2008 Cleveland Browns season
| 2008 Cleveland Browns season | |
|---|---|
| General manager | Phil Savage |
| Head coach | Romeo Crennel |
| Home field | Cleveland Browns Stadium |
| Local radio | WTAM · WMMS |
| Results | |
| Record | 4–12 |
| Division place | 4th AFC North |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | LS Ryan Pontbriand DT Shaun Rogers LT Joe Thomas |
| Uniform | |
 | |
The 2008 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 60th season as a professional sports franchise and its 56th season as a member of the National Football League (NFL). The Browns finished with a 4–12 record and failed to qualify for the playoffs. The season marked Romeo Crennel's fourth (and what would be final)[1] year as head coach of the Browns. Cleveland played all of their home games at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. To end the 2008 season, the Browns failed to score an offensive touchdown for 24 consecutive quarters and were shut out in their final two games, the last time a team would be shut out in back-to-back games until the Carolina Panthers were shut out in their final two games 15 years later. The Cleveland Browns failed to make the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.
Off-season
Coaching staff changes
On January 7, the Browns signed offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski to a two-year contract extension, effectively allowing the coach to remain in Cleveland through the 2011 season.[2] Chudzinski declined an opportunity to interview for the vacant head coach position of the Baltimore Ravens to remain in Cleveland.[2]
On January 11, it was announced by Crennel that the team had fired defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, and that a replacement would be announced soon.[3] Grantham's firing comes just months after signing a two-year contract extension.[4] The next day, it was announced that Mel Tucker, defensive backs coach for the Browns, was given the job.[5] After spending three years on the Browns defensive coaching staff, Cory Undlin was promoted to defensive backs coach to replace Tucker.[6]
On January 29, the team announced that it had re-signed head coach Romeo Crennel to a two-year contract extension.[7] General manager Phil Savage stated that Crennel did not ask for an extension, but rather that the team felt that it was the proper thing to do for the head coach.[8]
Free agents
| Pos. | Player | Tag | Signed | Team | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LB | Keith Adams | UFA | |||
| FB | Charles Ali | ERFA | March 13 | Browns | 1 year |
| QB | Derek Anderson | RFA | February 29 | Browns | 3 years[9] |
| DB | Gary Baxter | UFA | March 13 | Browns | 1 year |
| WR | Tim Carter | UFA | May 22 | Texans | 1 year |
| DB | Ricardo Colclough | UFA | March 1 | Panthers | 2 years |
| OL | Nat Dorsey | UFA | |||
| DL | Simon Fraser | RFA | March 7 | Falcons | |
| OL | Lennie Friedman | UFA | March 12 | Browns | 1 year |
| LB | Kris Griffin | RFA | March 26 | Browns | 1 year |
| DL | Bobby Hamilton | UFA | |||
| DB | Daven Holly | RFA | February 28 | Browns | Second-round tender[10] |
| DL | Ethan Kelley | UFA | |||
| RB | Jamal Lewis | UFA | February 21 | Browns | 3 years[11] |
| OL | Seth McKinney | UFA | March 28 | Browns | 1 year |
| DL | Alvin Smith | ERFA | |||
| LB | Matt Stewart | UFA | April 18 | Cardinals | 1 year |
| LB | Chaun Thompson | UFA | March 14 | Texans | 2 years |
| DL | Ted Washington | UFA | |||
| UFA: Unrestricted free agent; RFA: Restricted free agent; ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent | |||||
Signings
| Pos. | Player | Signed | Contract | Acquired | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CB | Terry Cousin | May 23 | 2 years | free agent | |
| OL | Rex Hadnot | March 10 | 2 years | free agent | |
| LB | Shantee Orr | March 21 | 1 year | free agent | |
| DL | Shaun Rogers[12] | March 1 | 6 years | trade with Lions | |
| WR | Donté Stallworth[13] | March 1 | 7 years | free agent | |
| DL | Corey Williams[14] | February 29 | 6 years | trade with Packers | |
Releases
| Pos. | Player | Tag | Signed | Team | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | Gary Baxter[15] | UFA | |||
| OL | LeCharles Bentley[16] | UFA | |||
| DL | Orpheus Roye[17] | UFA | Steelers |
||
| CB | Kenny Wright[18] | UFA |
2008 NFL Draft
The Browns did not have a selection in the first three rounds.[19]
