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2012 Cleveland Browns season

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The 2012 Cleveland Browns season was the franchise's 64th season as a professional sports franchise and its 60th season as a member of the National Football League (NFL). Although the team improved on its record to 5–11 this 2012 season from its 4–12 finish in 2011, the team still placed fourth in the AFC North. The team also failed to break its 9-year playoff drought, the longest in franchise history. The 2012 season was the third season under the leadership of team president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert and the second season under head coach Pat Shurmur. The Browns also had Jimmy Haslam as their new owner, after buying the team from Randy Lerner.[2] The Browns played all of their home games at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.

2012 Cleveland Browns season
OwnerRandy Lerner (until October 25)[1]
Jimmy Haslam
General managerTom Heckert
Head coachPat Shurmur
Home fieldCleveland Browns Stadium
Local radioWTAM · WMMS
Results
Record5–11
Division place4th AFC North
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersT Joe Thomas
K Phil Dawson

Off-season

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Ownership change

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On August 2, team owner Randy Lerner sold the controlling interest of the Browns to Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam. Haslam is the owner of Pilot Flying J travel centers and was previously a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The amount of the sale was in excess of US$1 billion.[3]

The sale was approved on October 25, 2012.

Coaching changes

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Phil Dawson and Reggie Hodges lead the Browns onto the field against Buffalo in week 3

On January 11, defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson left the Browns to take the same position with the Dallas Cowboys.[4]

On January 18, the Browns hired Nolan Cromwell as a senior offensive assistant. Cromwell replaces Keith Gilbertson, who retired following the 2011 season.[5]

On January 23, the Browns hired former Tennessee Titans' assistant secondary coach Tim Hauck to replace Henderson as defensive backs coach. Hauck was on the Titans' staff from 2009 to 2010, and served as an assistant at the collegiate level prior to that.[6]

On January 27, the Browns hired former Minnesota Vikings' head coach Brad Childress as offensive coordinator. Childress coached the Vikings from 2006 to 2010. From 2003 to 2005, he was the offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, where he worked with current Browns' head coach Pat Shurmur.[7]

Roster changes

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Free agency

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Pos Player Tag Date signed 2012 team
FS Mike Adams UFA March 15[8] Denver Broncos
DE Marcus Benard RFA
ILB Titus Brown ERFA/UFA[9]
G Oniel Cousins UFA March 15[10] Cleveland Browns
K Phil Dawson UFA/FT[11] March 13[12] Cleveland Browns
G John Greco UFA March 13[13] Cleveland Browns
T Artis Hicks UFA March 15[14] Miami Dolphins
RB Peyton Hillis UFA March 14[15] Kansas City Chiefs
ILB D'Qwell Jackson UFA February 27[16] Cleveland Browns
P Brad Maynard UFA
WR Jordan Norwood ERFA April 16[17] Cleveland Browns
CB Dimitri Patterson UFA March 15[18] Cleveland Browns
DT Brian Schaefering ERFA March 15[10] Cleveland Browns
TE Alex Smith UFA March 13[19] Cleveland Browns
C Steve Vallos UFA March 19[20] Philadelphia Eagles
RFA: Restricted free agent, UFA: Unrestricted free agent, ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent, FT: Franchise tag
Player re-signed by Browns

Releases

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Pos Player Date released Date signed 2012 Team
P Richmond McGee March 12[21]
DE Jayme Mitchell March 16[22] June 4[23] Tampa Bay Buccaneers
T Tony Pashos March 12[21]
RB Armond Smith May 14[24] May 15[25] Carolina Panthers
G Eric Steinbach March 14[26] July 26[27] Miami Dolphins

Signings

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Pos Player Date signed 2011 Team
DE Juqua Parker March 15[28] Philadelphia Eagles
DE Frostee Rucker March 14[29] Cincinnati Bengals


2012 Draft Class

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Main article: 2012 NFL draft

The draft occurred from April 26–28. The Browns had an NFL-high eleven selections.

