding in 1960 to 1981, and again from 1995 to 2019 before Oakland Raiders relocation to Las Vegas, relocating to the Las Vegas metropolitan ...
, still hoping for their first win of the year. From the get-go, things immediately got ugly, as RB
Reuben Droughns Reuben Droughns (; born August 21, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Oregon Ducks, he was selected by the Detroit Lions i ...
fumbled and LB Sam Williams picked up the ball for a 30-yard return touchdown. In the second quarter, the Browns' woes continued, as QB Andrew Walter completed a 5-yard TD pass to WR
Randy Moss Randy Gene Moss (born February 13, 1977) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee Tit ...
. Cleveland would get a 28-yard field goal by kicker
Phil Dawson Philip Drury Dawson (born January 23, 1975) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns football, Texas Lo ...
, but Oakland continued to pour on the hurt as RB
LaMont Jordan LaMont Damon Jordan (born November 11, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins and was selected by the New York ...
ran 59 yards for a touchdown. The Browns would get a touchdown before halftime, as QB
Charlie Frye Charles Thomas Frye (born August 28, 1981) is an American former football quarterback who currently serves as a defensive assistant for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played six seasons in the National Football ...
completed a 3-yard TD pass to TE Darnell Dinkins. In the third quarter, Cleveland finally managed to click on all cylinders, as Frye completed two more TD passes to TE
Kellen Winslow Kellen Boswell Winslow Sr. (born November 5, 1957) is an American former professional American football, football tight end who played in the National Football League (NFL). A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1995), he is widely recogn ...
(a 2-yard pass) and WR
Joe Jurevicius Joe Jurevicius (born December 23, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1998 NFL draft. He playe ...
(a 5-yard pass) to take the lead. Afterward, the Browns held on for the rest of the game to finally get their first win of the year causing them to improve to 1–3. 1–2 in conference games.


Week 5 at Carolina Panthers

''at
Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium is a 74,867-seat multi-purpose stadium located on in the Uptown section of Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. It is the home facility and headquarters of the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL ...
,
Charlotte, North Carolina Charlotte ( ) is the List of municipalities in North Carolina, most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the county seat of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Mecklenburg County. The population was 874,579 at the 2020 United ...
'' Hoping to build on their win in Oakland, the Browns flew to
Bank of America Stadium Bank of America Stadium is a 74,867-seat multi-purpose stadium located on in the Uptown section of Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. It is the home facility and headquarters of the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL ...
for a Week 5 match-up with the
Carolina Panthers The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC South, South division. The t ...
. The Browns would score first, as kicker
Phil Dawson Philip Drury Dawson (born January 23, 1975) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns football, Texas Lo ...
got a 41-yard field goal, but the Panthers did better, as CB Richard Marshall intercepted a pass that bounced off WR
Dennis Northcutt Dennis LaMont Northcutt (born December 22, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver and punt returner for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona W ...
's hands and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Cleveland's struggles continued as Panthers QB
Jake Delhomme Jake Christopher Delhomme (; born January 10, 1975) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). Delhomme played college football at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, ...
completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR
Keyshawn Johnson Joseph Keyshawn Johnson (born July 22, 1972) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He played college football for the USC Trojans, and earned All-American ho ...
for the only score of the second period. Johnson was being covered by safety Brodney Pool, who was forced to play cornerback due to injuries to Gary Baxter and Leigh Bodden. In the third quarter, both sides would get field goals, as Carolina kicker
John Kasay John David Kasay (born October 27, 1969) is an American former professional football player who was a kicker for 21 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Carolina Panthers. He played college football for the Georgi ...
kicked a 22-yarder, while Dawson made a 47-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Browns got closer with Dawson's 22-yard field goal, but the Panthers managed to put the game away, as Kasay got a 19-yard field goal and gave the Panthers a huge lead. Even though Dawson would make a 32-yard field goal, Cleveland's struggles continued to hurt them, as they went into their bye week at 1–4. 0–2 against NFC opponents.