| Round | Pick | Name | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4[20] | 5 (104) | Beau Bell | Linebacker | UNLV |
| 4 | 11 (111) | Martin Rucker | Tight end | Missouri |
| 6[21] | 24 (190) | Ahtyba Rubin | Defensive tackle | Iowa State
|
| 6[22] | 25 (191) | Paul Hubbard | Wide receiver | Wisconsin
|
| 7 | 25 (231) | Alex Hall | Defensive end | St. Augustine's |
Coaching Staff
| Cleveland Browns 2008 coaching staff | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
|
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
| |||||
Final roster
Preseason
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 7 | New York Jets | L 20–24 | 0–1 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | Recap |
| 2 | August 18 | at New York Giants | L 34–37 | 0–2 | Giants Stadium | Recap |
| 3 | August 23 | at Detroit Lions | L 6–26 | 0–3 | Ford Field | Recap |
| 4 | August 28 | Chicago Bears | L 10–16 | 0–4 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | Recap |
Regular season
Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 7 | Dallas Cowboys | L 10–28 | 0–1 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | Recap |
| 2 | September 14 | Pittsburgh Steelers | L 6–10 | 0–2 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | Recap |
| 3 | September 21 | at Baltimore Ravens | L 10–28 | 0–3 | M&T Bank Stadium | Recap |
| 4 | September 28 | at Cincinnati Bengals | W 20–12 | 1–3 | Paul Brown Stadium
|
Recap |
| 5 | Bye | |||||
| 6 | October 13 | New York Giants | W 35–14 | 2–3 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | Recap |
| 7 | October 19 | at Washington Redskins | L 11–14 | 2–4 | FedEx Field
|
Recap |
| 8 | October 26 | at Jacksonville Jaguars | W 23–17 | 3–4 | Alltel Stadium
|
Recap |
| 9 | November 2 | Baltimore Ravens | L 27–37 | 3–5 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | Recap |
| 10 | November 6 | Denver Broncos | L 30–34 | 3–6 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | Recap |
| 11 | November 17 | at Buffalo Bills | W 29–27 | 4–6 | Ralph Wilson Stadium
|
Recap |
| 12 | November 23 | Houston Texans | L 6–16 | 4–7 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | Recap |
| 13 | November 30 | Indianapolis Colts | L 6–10 | 4–8 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | Recap |
| 14 | December 7 | at Tennessee Titans | L 9–28 | 4–9 | LP Field | Recap |
| 15 | December 15 | at Philadelphia Eagles | L 10–30 | 4–10 | Lincoln Financial Field | Recap |
| 16 | December 21 | Cincinnati Bengals | L 0–14 | 4–11 | Cleveland Browns Stadium | Recap |
| 17 | December 28 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | L 0–31 | 4–12 | Heinz Field
|
Recap |
Note: Intra-divisional opponents are in bold text.
Standings
| AFC North | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK | |
| (2) Pittsburgh Steelers | 12 | 4 | 0 | .750 | 6–0 | 10–2 | 347 | 223 | W1 |
| (6) Baltimore Ravens | 11 | 5 | 0 | .688 | 4–2 | 8–4 | 385 | 244 | W2 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 4 | 11 | 1 | .281 | 1–5 | 3–9 | 204 | 364 | W3 |
| Cleveland Browns | 4 | 12 | 0 | .250 | 1–5 | 3–9 | 232 | 350 | L6 |
Regular season week-by-week results
Week 1: vs. Dallas Cowboys
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowboys | 7 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 28 |
| Browns | 0 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 10 |
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
- Game time: 4:15 PM EDT
- Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C) (Sunny)
- Game attendance: 73,012
- Referee: Bill Carollo
- TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman & Pam Oliver
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
The Browns began their 2008 campaign at home against the defending NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Cowboys RB Marion Barber got a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Browns responded with QB Derek Anderson completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow. Dallas would respond with QB Tony Romo completing a 35-yard TD pass to WR Terrell Owens, along with another 1-yard TD run from Barber. In the third quarter, Cleveland's defensive struggles continued as RB Felix Jones got an 11-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, the Browns tried to rally, yet all they could come up with was a 34-yard field goal from kicker Phil Dawson.