Round Selection Player Position College
1 3[a] Trent Richardson RB Alabama
22[b] Brandon Weeden QB Oklahoma State
2 37 Mitchell Schwartz T California
3 87[c] John Hughes DT Cincinnati
4 100 Travis Benjamin WR Miami (FL)
120[c] James-Michael Johnson LB Nevada
5 160[d] Ryan Miller G Colorado
6[e] 204[f] Emmanuel Acho LB Texas
205[f] Billy Winn DT Boise State
7 245[f] Trevin Wade CB Arizona
247[f] Brad Smelley FB Alabama

NOTES:

^[a] On Draft Day, The Browns acquired the Minnesota Vikings' first-round pick (No. 3) for their own first- (No. 4), fourth- (No. 118), fifth- (No. 139) and seventh- (No. 211) round selections.
^[b] The Browns acquired the Atlanta Falcons' 2012 first- (No. 22) and fourth- (No. 118, traded to Minnesota) round selections and 2011 first-, second-, and fourth-round selections for Cleveland's 2011 first-round selection.
^[c] The Browns traded their third-round pick (No. 67) to the Denver Broncos for their third- (No. 87) and fourth- (No. 120) round picks.
^[d] The Browns acquired the Denver Broncos' fifth-round selection, as well as a 2011 sixth-round selection and RB Peyton Hillis in exchange for QB Brady Quinn during the 2010 offseason.[30]
^[e] Although the Browns have two sixth-round selections, they traded their original selection in this round to the Minnesota Vikings for DE Jayme Mitchell.[30]
^[f] Compensatory selection[30]

Undrafted Free Agents

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Pos Player College Signed Released
CB Mike Allen James Madison April 30[31] May 30[32]
G Matt Cleveland Idaho April 30[31] August 26[33]
WR Josh Cooper Oklahoma State April 30[31] August 31[34]
CB Emanuel Davis East Carolina April 30[31] August 26[33]
LB JoJo Dickson Idaho May 14[35] August 26[33]
C Garth Gerhart Arizona State April 30[31] August 31[34]
S Tashaun Gipson Wyoming April 30[31]
DE William Green Florida April 30[31] August 31[34]
WR Antwuan Reed Pittsburgh April 30[31] August 26[33]
WR Bert Reed Florida State April 30[31] August 26[33]
WR Jermaine Saffold Missouri State April 30[31] August 26[33]
G J.B. Shugarts Ohio State April 30[31] August 31[34]
LB Andrew Sweat Ohio State April 30[31] May 14[24][36]
RB Adonis Thomas Toledo May 14[35] August 31[34]

Supplemental Draft

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On July 12, the Browns selected WR Josh Gordon of Baylor with a second round pick in the supplemental draft. The Browns will forfeit their second round pick in the 2013 NFL draft.[37] Gordon became only the second player drafted by the Browns in the supplemental draft, the other being QB Bernie Kosar in 1985.

Other news and notes

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LB Fujita suspension

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On May 2, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced a three-game suspension for LB Scott Fujita for his role in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal in 2009. Fujita was suspended along with former Saints teammates Jonathan Vilma, Anthony Hargrove, and Will Smith for what the commissioner called "conduct detrimental to the NFL as a result of their leadership roles."[38]

Fujita and the three other players have appealed the suspensions,[39] however on July 3 Goodell upheld the suspensions.[40]

On September 7, two days before the Week 1 game, the suspensions against Fujita and the other players were overturned. Fujita started the Week 1 contest.[41]

DT Taylor injury

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On May 10, starting DT Phil Taylor tore his left pectoral muscle while doing bench presses in the weight room. Taylor, the Browns' 1st round draft choice in 2011, will be out for several months and may miss the entire season.[42]

Suicide of grounds crew member

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A member of the Browns' grounds crew killed himself at their practice facility in Berea, Ohio, a team spokesman said Sunday, December 2, 2012. The man's body was found Saturday morning, December 1, 2012, at the facility in suburban Cleveland, the same day Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher committed suicide after killing his girlfriend. Browns spokesman Neal Gulkis confirmed to The Associated Press that a team employee died of a suicide, but provided no other details. He released a statement calling the man a good friend and an outstanding employee and saying the team's heartfelt condolences go out to his family.[43]

Staff

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2012 Cleveland Browns staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning


Rosters

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Opening training camp roster

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2012 Cleveland Browns Opening training camp roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Reserve

Rookies in italics
90 active, 0 reserve

Week 1 Roster

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Cleveland Browns roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve


As of September 3, 2012. Rookies in italics.