Week 7 vs Denver Broncos

''at
Cleveland Browns Stadium Huntington Bank Field is a stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. It is the home field of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL), and serves as a venue for other events such as college and high school football, soccer, hockey, and con ...
,
Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–United States border, Canada–U.S. maritime border ...
'' Coming off their bye week, the Browns headed back home to
Cleveland Browns Stadium Huntington Bank Field is a stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. It is the home field of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL), and serves as a venue for other events such as college and high school football, soccer, hockey, and con ...
for a rendezvous with their old rival, the
Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver. The Broncos compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC West, West division. The team is headquartered in E ...
. The Broncos'
Jason Elam Jason Douglas Elam (; born March 8, 1970) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Denver Broncos. He was selected by Denver in the third round of the 19 ...
kicked a 32-yard field goal early in the second quarter for a 3–0 lead. Then, right after the two-minute warning,
Tatum Bell Tatum Antoine Bell (born March 2, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and was selected by the Denver Bron ...
rushed to the right for a 9-yard touchdown run. The halftime score was 10–0. In the first half, the Browns offense earned just four first downs, scored no points, and
Charlie Frye Charles Thomas Frye (born August 28, 1981) is an American former football quarterback who currently serves as a defensive assistant for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played six seasons in the National Football ...
was sacked three times. With 9:13 remaining in the third quarter,
Jake Plummer Jason Steven "Jake" Plummer (born December 19, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils. Pl ...
connected with rookie
Brandon Marshall Brandon Tyrone Marshall (born March 23, 1984) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the UCF Knights, and was selected by ...
for a nine-yard touchdown to make the score 17–0. After
Champ Bailey Roland "Champ" Bailey Jr. (born June 22, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs, where he earned consensus All-Ame ...
intercepted
Charlie Frye Charles Thomas Frye (born August 28, 1981) is an American former football quarterback who currently serves as a defensive assistant for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played six seasons in the National Football ...
in the fourth quarter,
Andra Davis Andra Raynard Davis ronounced André(born December 23, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators and w ...
returned the favor by intercepting
Jake Plummer Jason Steven "Jake" Plummer (born December 19, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback for 10 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils. Pl ...
and set the Browns offense up at the Denver 18. Two short plays later, Frye passed to
Joe Jurevicius Joe Jurevicius (born December 23, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1998 NFL draft. He playe ...
for a 6-yard touchdown catch. It was only the second touchdown allowed by Denver's defense all season and it was the first 4th-quarter touchdown of Charlie Frye's career. However, Cleveland's last two possessions did not result in a comeback. Denver held on for a 17–7 victory. Two days after the game, offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon resigned. With the loss, the Browns fell to 1–5. 1–3 in conference games.


