2011 Cleveland Browns season

63rd season in franchise history; final full one under Lerner ownership November 2022 March 2026 2011 Cleveland Browns Randy Lerner Pat Shurmur Dick Jauron Tom Heckert Cleveland Browns Stadium 4–12 4th AFC North Did not qualify T Joe Thomas Browns seasons The 2011 season was the Cleveland Browns' 59th in the National Football League (NFL) and their 63rd overall. They were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 14 and ultimately finished with a 4–12 record, one win less than in 2010 season, when they finished 5–11 and placed third in the AFC North. This season marked the second season under the leadership of team president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert, as well as the first season under head coach Pat Shurmur. The Browns played all of their home games at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. 4 Off-season Personnel changes On January 3, 2011, one day after the 2010 season, the Browns fired head coach Eric Mangini. In two seasons with the Browns, Mangini had a record of 10–22 and a disappointing 2–10 record against division opponents.Leahy, Sean January 3, 2011 Cleveland Browns fire coach Eric Mangini USA Today http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2011/01/cleveland-browns-fire-coach-eric-mangini/1 January 3, 2011 On January 13, the team hired former St. Louis Rams' offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur to replace Mangini as head coach. Shurmur served as the Rams' offensive coordinator from 2009–2010, and was an offensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999–2008. This is his first opportunity as an NFL head coach.Withers, Tom January 13, 2011 Browns' hire Pat Shurmur Associated Press https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AhULJrQAfS6WWPY5zNEmLXI5nYcB?slug=ap-browns-shurmur January 13, 2011 On January 21, Shurmur made his first addition to the coaching staff, by hiring Dick Jauron as defensive coordinator. Jauron, who most recently served as the Philadelphia Eagles' secondary coach, has served as defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 1995–98, head coach of the Chicago Bears from 1999–2003, and head coach of the Buffalo Bills from 2006–09.Withers, Tom January 21, 2011 Browns name Dick Jauron defensive coordinator Associated Press https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Agt3awzvawlqYB4ZnA0F_w9DubYF?slug=ap-browns-jauron January 21, 2010 Jauron replaces Rob Ryan, who became the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. On January 25, the Browns hired Chris Tabor as special teams coordinator. Tabor most recently served as the Chicago Bears' assistant special teams coach from 2008–2010.January 25, 2011 Tabor named special teams coordinator ClevelandBrowns.com http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Tabor-named-special-teams-coordinator/84729d63-c630-4f61-8ee8-9e27f07311d0 January 25, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110126234227/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Tabor-named-special-teams-coordinator/84729d63-c630-4f61-8ee8-9e27f07311d0 January 26, 2011 dead mdy-all Tabor replaces Brad Seely, who became the special teams coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers. On January 31, the Browns added four new coaches to their staff. The Browns hired former Oakland Raiders defensive line coach Dwaine Board as defensive line coach, former Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Billy Davis as linebackers coach, former University of Miami offensive coordinator Mark Whipple as quarterbacks coach, and former NFL wide receiver Mike Wilson as wide receivers coach.Florjancic, Matt January 31, 2011 Browns add to coaching staff ClevelandBrowns.com http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Browns-add-to-coaching-staff/16fe3e02-761a-4975-a287-7ce9f9e36920 February 1, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110204130222/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Browns-add-to-coaching-staff/16fe3e02-761a-4975-a287-7ce9f9e36920 February 4, 2011 dead mdy-all The rest of the Browns' position coaches were retained from Mangini's staff. The Browns have not hired an offensive coordinator, as Shurmur intends to call the offensive plays for the team. Shurmur press conf. transcript-1/14 http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Shurmur-press-conf-transcript---114/a9c072c0-6b2d-4984-9e12-46ced271b4ab 2011-01-14 2011-09-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20110213185047/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Shurmur-press-conf-transcript---114/a9c072c0-6b2d-4984-9e12-46ced271b4ab 2011-02-13 dead Scheme