53 active, 9 reserve, 8 practice squad

Final roster

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2012 Cleveland Browns roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

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

Preseason

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Schedule

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Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 August 10 at Detroit Lions W 19–17 1–0 Ford Field Recap
2 August 16 at Green Bay Packers W 35–10 2–0 Lambeau Field Recap
3 August 24 Philadelphia Eagles L 10–27 2–1 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
4 August 30 Chicago Bears L 20–28 2–2 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap

LB Gocong injury

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On August 4, starting LB Chris Gocong tore his right Achilles tendon during morning practice. He will likely miss the entire season.[44]

QB Weeden named starter

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On August 6, coach Pat Shurmur named Brandon Weeden as the starting QB. Weeden, 28, was picked 22nd overall by the Browns in the 2012 NFL draft.[45]

First roster cuts

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All NFL teams were required to cut their rosters from 90 players to 75 by August 27. One day earlier, the Browns released nine players, most notably WR veteran WR Carlton Mitchell.[33]

The Browns also placed LBs Emanuel Acho and Chris Gocong on injured reserve, waived/injured DEs Marcus Benard and Auston English and CB Antwaun Reed. The team also placed DT Phil Taylor on the physically unable to perform list.[33]

With one open roster spot, the Browns claimed DE Ernest Owusu off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings.[46]

Second roster cuts

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All NFL teams were required to cut their rosters from 75 players to 53 by August 31. The Browns cut quarterback Seneca Wallace; running back Adonis Thomas; fullback Brad Smelley; wide receivers Josh Cooper and Rod Windsor, tight ends Dan Gronkowski and Evan Moore; offensive linemen Dominic Alford, Stanley Daniels, Garth Gerhart, Jerrod Shaw, and J.B. Shugarts; defensive linemen Ronnie Cameron, William Green, Ernest Owushu, Brian Schaefering, and Kiante Tripp; linebackers Benjamin Jacobs and Quinton Spears; and defensive back James Dockery.[34] In addition, DT Phil Taylor remained on the physically unable to perform list.[34]

Cameron, Cooper, Gerhart, Jacobs, Shaw, Shugarts, and Smelley were added to the Browns' practice squad.[34]

Captains elected

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On September 2, the Browns elected offensive tackle Joe Thomas, linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, and kicker Phil Dawson as captains.

Regular season

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Schedule

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Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 September 9 Philadelphia Eagles L 16–17 0–1 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
2 September 16 at Cincinnati Bengals L 27–34 0–2 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
3 September 23 Buffalo Bills L 14–24 0–3 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
4 September 27 at Baltimore Ravens L 16–23 0–4 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
5 October 7 at New York Giants L 27–41 0–5 MetLife Stadium Recap
6 October 14 Cincinnati Bengals W 34–24 1–5 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
7 October 21 at Indianapolis Colts L 13–17 1–6 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
8 October 28 San Diego Chargers W 7–6 2–6 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
9 November 4 Baltimore Ravens L 15–25 2–7 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
10 Bye
11 November 18 at Dallas Cowboys L 20–23 (OT) 2–8 Cowboys Stadium Recap
12 November 25 Pittsburgh Steelers W 20–14 3–8 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
13 December 2 at Oakland Raiders W 20–17 4–8 O.co Coliseum Recap
14 December 9 Kansas City Chiefs W 30–7 5–8 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
15 December 16 Washington Redskins L 21–38 5–9 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
16 December 23 at Denver Broncos L 12–34 5–10 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
17 December 30 at Pittsburgh Steelers L 10–24 5–11 Heinz Field Recap

Note: Intra-divisional opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

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Week 1: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

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Week 1: Philadelphia Eagles at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Eagles 0 10 0717
Browns 3 0 31016