Week 8 vs New York Jets

''at
Cleveland Browns Stadium Huntington Bank Field is a stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. It is the home field of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL), and serves as a venue for other events such as college and high school football, soccer, hockey, and con ...
,
Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–United States border, Canada–U.S. maritime border ...
'' The Browns entered week 8 against the
New York Jets The New York Jets are a professional American football team based in the New York metropolitan area. The Jets compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC East, East division. The team p ...
with Jeff Davidson taking over for Carthon as offensive coordinator. An 8-minute opening drive by the Jets would result in a
Mike Nugent Michael Nugent (born March 2, 1982) is an American former professional American football, football placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes football, Ohio State Buckeye ...
27-yard field goal, which the Browns matched with a
Phil Dawson Philip Drury Dawson (born January 23, 1975) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns football, Texas Lo ...
47-yard kick. In the 2nd quarter, an interception by the Browns' Sean Jones set up a 2-yard touchdown run by
Reuben Droughns Reuben Droughns (; born August 21, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Oregon Ducks, he was selected by the Detroit Lions i ...
. The Browns failed to score on a deep drive at the end of the half, with Dawson missing a 26-yard field goal try, and the teams headed into the break at 10–3. The Browns opened the third quarter with a 57-yard drive capped by a
Kellen Winslow Kellen Boswell Winslow Sr. (born November 5, 1957) is an American former professional American football, football tight end who played in the National Football League (NFL). A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1995), he is widely recogn ...
touchdown reception for 30 yards. Later in the quarter, a
Leon Washington Leon Dewitt Washington Sr. (born August 29, 1982) is an American former professional football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) as a running back and return specialist and made 2 Pro Bowls and 2 All-Pro teams during his c ...
fumble led to another field goal for the Browns. Justin Miller would answer back, however, by taking the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. After a Browns punt, the Jets moved down the field and got a 47-yard field goal from Nugent. The Browns offense stalled out in the fourth quarter, but the defense played well. Sean Jones got another interception midway through the fourth quarter, and a late drive by the Jets failed as
Chad Pennington James Chadwick Pennington (born June 26, 1976) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He is currently the head football coach of the Sayre School in Lexington, Ke ...
's final throw to the endzone was caught by Chris Baker; however, the officials ruled that he would have landed out of bounds even if the Browns' Brodney Pool hadn't pushed him. The play was not reviewed even after the Jets called a time-out for the booth official to think it over, and the Browns hung on to win. With the win, the Browns improved to 2–5.


Week 9 at San Diego Chargers

''at
Qualcomm Stadium San Diego Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium in San Diego, California, United States. Opened in 1967 as San Diego Stadium; it was renamed Jack Murphy Stadium for sportswriter Jack Murphy (sportswriter), Jack Murphy from 1981 to 1997. From 1997 t ...
,
San Diego, California San Diego ( , ) is a city on the Pacific coast of Southern California, adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a population of over 1.4 million, it is the List of United States cities by population, eighth-most populous city in t ...
'' Hoping to build on their home win over the Jets, the Browns flew to
Qualcomm Stadium San Diego Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium in San Diego, California, United States. Opened in 1967 as San Diego Stadium; it was renamed Jack Murphy Stadium for sportswriter Jack Murphy (sportswriter), Jack Murphy from 1981 to 1997. From 1997 t ...
to take on the throwback-clad
San Diego Chargers The San Diego Chargers were a professional American football team in the National Football League (NFL). The Chargers played in San Diego, California from 1961 until 2016, before relocating back to the Greater Los Angeles area, where the franch ...
. In the first quarter, things started off close with Chargers kicker
Nate Kaeding Nathaniel James Kaeding (born March 26, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes, earning consensus All-American hono ...
getting a 29-yard field goal, while Browns kicker
Phil Dawson Philip Drury Dawson (born January 23, 1975) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns football, Texas Lo ...
nailed a 37-yarder. In the second quarter, Dawson would get a 20-yard field goal for Cleveland. However, San Diego got the first touchdown of the game, as LB Marques Harris recovered a fumble in the Browns endzone for a touchdown. Dawson would supply the scoring for Cleveland for the rest of the half, as he nailed a 42-yarder and a 30-yarder. In the third quarter, the Chargers gained some momentum, as RB
LaDainian Tomlinson LaDainian Tarshane Tomlinson (born June 23, 1979), nicknamed "LT", is an American former professional football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. After a successful college football career with the T ...
, after getting bottled up in the first half, broke out with a 41-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Dawson would get another field goal, which came from 36 yards out. However, San Diego would respond with Tomlinson getting a 7-yard TD run. Cleveland would have Dawson get a 35-yard field goal, yet Tomlinson would get an 8-yard TD run, which was followed by a successful two-point conversion from QB
Philip Rivers Philip Michael Rivers (born December 8, 1981) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons, primarily with the Chargers franchise. He played college football for the ...
to WR
Vincent Jackson Vincent Terrell Jackson (January 14, 1983 – February 15, 2021) was an American professional football wide receiver who played for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Northern Colorado Bears, ...
. The Browns would finally get a touchdown, as QB
Charlie Frye Charles Thomas Frye (born August 28, 1981) is an American former football quarterback who currently serves as a defensive assistant for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played six seasons in the National Football ...
completed a 4-yard TD pass to WR
Braylon Edwards Braylon Jamel Edwards (born February 21, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was a unanimous All-American playing college football for the Michigan Wolver ...
. Unfortunately, the damage was already done. With the loss, Cleveland would fall to 2–6.