With the loss, Cleveland began its season at 0–1.
Week 2: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steelers | 0 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
| Browns | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
- Game time: 8:15 PM EDT
- Game weather: 82 °F (28 °C) (Clear with High Winds)
- Game attendance: 73,048
- Referee: Tony Corrente
- TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, John Madden & Andrea Kremer
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Hoping to rebound from their disappointing home loss to the Cowboys, the Browns stayed at home for the first of five primetime games with a Week 2 AFC North duel against their hated rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in very high winds due to the remnants of Hurricane Ike. After a scoreless first quarter, Cleveland trailed as Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger completed an 11-yard TD pass to WR Hines Ward. In the third quarter, Pittsburgh increased its lead with kicker Jeff Reed getting a 48-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Browns got on the board with kicker Phil Dawson getting a 31-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, Cleveland tried to rally, but the only thing that came out of it was Dawson's 38-yard field goal.
With their 10th-straight loss to Pittsburgh, the Browns fell to 0–2.
This would be the Browns' last appearance on Sunday Night Football until 2019.
Week 3: at Baltimore Ravens
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browns | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Ravens | 0 | 7 | 21 | 0 | 28 |
at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
- Game time: 4:15 PM EDT
- Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C) (Sunny)
- Game attendance: 71,104
- Referee: Ed Hochuli
- TV announcers (CBS): Bill Macatee & Steve Beuerlein
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Trying to snap their two-game losing streak, the Browns flew to M&T Bank Stadium for a Week 3 AFC North duel with the Baltimore Ravens. After a scoreless first quarter, Cleveland got on the board with QB Derek Anderson completing a 19-yard TD pass to RB Jerome Harrison. The Ravens would respond with RB Willis McGahee getting a yard TD run. The Browns would close out the half with kicker Phil Dawson hitting a 38-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Baltimore took control as RB Le'Ron McClain scored on a 1-yard TD run, safety Ed Reed returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown, and McClain getting another 1-yard TD run.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 0–3.
Week 4: at Cincinnati Bengals
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browns | 3 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 20 |
| Bengals | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 12 |
at
- Game time: 1:00 PM EDT
- Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C) (Mostly Sunny)
- Game attendance: 65,541
- Referee: Jerome Boger
- TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan & Rich Gannon
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Still searching for their first win of the year, the Browns flew to
With their first win of the season, the Browns' record improved to 1–3.
Week 5: Bye Week
The Browns entered their bye week with a record of 1–3. The team used the bye week to rest and allow injured players to recover. The Browns also used the extra week to better prepare for their Week 6 opponent: the defending champion New York Giants.
Winslow's Staph Infection
Browns'
Week 6: vs. New York Giants
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giants | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Browns | 3 | 14 | 3 | 15 | 35 |
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
- Game time: 8:30 PM EDT
- Game weather: 68 °F (20 °C) (Clear Skies)
- Game attendance: 73,102
- Referee: John Parry
- TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Tony Kornheiser, Michele Tafoya, & Suzy Kolber
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Coming off their bye week, the Browns went home, donned their throwback uniforms, and played a crucial Week 6 interconference duel with the defending Super Bowl champions, the New York Giants, on Monday Night Football. Also Tom Coughlin’s first game in Cleveland since the 2001 Bottlegate incident when he was with the Jaguars.
In the first quarter, Cleveland drew first blood as kicker Phil Dawson got a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Giants responded as RB Brandon Jacobs had a touchdown run. The Browns would answer with two touchdowns: A run by RB Jamal Lewis and with QB Derek Anderson pass to TE Darnell Dinkins. New York closed out the half with QB Eli Manning completing a TD pass to WR Plaxico Burress.