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

The Browns opened their season against the Philadelphia Eagles. They got their first points of the 2012 season when Phil Dawson kicked a 43-yard field goal to make the score 3–0 for the only points of the opening quarter. The Eagles responded to tie the game at 3–3 when Alex Henery kicked a 42-yard field goal followed by Michael Vick finding Jeremy Maclin in the end zone on an 18-yard touchdown pass to make the halftime score 10–3. Heading into the third quarter and extending into the 4th, the Browns scored 13 unanswered points starting with Dawson's field goals from 42 (for the only score of the quarter) and 22 yards out shortening the Eagles' lead from four to just a point from 10–6 to 10–9. And then, the Browns retook the lead when D'Qwell Jackson ran for a 13-yard touchdown for a 16–10 game. However, the Eagles were able to complete the comeback as Vick found Clay Harbor on a 4-yard pass making the final score 17–16.

The Browns started their season 0–1 for the eighth straight year.

Week 2: at Cincinnati Bengals

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Week 2: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 3 7 71027
Bengals 7 10 71034

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information

After a tough home loss to the Eagles, the Browns traveled on the road to take on the Bengals for Round 1 of the Battle Of Ohio. With less than 90 seconds played, the Bengals scored as Pacman Jones returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown making the score 7–0. The Browns responded with Phil Dawson's 50-yard field goal to come within 4 at 7–3. In the 2nd quarter Andy Dalton found A.J. Green on a 10-yard touchdown pass making the score 14–3 for an 11-point lead. The Browns followed up with Trent Richardson running for a 32-yard touchdown making the score 14–10 but the Bengals pulled away as Mike Nugent nailed a 39-yard field goal for a 17–10 halftime lead. In the 3rd quarter, the Bengals went right back to work when Dalton found Brandon Tate on a 44-yard touchdown pass to increase their lead to 24–10. Again, the Browns tried to rally by coming in just a touchdown short with Brandon Weeden's first NFL career touchdown pass, a 23-yard pass to Richardson to make the score 24–17. The Bengals pulled away in the 4th quarter as Dalton found Andrew Hawkins on a 50-yard pass making the score 31–17 but again, the Browns tried to rally by coming within a touchdown as Weeden found Greg Little on a 24-yard pass making the score 31–24. After this, the Bengals moved ahead by double digits for the first time since leading by 14 in the 3rd quarter with Nugent's 37-yard field goal for a 34–24 lead. The Browns tried to rally a comeback but could only come away with 3 points as Dawson nailed a 25-yard field goal for a final score of 34–27.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 0–2. Also, with the Steelers' victory over the Jets, the team now sits in sole possession of last place in the AFC North as well as losing by a certain number of points increasing as the weeks go by from losing to the Eagles by a point in Week 1 to losing to the Bengals by 7 points in Week 2.

Week 3: vs. Buffalo Bills

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Week 3: Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bills 14 0 3724
Browns 0 7 7014

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: September 23
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
  • Game weather: Occasional Showers 53 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 69,353
  • Referee: David Scott
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Steve Beuerlein
Game information

The Browns returned home for a home game against the Bills. Again, the Browns fell behind and for the second straight week never held the lead as Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick found T. J. Graham on a 9-yard touchdown pass for a 7–0 lead followed up by Fitzpatrick finding C. J. Spiller on a 32-yard touchdown pass for a 14–0 lead. The Browns got on the board in the 2nd quarter when Trent Richardson ran for a 6-yard touchdown to make the score 14–7 at halftime. However, the Bills went back to work in the 3rd quarter as Rian Lindell nailed a 37-yard field goal to take a 10-point lead of 17–7. The Browns tried to rally coming within 3 points of the Bills when Brandon Weeden found Travis Benjamin on a 22-yard pass at 17–14. However, the Bills pulled away and wrapped this game up as Fitzpatrick found Stevie Johnson on a 9-yard touchdown pass for a final score of 24–14.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 0–3 with their loss by a certain number of points worsened to 10.