Week 10: at

Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta. The Falcons compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC South, South division. The Falcons were founded o ...

Facing a desperate season verging on the point of disaster yet again, the Browns traveled again in Week 10 to the
Georgia Dome The Georgia Dome was a Stadium#Types, domed stadium in the Southeastern United States. Located in Atlanta between downtown Atlanta, downtown to the east and Vine City to the west, it was owned and operated by the State of Georgia as part of th ...
in
Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...
to meet the
Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta. The Falcons compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC South, South division. The Falcons were founded o ...
. The 5–3 Falcons were determined to rebound from their disappointed Week 9 loss to the
Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit. The Lions compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC North, North division. The team plays their home game ...
. In the first quarter, nothing happened until very late. With 3:33 remaining in the quarter, Browns quarterback
Charlie Frye Charles Thomas Frye (born August 28, 1981) is an American former football quarterback who currently serves as a defensive assistant for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played six seasons in the National Football ...
connected on a 40-yard pass to tight end
Kellen Winslow Kellen Boswell Winslow Sr. (born November 5, 1957) is an American former professional American football, football tight end who played in the National Football League (NFL). A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1995), he is widely recogn ...
. That put the Browns on the Atlanta 6-yard line and 3 plays later, on 4th and 1, the Browns scored on a run by running back
Reuben Droughns Reuben Droughns (; born August 21, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the Oregon Ducks, he was selected by the Detroit Lions i ...
and the Browns took a 7–0 lead. The second quarter started with a bang for the Browns. Atlanta had 2nd and 9 on the Cleveland 49 when Falcons quarterback
Michael Vick Michael Dwayne Vick (born June 26, 1980) is an American college football coach and former player who is the Head coach, head football coach at Norfolk State Spartans football, Norfolk State University. He played quarterback in the National F ...
threw an interception to Browns safety Sean Jones. The Browns drove the ball quickly down the field and, with 11:59 remaining in the quarter,
Charlie Frye Charles Thomas Frye (born August 28, 1981) is an American former football quarterback who currently serves as a defensive assistant for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played six seasons in the National Football ...
connected with tight end
Braylon Edwards Braylon Jamel Edwards (born February 21, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was a unanimous All-American playing college football for the Michigan Wolver ...
on a 19-yard touchdown pass. The Browns lead was 14–0. At the two-minute-warning, Reuben Droughns fumbled on the Atlanta 35. The Falcons attempted a two-minute-drill offense, but the Browns stood Vick up at the Browns 26. However, Falcons kicker
Morten Andersen Morten Andersen (born 19 August 1960), nicknamed "the Great Dane", is a Danish-American former professional football kicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 25 seasons, most notably with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta F ...
kicked a 44-yard field goal to get on the board 14–3 at halftime Very little happened in the third quarter.
Michael Vick Michael Dwayne Vick (born June 26, 1980) is an American college football coach and former player who is the Head coach, head football coach at Norfolk State Spartans football, Norfolk State University. He played quarterback in the National F ...
was driving in Cleveland territory with 5:28 remaining when he was intercepted again by Browns safety Brodney Pool. However, the ensuing Browns possession resulted in a
Dave Zastudil David Michael Zastudil (born October 26, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a punter in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio Bobcats, and was selected in the fourth round o ...
punt. The punt was out of their own endzone and was returned to the Browns 12. It took two plays for Vick to connect with wide receiver Michael Jenkins for a touchdown. The score was then 14–10. The possibility of success seemed unlikely for the Browns in the fourth quarter. After the teams each went three and out, Atlanta gained favorable field position and were able to bring Andersen in for a 46-yard field goal. At that point the Browns were leading 14–13. The next drive for the Browns looked promising. After two passes to tight end Steve Heiden and a 36-yard pass to
Kellen Winslow Kellen Boswell Winslow Sr. (born November 5, 1957) is an American former professional American football, football tight end who played in the National Football League (NFL). A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1995), he is widely recogn ...
, the Browns then faltered and had to settle for a 43-yard
Phil Dawson Philip Drury Dawson (born January 23, 1975) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns football, Texas Lo ...
field goal. The score was 17–13. With 3:18 remaining in the game, Atlanta took over on their own 28-yard line. Down by 4, Vick let in loose downfield to an open receiver Roddy White for a 55-yard gain. The Falcons then committed a 10-yard penalty and Vick threw an incomplete pass. With 2nd and 20 on the Cleveland 27, Vick fumbled the ball on 3rd down to a waiting Browns rookie cornerback Jereme Perry. Out of timeouts, the Falcons fell for a second week in a row to the Browns.