Changes This season marks the Browns' transition into the West Coast Offense of Coach Pat Shurmur and the 4–3 defense of defensive coordinator Dick Jauron. Roster changes Free Agency Pos. Player Tag UFA=Unrestricted Free Agent; RFA=Restristed Free Agent; ERFA=Exclusive Rights Free Agent 2011 Team Signed DE Titus Adams UFA RB Mike Bell UFA Lions August 9http://www.kffl.com/player/13764/nfl/news Lions sign RB Bell 2011-08-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20120405194043/http://www.kffl.com/player/13764/nfl/news 2012-04-05 dead OLB Marcus Benard ERFA Browns July 29July 30, 2011 Browns sign kicker Dawson, draft picks Associated Press http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/07/30/1585720/browns-sign-kicker-dawson-draft.html August 2, 2011 April 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes ILB Titus Brown ERFA Browns August 3 ILB Blake Costanzo UFA 49ers August 3http://www.kffl.com/player/14812/nfl/news 49ers sign ILB Costanzo 2011-08-04 https://web.archive.org/web/20120405194057/http://www.kffl.com/player/14812/nfl/news 2012-04-05 dead K Phil Dawson UFA Browns February 22, 2011 Browns Franchise Dawson ClevelandBrowns.com http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Browns-franchise-Dawson/79f9df07-1567-4dba-a197-a2a13b442dc5 February 22, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110225095940/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Browns-franchise-Dawson/79f9df07-1567-4dba-a197-a2a13b442dc5 February 25, 2011 dead mdy-all July 29QBJake DelhommeUFATexansNovember 29 SS Abram Elam UFA Cowboys August 3http://www.kffl.com/player/12531/nfl/news Cowboys sign SS Elam 2011-08-04 https://web.archive.org/web/20120405194116/http://www.kffl.com/player/12531/nfl/news 2012-04-05 dead TE Greg Estandia UFA ILB D'Qwell Jackson UFA Browns March 3Withers, Tom March 3, 2011 Key Players Re-Sign with Browns Hours Before Becoming Free Agents Associated Press http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-browns-wallace-jackson-contracts-txt,0,6787557.story March 3, 2011 July 11, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110711021618/http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-browns-wallace-jackson-contracts-txt,0,6787557.story dead DE Jayme Mitchell UFA Browns August 1August 1, 2011 Browns announce roster moves ClevelandBrowns.com http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Browns-announce-roster-moves/d6300c48-c19e-4383-8fcf-0b2412e0e68b August 2, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120531230229/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Browns-announce-roster-moves/d6300c48-c19e-4383-8fcf-0b2412e0e68b May 31, 2012 dead mdy-all TE Evan Moore ERFA Browns July 29 FS Sabby Piscitelli UFA Chiefs August 4August 4, 2011 CHIEFS SIGN CB BRANDON CARR AND S SABBY PISCITELLI KCChiefs.com http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/CHIEFS-SIGN-CB-BRANDON-CARR-AND-S-SABBY-PISCITELLI/5abf4da7-f6aa-4452-8a3d-a063ae920539 August 19, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120829053818/http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/CHIEFS-SIGN-CB-BRANDON-CARR-AND-S-SABBY-PISCITELLI/5abf4da7-f6aa-4452-8a3d-a063ae920539 2012-08-29 dead DE Derreck Robinson UFA Browns July 31August 1, 2011 Browns re-sign Derreck Robinson ClevelandBrowns.com http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Browns-re-sign-Derreck-Robinson/3f288c03-a7a7-4087-a871-ef78c4bbe160 August 2, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120531230312/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Browns-re-sign-Derreck-Robinson/3f288c03-a7a7-4087-a871-ef78c4bbe160 May 31, 2012 dead mdy-all OLB Matt Roth UFA Jaguars August 12http://www.kffl.com/player/11396/nfl/news Jaguars sign OLB Roth 2011-08-12 https://web.archive.org/web/20120405194135/http://www.kffl.com/player/11396/nfl/news 2012-04-05 dead DE Brian Schaefering ERFA Browns July 29 TE Alex Smith UFA Browns August 1 http://www.kffl.com/player/11313/nfl/news Browns re-sign TE Smith 2011-08-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20110720205920/http://www.kffl.com/player/11313/nfl/news 2011-07-20 dead DE Robaire Smith UFA FS Nick Sorensen UFA WR Chansi Stuckey UFA Cardinals July 29July 30, 2011 Cardinals sign 5 free agents, 5 draft choices as camp opens The Washington Post Associated Press https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/cardinals-sign-5-free-agents-5-draft-choices-as-camp-opens/2011/07/29/gIQAlVeNiI_story.html August 2, 2011June 2021 medicmedic ILB Jason Trusnik UFA Dolphins July 29http://www.kffl.com/player/16634/nfl/news Dolphins sign ILB Trusnik 2011-08-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20120405194208/http://www.kffl.com/player/16634/nfl/news 