Week 4: at Baltimore Ravens

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Week 4: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 7 3616
Ravens 0 9 14023

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information

The Browns traveled to Baltimore to take on the Ravens on Thursday Night Football. After a scoreless first quarter, the Ravens scored first in the second quarter as Joe Flacco found Torrey Smith on an 18-yard touchdown pass (with a failed PAT) for a 6–0 lead. The team increased their lead as Justin Tucker made a 45-yard field goal to make the score 9–0. Finally, the Browns scored not long before halftime when Trent Richardson ran for a 2-yard touchdown, making the halftime score 9–7. After the break, the Ravens went right back to work as Flacco threw several completions to Anquan Boldin before scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run for a 16–7 lead. However, The Browns drew within 6 points as Phil Dawson nailed a 51-yard field goal, making the score 16–10. But then, the Ravens pulled away as Cary Williams picked off Weeden and returned the ball 63 yards for a touchdown, making the score 23–10. In the fourth quarter, the Browns tried to come back as Dawson nailed two field goals from 50 and 52 yards out making the score 23–13 and then 23–16, respectively. However, the Ravens took control of the game and the Browns' record dropped to 0–4 on the season, losing their 13th straight game against a division rival and their 9th straight game against the Ravens.

Week 5: at New York Giants

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Week 5: Cleveland Browns at New York Giants – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 14 3 3727
Giants 7 20 7741

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

After a tough road loss to the Ravens, the Browns went to face against the Giants on the road. They drew first blood taking a 7–0 lead as Trent Richardson ran for a 15-yard touchdown followed by Brandon Weeden finding Josh Gordon on a 62-yard touchdown pass leaving the Browns with a 14–0 lead. Finally, the Giants were able to get on the board when Eli Manning found Victor Cruz on a 3-yard pass to shorten the lead 14–7. In the 2nd quarter, the Browns moved ahead by double digits again as Phil Dawson kicked a 32-yard field goal for a 17–7. The Giants then again responded by scoring 17 unanswered points before halftime starting by coming within a touchdown off of Lawrence Tynes' 29-yard field goal making the score 17–10. Then the Giants were able to tie it as Ahmad Bradshaw ran for a 4-yard touchdown for a 17–17 score before the Giants took the lead as Manning found Cruz again on a 7-yard pass making the score 24–17. Tynes made the score 27–17 with a 40-yard field goal not long before halftime. The Giants went right back to work in the third quarter as Manning found Cruz a 3rd time on a 28-yard pass increasing their lead to 34–17. Then the Browns tried to rally a comeback but only came away with Dawson nailing a 41-yard field goal making the score 34–20. Then in the fourth quarter, David Wilson ran for a 40-yard touchdown making the score 41–20. The Browns wrapped up the game scoring with Weeden finding Gordon again on a 20-yard pass for a final score of 41–27.

The Browns dropped to 0–5 on the season. And with the Saints' win over the Chargers on Sunday Night, they remain the league's only winless team.

Week 6: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

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Week 6: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bengals 7 7 01024
Browns 0 7 62134

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: October 14
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy/Rain 70 °F (21 °C)
  • Game attendance: 67,060
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots
Game information

The Browns returned home for Round 2 of 2012's Battle of Ohio. The Bengals got off to a fast start in the first quarter as Andy Dalton found Jermaine Gresham on a 55-yard touchdown pass making the score 7–0 for the only score of the period. The Browns then managed to tie it as Brandon Weeden found Josh Gordon on a 71-yard touchdown pass for a 7–7 game before the Bengals moved back into the lead with Dalton's 4-yard pass to A. J. Green making the score 14–7 at halftime. The Browns went into a frenzy of points in the 2nd half starting scoring 13 unanswered points starting in the 3rd quarter when Phil Dawson nailed two field goals from 41 and 38 yards out making the score 14–10 and then 14–13 respectively. And in the fourth quarter, they took the lead as Montario Hardestly ran for a 1-yard touchdown for a 20–14 lead. The Bengals came within three points as Mike Nugent kicked a 44-yard field goal making the score 20–17. But the Browns increased their lead with two straight touchdowns as Weeden found Benjamin Watson on a 4-yard pass followed by Sheldon Brown who returned an interception 17 yards for a touchdown making the score 27–17 and then 34–17. The Bengals tried to rally a comeback as Dalton found Green again on a 57-yard pass. But the Bengals failed to rally and therefore lost this game by a final score of 34–24 as the Browns managed to snap their four-game losing streak to the Bengals as well as their 13-game losing streak to division rivals as they improved to 1–5 with the win.