Week 11 vs Pittsburgh Steelers

''at
Cleveland Browns Stadium Huntington Bank Field is a stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. It is the home field of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL), and serves as a venue for other events such as college and high school football, soccer, hockey, and con ...
,
Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–United States border, Canada–U.S. maritime border ...
'' Hoping to build on their road win over the Falcons, the Browns returned home for Round 1 of their rust belt battle with the
Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional American football team based in Pittsburgh. The Steelers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC North, North division. Founded in 1933 P ...
. After a scoreless first quarter, the Browns struck first as CB
Daven Holly Daven Holly (born August 8, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers i ...
returned an interception 57 yards for a touchdown. Later, kicker
Phil Dawson Philip Drury Dawson (born January 23, 1975) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns football, Texas Lo ...
completed a 23-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Steelers kicker Jeff Reed completed a 43-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the true nature of the rivalry would commence. Dawson would give Cleveland a 35-yard field goal, but Pittsburgh responded with QB
Ben Roethlisberger Benjamin Todd Roethlisberger Sr. ( ; born March 2, 1982), nicknamed "Big Ben", is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Ste ...
completing a 20-yard TD pass to rookie WR Santonio Holmes. WR
Josh Cribbs Joshua Cribbs (born June 9, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kent State Golden Flashes and was sig ...
would return a kick off 92 yards for a touchdown to give the Browns a 20–10 lead. However, the Steelers would take the lead with RB
Willie Parker Willie Everett Parker Jr. (born November 11, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for six seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for No ...
getting a 1-yard TD run and a 4-yard touchdown reception. The Browns final drive of the game almost came up successful, but QB
Charlie Frye Charles Thomas Frye (born August 28, 1981) is an American former football quarterback who currently serves as a defensive assistant for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played six seasons in the National Football ...
's 22-yard pass to WR
Braylon Edwards Braylon Jamel Edwards (born February 21, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was a unanimous All-American playing college football for the Michigan Wolver ...
fell incomplete. With the loss, Cleveland fell to last place in the AFC North at 3–7.