In the third quarter, Cleveland added onto its lead as Dawson nailed a 26-yard field goal. The Browns pulled away in the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass from Anderson to WR
With the impressive win, Cleveland improved to 2–3. This was also the Browns' first win on Monday Night Football since 1993.
Crennel Named Coach of the Week
After the Browns' victory over the Giants, head coach Romeo Crennel received NFL Coach of the Week honors for Week 6.[25]
Week 7: at Washington Redskins
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browns | 0 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 11 |
| Redskins | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
at
- Game time: 4:15 PM EDT
- Game weather: 59 °F (15 °C) (Sunny)
- Game attendance: 90,487
- Referee: Terry McAulay
- TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle & Solomon Wilcots
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Coming off their impressive Monday Night home win over the Giants, the Browns flew to
With the loss, the Browns fell to 2–4.
Winslow Suspended
On October 21, the Browns suspended TE Kellen Winslow II for one game because of comments made after the Browns' loss to the
Winslow planned to appeal the suspension, but the hearing was not scheduled until October 28, two days after the Jaguars game.
On October 25, the Browns rescinded Winslow's suspension. Although he did not play the game against the Jaguars, he received his game check minus a $25,000 fine.[27]
Week 8: at Jacksonville Jaguars
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browns | 7 | 10 | 0 | 6 | 23 |
| Jaguars | 0 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 17 |
at
- Game time: 4:05 PM EDT
- Game weather: 72 °F (22 °C) (Sunny)
- Game attendance: 64,775
- Referee: Alberto Riveron
- TV announcers (CBS): Dick Enberg & Randy Cross
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Hoping to rebound from their last-second road loss to the Redskins, the Browns flew to
In the third quarter, Jacksonville drew closer as Garrard completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Matt Jones. In the fourth quarter, the Jaguars tied the game as kicker Josh Scobee made a 53-yard field goal. Afterwards, Cleveland regained the lead with Dawson nailing a 20-yard and a 42-yard field goal, with the defense fending off Jacksonville's last attempt at a comeback.
With the win, the Browns improved to 3–4.
Week 9: vs. Baltimore Ravens
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravens | 10 | 3 | 7 | 17 | 37 |
| Browns | 7 | 6 | 14 | 0 | 27 |
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
- Game time: 1:00 PM EST
- Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C) (Sunny)
- Game attendance: 73,078
- Referee: Scott Green
- TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan & Rich Gannon
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Coming off their road win over the Jaguars, the Browns went home for a Week 9 AFC North rematch with the
In the third quarter, Cleveland took the lead as QB Derek Anderson completed a 28-yard TD pass to WR Braylon Edwards and a 7-yard TD pass to RB Jason Wright. The Ravens responded with FB Le'Ron McClain's 1-yard TD run. In the fourth quarter, Baltimore rallied as Flacco completed a 28-yard TD pass to WR Derrick Mason, Stover kicking a 22-yard field goal, and LB Terrell Suggs returning an interception 42 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 3–5.
Quinn Named Starter
On November 3, it was announced that quarterback Derek Anderson would be benched in favor of QB Brady Quinn for the Browns' next game against the Denver Broncos.[28]
Week 10: vs. Denver Broncos
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broncos | 7 | 3 | 3 | 21 | 34 |
| Browns | 7 | 13 | 3 | 7 | 30 |
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
- Game time: 8:15 PM EST
- Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C) (Clear)
- Game attendance: 73,141
- Referee: Bill Leavy
- TV announcers (NFL Network): Bob Papa & Cris Collinsworth
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Hoping to rebound from their season-sweeping loss to the Ravens, the Browns stayed at home for a Week 10 Thursday night game against the Denver Broncos. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Broncos RB Ryan Torain got a 1-yard TD run. The Browns would respond as QB Brady Quinn, making his first career start, completed a 5-yard TD pass to TE Kellen Winslow. In the second quarter, Cleveland took the lead as kicker Phil Dawson made a 24-yard field goal, along with Quinn hooking up with Winslow again on a 16-yard TD pass. Denver would answer with kicker Matt Prater making a 35-yard field goal. The Browns would close out the half with Dawson making a 52-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, Cleveland added onto its lead as Dawson got a 33-yard field goal. The Broncos would reply with Prater making a 30-yard field. In the fourth quarter, Denver regained the lead as QB Jay Cutler completing a 93-yard TD pass to WR Eddie Royal and a 27-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham. The Browns would respond with RB Jamal Lewis getting a 1-yard TD run. However, the Broncos replied with Cutler completing an 11-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall. Cleveland tried to come back, but Denver's defense stiffened.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 3–6, making it impossible to improve on their 10–6 record from the 2007 season.