Week 7: at Indianapolis Colts

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Week 7: Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 6 7013
Colts 7 7 3017

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: October 21
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny 60 °F (16 °C)
  • Game attendance: 64,560
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots
Game information

The Browns traveled to Indianapolis to take on an Andrew Luck-led Colts offense. The Colts were able to score in the first quarter as Andrew Luck ran for a 3-yard touchdown making the score 7–0 for the only score of the game. The Browns responded in the 2nd quarter coming within a point when Brandon Weeden found Greg Little on a 14-yard pass (with a failed PAT) making the score 7–6. Then, Luck ran for another touchdown this time from 5 yards out to make the score 14–6 at halftime. The Browns came within a point again in the 3rd quarter as Weeden found Josh Gordon on a 33-yard pass making the score 14–13 but the Colts wrapped things up with Adam Vinatieri's 38-yard field goal followed by a scoreless 4th quarter making the final score 17–13 as the Browns' road record at this point of the season was 0–4 while their record overall was 1–6.

Week 8: vs. San Diego Chargers

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Week 8: San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 3 306
Browns 7 0 007

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: October 28
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
  • Game weather: Rainy/Windy 44 °F (7 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,337
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Rich Gannon
Game information

In rainy and windy conditions, Trent Richardson scored the game's only touchdown, running from 26 yards out for a 7–0 lead. The Chargers managed to get on the board as Nick Novak score a 43-yard field goal before halftime making the score 7–3. The Chargers then scored the only points of the second half in the third quarter, with Novak scoring a 31-yard field goal making the score 7–6. There were no further scores and the Browns increased their record to 2–6 and their home record to 2–2.

Week 9: vs. Baltimore Ravens

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Week 9: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 14 0 01125
Browns 0 9 3315

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: November 4
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy 39 °F (4 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,449
  • Referee: Jeff Triplette
  • TV announcers (CBS): Marv Albert and Rich Gannon
Game information

The Ravens took a 14–0 lead after the first quarter, but the Browns took the lead with five consecutive field goals from Phil Dawson. However, the Ravens retook the lead for good in the fourth quarter. With their 10th-straight loss to the Ravens, the Browns went into their bye week at 2–7.

Week 11: at Dallas Cowboys

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Week 11: Cleveland Browns at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Browns 7 6 07020
Cowboys 0 0 317323

at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

  • Date: November 18
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 81,936
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
Game information

The Browns came into Cowboys Stadium leading 13–0 at halftime. However, the lead was blown as the Browns were outscored 20–7 in the 2nd half with the Cowboys kicking a late field goal to tie the game at 20–20 and send it into overtime. There, the Cowboys kicked the game-winning field goal, dropping the Browns to 2–8 and 0–3 against the NFC East.

Week 12: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

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Week 12: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 7 7 0014
Browns 3 10 7020

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: November 25
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Mostly Cloudy 40 °F (4 °C)
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots
Game information

Although the Steelers scored first on a 53-yard interception return by Lawrence Timmons, the Browns benefited from eight Pittsburgh turnovers and the Browns defeated the Steelers 20–14. This was the first Browns victory over the Steelers since Week 14 of the 2009 season, and only the fifth time the Browns beat the Steelers since returning to the NFL in 1999. The Browns became the only AFC North team on the season to successfully defend their home territory against the Steelers. After the game, it was announced that team president Mike Holmgren would leave the Browns with immediate effect.