Week 12 vs Cincinnati Bengals

''at
Cleveland Browns Stadium Huntington Bank Field is a stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. It is the home field of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL), and serves as a venue for other events such as college and high school football, soccer, hockey, and con ...
,
Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–United States border, Canada–U.S. maritime border ...
'' Coming off a devastating home loss to the
Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional American football team based in Pittsburgh. The Steelers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC North, North division. Founded in 1933 P ...
, the Browns stayed at home as they faced the
Cincinnati Bengals The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional American football team based in Cincinnati. The Bengals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC North, North division. The team plays its h ...
in Round 2 of the Battle of Ohio. However, this match-up would find Cleveland not scoring a single point all game. In the first quarter, Bengals RB Rudi Johnson got a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, QB
Carson Palmer Carson Hilton Palmer (born December 27, 1979) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. He played college football for the USC Trojans, winning the Heisman Trophy as ...
completed a 7-yard TD pass to WR Chris Henry, while kicker
Shayne Graham Michael Shayne Graham (born December 9, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker for 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies. He made hi ...
got a 24-yard field goal for another uncontested 10 points. In the third quarter, Palmer would hook up with WR
T. J. Houshmandzadeh Touraj Houshmandzadeh Jr. ( ; born September 26, 1977) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oregon State Beavers and was selected by ...
on a 6-yard TD pass (along with a failed PAT) for the only score of the period. In the fourth, Palmer and Henry wrapped up the game on a 10-yard TD pass, shutting out the Cleveland Browns on their home field, 30–0. With the second loss in a row at their home stadium, the Browns fell to 3–8.
Braylon Edwards Braylon Jamel Edwards (born February 21, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was a unanimous All-American playing college football for the Michigan Wolver ...
was involved in a highly publicized altercation with
Charlie Frye Charles Thomas Frye (born August 28, 1981) is an American former football quarterback who currently serves as a defensive assistant for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played six seasons in the National Football ...
on the sideline during the game, resulting in Edwards issuing a formal apology for his actions.


Week 13 vs Kansas City Chiefs

''at
Cleveland Browns Stadium Huntington Bank Field is a stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. It is the home field of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL), and serves as a venue for other events such as college and high school football, soccer, hockey, and con ...
,
Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–United States border, Canada–U.S. maritime border ...
'' The Browns came into the game hoping to rebound from the humiliating loss to the Bengals. They came out strong, striking first with a touchdown pass from Frye to Braylon Edwards, and an impressive defensive stop. The Chiefs responded, however, and
Trent Green Trent Jason Green (born July 9, 1970) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback for 15 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Indiana Hoosiers. He was selected by the San ...
tied the game up 7–7 on a 22-yard pass to
Eddie Kennison Eddie Joseph Kennison, III (born January 20, 1973) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the LSU Tigers and was selected by the St. Louis ...
. They scored again 8 minutes later, this time a 9-yard TD pass to
Tony Gonzalez Anthony David Gonzalez (born February 27, 1976) is an American former professional football tight end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons. Regarded as one of the greatest tight ends of all time, he is the NFL's all ...
. The Browns fought back, and just before halftime, Droughns ran 1 yard into the endzone, to tie it up at 14 going into halftime. Starting QB Charlie Frye was injured in the first half and, despite attempting a return, came out in the third quarter with a brace on his wrist and no shoulder pads. Derek Anderson took over the game for the Browns. The second half started out poorly, as Kansas City scored two more touchdowns on passes to Kris Wilson and Tony Gonzalez. The Browns came back to life in the final 9 minutes, with two touchdown passes from Anderson to Steve Heiden, one with 30 seconds left on the clock. In overtime, the Chiefs won the toss, but the stingy Browns defense forced a punt. A key pass from Anderson to Winslow moved the ball up, and Anderson came back out and ran for a large 33-yard gain, bringing the ball inside the 20-yard line. (It was the longest run from scrimmage for the Browns so far during the season.) Dawson sealed the deal with a 33-yard field goal to win the game.