This also marked Cleveland's eighth-straight loss to Denver.
Week 11: at Buffalo Bills
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browns | 6 | 7 | 3 | 13 | 29 |
| Bills | 0 | 10 | 3 | 14 | 27 |
at
- Game time: 8:30 PM EST
- Game weather: 30 °F (−1 °C) (Partly Cloudy)
- Game attendance: 71,645
- Referee: Jerome Boger
- TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Tony Kornheiser, Michele Tafoya, & Suzy Kolber
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Trying to snap a two-game losing streak, the Browns flew to
In the third quarter, Cleveland answered with Dawson getting a 43-yard field goal. The Bills would reply with Lindell making a 31-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Browns greatly answered with RB Jerome Harrison getting a 72-yard TD run. Buffalo would immediately respond with CB Leodis McKelvin returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and would take the lead on a 1-yard TD run by Edwards. Afterwards, the Browns regained the lead as Dawson nailed a 56-yard field goal. Buffalo did try to make a comeback, yet Lindell's 47-yard field goal sailed wide right, preserving Cleveland's victory and preventing them from becoming the first NFL team to lose three straight games after having a lead of 13 or more points in each of them.
With the win, the Browns improved to 4–6.
Phil Savage E-Mail controversy
Browns General Manager Phil Savage received a lot of criticism when he received an e-mail from a Browns fans during the Bills game, which read the following:
You are easily the worst GM in the NFL. Chud, Crennel and Tucker should NOT have jobs. How the hell do you play prevent defense the entire game? How do you NOT use Jerome Harrison more? Why the hell would you throw the ball with 6 minutes left? This is officially a regime that is worse than Butch Davis's. By the way, just like last week – this email was written while the Browns still had the lead.[29]
After the game, Savage promptly responded to the fan with the following:
Week 12: vs. Houston Texans
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texans | 7 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 16 |
| Browns | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
- Game time: 1:00 PM EST
- Game weather: 37 °F (3 °C) (Sunny)
- Game attendance: 72,077
- Referee: Ed Hochuli
- TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan & Rich Gannon
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Coming off their MNF road win over the Bills, the Browns went home for a Week 12 duel with the Houston Texans. In the first quarter, Cleveland trailed early as Texans QB Sage Rosenfels completed a 17-yard TD pass to WR Kevin Walter. In the second quarter, Houston increased its lead as kicker Kris Brown got a 31-yard field goal. The Browns would respond with kicker Phil Dawson getting a pair of 32-yard field goals, but the Texans answered with Brown's 31-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Houston kept its momentum going with Brown nailing a 31-yard field goal. Cleveland tried to rally, but Houston's defense was too much.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 4–7.
Quinn out for season
On November 25, it was announced that quarterback Brady Quinn would be out for the season due to a fractured right index finger suffered in the Browns' week 11 duel with the Buffalo Bills. Derek Anderson was announced to be the starter for their next game against the Indianapolis Colts.[31]
Week 13: vs. Indianapolis Colts
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colts | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Browns | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
- Game time: 1:00 PM EST
- Game weather: 42 °F (6 °C) (Rain)
- Game attendance: 72,411
- Referee: Terry McAulay
- TV announcers (CBS): Dick Enberg and Randy Cross
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Texans, the Browns stayed at home for a Week 13 duel with the Indianapolis Colts. In the first quarter, Cleveland struck first as kicker Phil Dawson kicked a 34-yard field goal. The Colts answered with kicker Adam Vinatieri kicking a 30-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Browns regained the lead as Dawson nailed a 25-yard field goal. However, after a scoreless third quarter, Indianapolis' defense answered in the fourth quarter, as DE Robert Mathis returned a fumble 37 yards for a touchdown. From there on out, Cleveland was unable to come back.