Week 13: at Oakland Raiders

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Week 13: Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 10 3720
Raiders 0 3 7717

at O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: December 2
  • Game time: 4:25 pm. EST/1:25 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Cloudy skies 61 °F (16 °C)
  • Game attendance: 43,641
  • Referee: Bill Leavy
  • TV announcers (CBS): Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker
Game information

Behind Brandon Weeden's career high passing day (364 yards), the Browns defeated the Oakland Raiders 20–17, snapping a 12-game road losing streak, and their first consecutive wins since Weeks 2 and 3 of the 2011 season.

Week 14: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

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Week 14: Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 7 0 007
Browns 3 7 101030

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: December 9
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Overcast/Rainy 45 °F (7 °C)
  • Game attendance: 62,422
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (CBS): Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker
Game information

Helped by a 93-yard punt return by Travis Benjamin (the longest punt return for a touchdown in franchise history), the Browns defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 30–7 for their first three-game win streak since 2009, improving their current season to 5–8 and 3–0 against the AFC West. With losses by the Bengals and Steelers (both 7–6), the Browns still remain in playoff contention moving up to only two games behind their two longest rivals. This remained the Browns' only December victory until a 24–10 win over the San Francisco 49ers in 2015.

Week 15: vs. Washington Redskins

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Week 15: Washington Redskins at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 7 3 141438
Browns 7 7 0721

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

With the loss, the Browns fell to 5–9 and were eliminated from the postseason contention. This loss clinched the team's fifth straight losing season and 12th in the 14 years since rejoining the NFL. The Browns were 4–4 in home games.

Week 16: at Denver Broncos

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Week Sixteen: Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 3 0 3612
Broncos 7 7 71334

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: December 23
  • Game time: 4:05 pm. EST/2:05 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy 51 °F (11 °C)
  • Game attendance: 76,351
  • Referee: Alberto Riveron
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts

With the loss, the Browns dropped to 5–10 on the season, and as a result they officially clinched fourth place in the AFC North for the second straight season since they still remained two games behind the third-placed Steelers (7–8), who got booted from the playoff race by the Bengals earlier that day.

Next week the Browns look to win in Pittsburgh for the first time since 2003, and sweep the Steelers for the first time since 1988.

Week 17: at Pittsburgh Steelers

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Week Seventeen: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 3 7010
Steelers 0 10 7724

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: December 30
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy 28 °F (−2 °C)
  • Game attendance: 51,831
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Steve Beuerlein

After a tough loss at the Broncos, the Browns traveled to Pittsburgh for game 2 of the 2012 series. The Browns were able to tie the game at 3–3 and then 10–10. However, they were overpowered by the Steelers as they scored 14 unanswered points to make the final score 24–10. The Browns went on to lose the game, finishing 5–11 for the season. They finished 1–7 in games away from home.

The day after the game, the Browns fired head coach Pat Shurmur and general manager Tom Heckert. In two seasons as Browns head coach, Shurmur posted a record of 9–23, including a disappointing 2–10 mark within the division (1–3 vs. the Bengals and Steelers and 0–4 vs. the Ravens).[47]

Standings

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AFC North
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) Baltimore Ravens 10 6 0 .625 4–2 8–4 398 344 L1
(6) Cincinnati Bengals 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 391 320 W3
Pittsburgh Steelers 8 8 0 .500 3–3 5–7 336 314 W1
Cleveland Browns 5 11 0 .313 2–4 5–7 302 368 L3

2013 Pro Bowl

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Main article: 2013 Pro Bowl

On December 26, T Joe Thomas and K Phil Dawson were recognized for their individual accomplishments by being named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster. Thomas, who will be the starting left tackle, is making his sixth consecutive appearance in the Pro Bowl, while this is the first Pro Bowl appearance for Dawson in his 14-year career.[48]

KR Joshua Cribbs, LB D'Qwell Jackson, and C Alex Mack were named first alternates at their respective positions.[48]