Week 14 at Pittsburgh Steelers

''at
Heinz Field Acrisure Stadium, formerly (and still colloquially) known as Heinz Field, is a football stadium located in the North Shore neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Foot ...
,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Pittsburgh ( ) is a city in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States, and its county seat. It is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania#Municipalities, second-most populous city in Pennsylvania (after Philadelphia) and the List of Un ...
'' Coming off a surprising upset over the Chiefs, the Browns flew to
Heinz Field Acrisure Stadium, formerly (and still colloquially) known as Heinz Field, is a football stadium located in the North Shore neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Foot ...
for Round 2 of the Rustbelt Rivalry with the
Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional American football team based in Pittsburgh. The Steelers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC North, North division. Founded in 1933 P ...
on Thursday night. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed as QB
Ben Roethlisberger Benjamin Todd Roethlisberger Sr. ( ; born March 2, 1982), nicknamed "Big Ben", is an American former professional American football, football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Ste ...
completed a 49-yard TD pass to WR
Nate Washington Nate Washington (born August 28, 1983) is an American former professional football wide receiver. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005 and played on two Super Bowl-winning teams during four seasons with the ...
for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Browns trailed even further as kicker Jeff Reed nailed a 23-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the third quarter, Cleveland's ineffectiveness against Pittsburgh continued as Roethlisberger scored a touchdown on a 2-yard QB sneak, while RB
Willie Parker Willie Everett Parker Jr. (born November 11, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for six seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for No ...
got a 3-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Reed managed to put the game well out the Browns' reach with a 28-yard field goal. Cleveland would score a touchdown as QB Derek Anderson completed a 45-TD pass to WR
Braylon Edwards Braylon Jamel Edwards (born February 21, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was a unanimous All-American playing college football for the Michigan Wolver ...
, yet it would be their only score and their only highlight of the game, as the receiving corps had many dropped passes. With another sweep by the Steelers, the Browns fell to 4–9.


Week 15 at Baltimore Ravens

''at
M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It has been the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL) since its opening in 1998. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriol ...
,
Baltimore, Maryland Baltimore is the List of municipalities in Maryland, most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland. With a population of 585,708 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census and estimated at 568,271 in 2024, it is the List of United States ...
'' Following their road loss to the Steelers, the Browns flew to
M&T Bank Stadium M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It has been the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL) since its opening in 1998. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriol ...
for an AFC North rematch with the
Baltimore Ravens The Baltimore Ravens are a professional American football team based in Baltimore. The Ravens compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC North, North division. The team plays its home g ...
. In the first quarter, Cleveland led early with kicker
Phil Dawson Philip Drury Dawson (born January 23, 1975) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns football, Texas Lo ...
getting a 51-yard field goal. However, the Ravens took the lead with RB Jamal Lewis getting a 7-yard TD run. In the second quarter,
Kyle Boller Kyle Bryan Boller (born June 17, 1981) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for the California Golden Bears, he was selected by the Balti ...
took over at QB for the Ravens after starting QB
Steve McNair Stephen LaTreal McNair (February 14, 1973 – July 4, 2009),Steve McNair Found Dead
went out with a hand injury. Baltimore's lead increased when Boller completed 9-yard TD pass to FB
Ovie Mughelli Ovie Phillip Mughelli (born June 10, 1980) is a former American football fullback (American football), fullback who played for the Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). After playing college football for Wa ...
and kicker
Matt Stover John Matthew Stover (born January 27, 1968) is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker for 20 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Baltimore Ravens. After five seasons for the Clevelan ...
completed a 38-yard field goal. However, the Browns showed signs of life as QB Derek Anderson completed a 3-yard TD pass to WR
Joe Jurevicius Joe Jurevicius (born December 23, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1998 NFL draft. He playe ...
. In the third quarter, Cleveland tied the game at 17–17 with Anderson's 14-yard TD pass to WR
Braylon Edwards Braylon Jamel Edwards (born February 21, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He was a unanimous All-American playing college football for the Michigan Wolver ...
. However, the Ravens took over for the rest of the game with Boller's 77-yard TD pass to WR
Demetrius Williams Demetrius Terrell Williams (born March 28, 1983) is an American former professional football wide receiver. He was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL draft. He played college football at Oregon. Early life Willi ...
. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore wrapped the game up with Stover's 22-yard field goal. With the loss, the Browns fell 4–10. For the first time in the history of the Cleveland Browns, the team did not win a game in their own division.