With the loss, the Browns stumbled to 4–8.
Anderson out for season
On December 1, it was announced that QB Derek Anderson would be done for the season following a torn MCL suffered in the loss to the Colts. Third-string QB Ken Dorsey was announced to be starting for the Browns' next game against the Tennessee Titans.[32][33]
Bruce Gradkowski signed
On December 2, the Browns signed free-agent veteran QB Bruce Gradkowski to a two-year contract. Gradkowski will serve as the backup QB under Dorsey for the Browns' next game against the Tennessee Titans.[34]
Week 14: at Tennessee Titans
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browns | 6 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
| Titans | 0 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 28 |
at
- Game time: 1:00 PM EST
- Game weather: 32 °F (0 °C) (Sunny)
- Game attendance: 69,143
- Referee: Ron Winter
- TV announcers (CBS): Don Criqui & Dan Fouts
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Trying to rebound from back-to-back home losses, the Browns flew to
With the loss, Cleveland fell to 4–9.
Week 15: at Philadelphia Eagles
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browns | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 10 |
| Eagles | 10 | 7 | 3 | 10 | 30 |
at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Game time: 8:30 PM EST
- Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C) (Cloudy)
- Game attendance: 69,144
- Referee: Bill Carollo
- TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Tony Kornheiser, Michele Tafoya, & Suzy Kolber
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Coming off three straight losses without a touchdown, the Cleveland Browns sought to go 3–0 on Monday Night games, this time on the road against the
With the loss, the Browns fell to 4–10, the third time in four years under Romeo Crennel that the Browns have had double-digit losses.
Week 16: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bengals | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Browns | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
- Game time: 1:00 PM EST
- Game weather: 12 °F (−11 °C) (Sunny Wind Chill: −20 °F (−29 °C))
- Game attendance: 72,361
- Referee: Mike Carey
- TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan & Rich Gannon
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Coming off four straight losses in which their offense failed to score a touchdown, the Cleveland Browns played their final home game of the season in near-zero wind chills against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals scored first, with CB Leon Hall intercepting a Ken Dorsey pass and returning it 50 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. WR Chris Henry completed the scoring by adding on a 20-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. The shutout marked five straight games in which Cleveland's offense couldn't find the end zone. The only bright spot for the Browns was RB Jamal Lewis, who became the 24th NFL player to reach 10,000 career rushing yards.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 4–11, and ended the season 1–7 at home.
Week 17: at Pittsburgh Steelers
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browns | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steelers | 0 | 14 | 3 | 14 | 31 |
at
- Game time: 1:00 PM EST
- Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C) (Cloudy)
- Game attendance: 63,553
- Referee: Jeff Triplette
- TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson & Steve Tasker
| Game information | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Coming off five straight losses without a touchdown on offense, the Cleveland Browns closed out the regular season at
With the loss, the Browns ended their season at 4–12, with a record of 3–5 away from home. This also marked the Browns' eleventh straight loss to the Steelers. Also, it set off an 11 season losing streak lasting for more than a decade (as of 2018).