References

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  2. ^ "Cleveland Browns' sale to Jimmy Haslam complete". NFL.com.
  3. ^ "Reports: Deal to sell the Browns complete". Sports Illustrated. August 2, 2012. Archived from the original on August 4, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  4. ^ McMahon, Tim (January 11, 2012). "Jerome Henderson will be new DB coach". ESPN. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
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  6. ^ "Browns add Hauck to staff". ClevelandBrowns.com. January 23, 2012. Archived from the original on January 26, 2012. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
  7. ^ Ulrich, Nate (January 28, 2012). "Browns hire Brad Childress as offensive coordinator". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved January 29, 2012.
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  11. ^ Cabot, Mary Kay (March 2, 2012). "Cleveland Browns put franchise tag on longtime kicker Phil Dawson". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Retrieved March 4, 2011.
  12. ^ Florio, Mike (March 13, 2012). "Phil Dawson signs franchise tender". NBC Sports. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
  13. ^ "Browns re-sign G Greco". Archived from the original on February 8, 2010. Retrieved March 15, 2012.
  14. ^ "Dolphins Sign T Hicks". Archived from the original on December 27, 2010. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
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  19. ^ "Browns re-sign TE Smith". Archived from the original on July 20, 2011. Retrieved March 15, 2012.
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  25. ^ "Carolina Panthers: Armond Smith". Archived from the original on December 24, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
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  27. ^ "Dolphins sign G Steinbach". Archived from the original on August 9, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  28. ^ Schudel, Jeff (March 15, 2012). "Browns sign veteran DL Jaqua Parker". The News-Herald. Archived from the original on March 19, 2012. Retrieved March 15, 2011.
  29. ^ "DE Frostee Rucker signs with Browns". Chicago Tribune. March 15, 2012. Retrieved March 16, 2012.
  30. ^ a b c Florjancic, Matt (March 26, 2012). "Browns awarded four compensatory picks". ClevelandBrowns.com. Archived from the original on March 29, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  31. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Hangst, Andrea (April 30, 2012). "Tracking Cleveland Browns' 2012 NFL Undrafted Free-Agent Signings". BleacherReport. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
  32. ^ Pokorny, Chris (May 30, 2012). "Wilson: Browns Reportedly Cut CB Mike Allen". Dawgs by Nature. Retrieved May 30, 2012.
  33. ^ a b c d e f g h Rados, Paul (August 26, 2012). "Cleveland Browns Cut Nine, Projections for Remaining Roster Cuts: A Fan's Look". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved August 27, 2012.
  34. ^ a b c d e f g h Rados, Paul (September 1, 2012). "Cleveland Browns Release Final Cuts List, Roster Set at 53: A Fan's Reaction". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
  35. ^ a b Cabot, Mary K (May 14, 2012). "Cleveland Browns cut RB Armond Smith, sign Toledo RB Adonis Thomas and former Idaho LB JoJo Dickson". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
  36. ^ Sweat was placed on the reserve retired list after choosing to pursue law school rather than a career in football Brinson, Will (May 15, 2012). "Ohio State linebacker Andrew Sweat picks law school over NFL, concussions". CBS Sports. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
  37. ^ "Browns select WR Gordon in supplemental draft". Associated Press. July 12, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2012.
  38. ^ Fendrich, Howard (May 2, 2012). "NFL suspends 4 players for Saints' bounties". Associated Press. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
  39. ^ "Jonathan Vilma banned one year". ESPN. May 2, 2012.
  40. ^ Telich, John (July 3, 2012). "Browns Fujita Appeal Denied by League". WJW. Retrieved July 12, 2012.
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  43. ^ "Browns employee kills self".
  44. ^ "Browns' Chris Gocong hurts Achilles". Associated Press. August 4, 2012. Retrieved August 27, 2012.
  45. ^ "Browns name rookie QB Brandon Weeden starter". Associated Press. August 6, 2012. Retrieved August 27, 2012.
  46. ^ Kilpatrick, Bryan (August 27, 2012). "Browns Awarded Defensive Lineman Ernest Owusu Off Waivers". SB Nation. Retrieved August 27, 2012.
  47. ^ Alper, Josh (December 31, 2012). "Report: Pat Shurmur, Tom Heckert fired in Cleveland". NBC Sports. Retrieved January 4, 2012.
  48. ^ a b Florjancic, Matt (December 26, 2012). "Dawson, Thomas make Pro Bowl roster". ClevelandBrowns.com. Archived from the original on December 27, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
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