Week 16 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

''at
Cleveland Browns Stadium Huntington Bank Field is a stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. It is the home field of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL), and serves as a venue for other events such as college and high school football, soccer, hockey, and con ...
,
Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–United States border, Canada–U.S. maritime border ...
'' Trying to snap a two-game losing skid, the Browns played their final home game of the year in a Week 16 interconference fight with the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (colloquially known as the Bucs) are a professional American football team based in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) NFC S ...
. In the first half, Cleveland trailed as Buccaneers' kicker
Matt Bryant Steven Matt Bryant (born May 29, 1975), nicknamed "Money Matt", is an American former professional football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Baylor Bears, and was signed as ...
kicked a 23-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 24-yard field goal in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Tampa Bay continued its pounding with RB Michael Pittman's 11-yard TD run (with the following PAT being blocked). In the fourth quarter, the Buccaneers further increased their lead with OLB
Derrick Brooks Derrick Dewan Brooks (born April 18, 1973) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for his entire 14-year career in the National Football League (NFL) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brooks played college footbal ...
returning an interception 21 yards for a touchdown. Afterward, the Browns got their only score of the game with CB
Daven Holly Daven Holly (born August 8, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats and was selected by the San Francisco 49ers i ...
returning a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown. Then, the Buccaneers wrapped up the game with Bryant kicking a 37-yard field goal. With the loss, Cleveland fell to 4–11.


Week 17 at Houston Texans

''at
Reliant Stadium NRG Stadium (previously known as Reliant Stadium) is a multi-purpose stadium in Houston, Texas, United States. Construction was completed in 2002, at a cost of $352 million and has a seating capacity of 72,220. It was the first NFL facility to h ...
,
Houston, Texas Houston ( ) is the List of cities in Texas by population, most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas and in the Southern United States. Located in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it is the county seat, seat of ...
'' Trying to end their season on a high note, the Browns flew to
Reliant Stadium NRG Stadium (previously known as Reliant Stadium) is a multi-purpose stadium in Houston, Texas, United States. Construction was completed in 2002, at a cost of $352 million and has a seating capacity of 72,220. It was the first NFL facility to h ...
for the third-straight year to take on the
Houston Texans The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston. The Texans compete in the National Football League as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC South, South division. The team plays its home games at N ...
.
Charlie Frye Charles Thomas Frye (born August 28, 1981) is an American former football quarterback who currently serves as a defensive assistant for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played six seasons in the National Football ...
convinced Coach Crennel to allow him to start despite having a deep bone bruise in his wrist. After a scoreless first quarter, the Browns struck first with kicker
Phil Dawson Philip Drury Dawson (born January 23, 1975) is an American former professional American football, football player who was a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas Longhorns football, Texas Lo ...
getting a 43-yard field goal for the only score of the period. However, in the third quarter, Cleveland's ineffectiveness continued to show as Texans RB Chris Taylor got a 5-yard TD run, while DT Anthony Maddox returned a fumble 47 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, the only thing that the Browns could muster was Dawson's 36-yard field goal. With four-straight losses to end the season, Cleveland ended its season at 4–12. The Browns season ended with 12 players in the Injured Reserve list, many of them starters.


Standings


References


External links


2006 Cleveland Browns
at Pro Football Reference (Profootballreference.com)
2006 Cleveland Browns Statistics
at jt-sw.com
2006 Cleveland Browns Schedule
at jt-sw.com * at DatabaseFootball.com {{DEFAULTSORT:2006 Cleveland Browns Season
Cleveland Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–U.S. maritime border and approximately west of the Ohio-Pennsylvania st ...
Cleveland Browns seasons
Cleveland Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–U.S. maritime border and approximately west of the Ohio-Pennsylvania st ...