Savage and Crennel fired
After the game, it was announced that GM Phil Savage was fired. One day later, head coach Romeo Crennel would also be released after the Browns ended their season at 4–12, at the bottom of the AFC North.[1]
2009 Pro Bowl
Despite the disappointing performance by the team, LT Joe Thomas, DT Shaun Rogers, and LS Ryan Pontbriand were recognized for individual accomplishments as they were named to the AFC roster for the 2009 Pro Bowl. Thomas and Rogers were selected by the pro-bowl voters.,[35] and Pontbriand was selected as a "need" player by the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff, who will be coaching the AFC squad.[36]
KR Josh Cribbs was named a first alternate, K Phil Dawson a second alternate, and LG Eric Steinbach and LB D'Qwell Jackson were named third alternates at their respective positions.[35]
References
- ^ a b Browns to fire Crennel after Savage ousted
- ^ a b Jackson, Zac (January 7, 2008). "Chudzinski signs 2-year extension". clevelandbrowns.com. Archived from the original on January 10, 2008. Retrieved January 7, 2008.
- ^ Press Release (January 11, 2008). "Grantham not retained for '08". clevelandbrowns.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2008. Retrieved January 12, 2008.
- ^ Associated Press (January 11, 2008). "Poor defensive showing costs Browns coordinator his job". NFL. Archived from the original on January 19, 2010. Retrieved January 12, 2008.
- ^ Jackson, Zac (January 12, 2008). "Tucker named defensive coordinator". clevelandbrowns.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2008. Retrieved January 12, 2008.
- ^ Press release (January 12, 2008). "Undlin named defensive backs coach". clevelandbrowns.com. Retrieved January 12, 2008. [dead link]
- ^ Crennel signs 2-year extension Archived January 31, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Walcoff, Jeff (January 9, 2008). "'We'll do right by him'". clevelandbrowns.com. Archived from the original on January 16, 2008. Retrieved January 10, 2008.
- ^ Browns, Anderson, agree on multiyear contract
- ^ Notes: Thompson, Holly, others Archived March 3, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Lewis, Browns agree on new three-year deal
- ^ Instead of Bengals, Browns land DT Shaun Rogers from Lions
- ^ Browns agree to deal with WR Stallworth Archived March 4, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Browns agree to deal with QB Anderson, close to trade for DT Williams
- ^ Baxter's contract terminated Archived August 20, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Browns, Bentley part ways Archived June 14, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Browns terminate contract of veteran DE Roye
- ^ Wright's contract terminated Archived May 20, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- 2007 Draft, the second-round selection was traded to the Green Bay Packers for defensive tackle Corey Williams, and the third-round selection was traded to the Detroit Lions for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers
- 2009 NFL Draftthird-round selection.
- ^ The Browns received a sixth-round selection from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for quarterback Charlie Frye
- ^ The Browns traded this sixth-round selection to the Philadelphia Eagles as a condition for receiving center Hank Fraley. The Eagles returned the pick to the Browns in exchange for the Browns' 5th-round pick in 2009.
- ^ Browns keep Winslow's Staph from Team Archived October 31, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Winslow Remains Hospitalized for Undisclosed Illness Archived July 21, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Crennel Earns Coach of the Week Honors Archived October 21, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Browns suspend Winslow one game over critical comments". ESPN NFL. October 22, 2008. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
- ^ Turner, Jamie (October 25, 2008). "Text messages back Winslow, prompt Browns to end suspension". Cleveland.com. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
- ^ Quinn to start Thursday Archived December 6, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Browns' GM Phil Savage Responds To Email Hecklers Swiftly, But Not Very Politely (UPDATE)
- ^ ProFootballTalk
- ^ Quinn done for the season [dead link]
- ^ Anderson out for season [dead link]
- ^ Dorsey prepared for task ahead Archived December 5, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Browns sign Gradkowski to two-year contract
- ^ a b Jackson, Zac (December 16, 2008). "Thomas, Rogers Headed to Hawaii". Archived from the original on December 20, 2008. Retrieved December 16, 2008.
- ^ Jackson, Zac (January 28, 2009). "Pontbriand added to Pro Bowl roster". Archived from the original on February 3, 2009. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
External links
- 2008 Cleveland Browns at Pro Football Reference (Profootballreference.com)
- 2008 Cleveland Browns Statistics at jt-sw.com
- 2008 Cleveland Browns Schedule at jt-sw.com
- 2008 Cleveland Browns at DatabaseFootball.com