2012-04-05 dead FB Lawrence Vickers UFA Texans August 3http://www.kffl.com/player/13766/nfl/news Texans sign FB Vickers 2011-08-04 https://web.archive.org/web/20120405194236/http://www.kffl.com/player/13766/nfl/news 2012-04-05 dead QB Seneca Wallace UFA Browns March 3 G Floyd Womack UFA Cardinals July 31Lutui, Deuce July 31, 2011 Cardinals Sign Free Agent OG Floyd Womack http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/cardinals_sign_free_agent_og_floyd_womack/5837305 August 19, 2011 CB Eric Wright UFA Lions July 31http://www.kffl.com/player/16056/nfl/news Lions sign CB Writht 2011-08-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20111106074900/http://www.kffl.com/player/16056/nfl/news 2011-11-06 dead G Billy Yates UFA Browns July 29 Player re-signed by Browns F The Browns placed the franchise tag on Dawson Pos. Player Released 2011 Team Signed LB Eric Alexander July 28Grossi, Tony July 28, 2011 Cleveland Browns make it official, confirm release of QB Jake Delhomme and two others The Plain Dealer http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/07/cleveland_browns_make_it_offic.html August 4, 2011 LB Eric Barton February 9February 9, 2011 Browns make roster moves ClevelandBrowns.com http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Browns-make-roster-moves/40eef4c2-f395-499e-8fc0-13e833df75eb February 10, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110213163927/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Browns-make-roster-moves/40eef4c2-f395-499e-8fc0-13e833df75eb 13 February 2011 dead dmy-all LB David Bowens February 9 DE Kenyon Coleman February 9 Cowboys July 29http://www.kffl.com/player/5802/NFL/kenyon-coleman Cowboys Sign DE Coleman 2011-08-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20111106103631/http://www.kffl.com/player/5802/NFL/kenyon-coleman 2011-11-06 dead QB Jake Delhomme July 28 TE Tyson DeVree July 28 Colts July 31http://www.kffl.com/player/19407/nfl/news Colts Claim DeVree off Waivers 2011-08-02 https://web.archive.org/web/20120405194304/http://www.kffl.com/player/19407/nfl/news 2012-04-05 dead DT Shaun Rogers February 9 Saints March 1March 1, 2011 Saints sign veteran DT Rogers The Sports Network http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/02/2092880/saints-sign-veteran-dt-rogers.html March 2, 2011 TE Robert Royal February 9 T John St. Clair February 9 Signings Pos. Player 2010 Team Signed RB Brandon Jackson Packers July 29 P Richmond McGee Bears August 3DiMatteo Steve August 3, 2011 Browns Sign Punter Richmond McGee and Two Undrafted Rookies Dawg Pound Daily http://dawgpounddaily.com/2011/08/03/browns-sign-punter-richmond-mcgee-and-two-undrafted-rookies/ August 4, 2011 CB Dmitri Patterson Eagles August 2August 2, 2011 Report: Browns agree with CB Patterson Pro Football Weekly http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/08/02/report-browns-agree-with-cb-patterson August 2, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120406023744/http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/08/02/report-browns-agree-with-cb-patterson April 6, 2012 dead mdy-all FS Usama Young Saints July 29 Trades Date Trade Partner(s) Player(s) Traded Player(s) Acquired Notes July 29 St. Louis Rams 2012 conditional 7th round Draft Pick G John Greco Cabot, Mary Kay July 31, 2011 Cleveland Browns trade for Rams guard John Greco The Plain Dealer http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/07/cleveland_browns_trade_for_ram.html August 2, 2011 2011 Draft class 2011 NFL draft Round Pick Player Position College Signed Notes 1 21 Phil Taylor Defensive tackle Baylor August 2Jonas, Nick August 2, 2011 Browns ink first-round pick Taylor Sports Network http://www.sacbee.com/2011/08/02/3812522/browns-ink-first-round-pick-taylor.html August 2, 2011 October 2025 medicmedicFrom Kansas CityOn Day 1 of the draft, after trading with Atlanta (see below) the Browns traded their 1st and 3rd round picks (Nos. 27 and 70, used to select Jon Baldwin and Justin Houston, respectively) to the Kansas City Chiefs for their first round selection (No. 21, used to select Phil Taylor) 2 37 Jabaal Sheard Defensive end Pittsburgh July 29 59 Greg Little Wide receiver North Carolina July 29From AtlantaOn Day 1 of the draft, the Browns traded their 1st round pick (No. 6, used to select Julio Jones) to the Atlanta Falcons for their 1st (No. 27, traded to Kansas City), 2nd (No. 59, used to select Greg Little), and 4th (No. 124, used to select Owen Marecic) round picks, as well as the Falcons' first and fourth round picks in 2012. 4 102 Jordan Cameron Tight end USC July 29 124 Owen Marecic Fullback Stanford July 29From Atlanta 5 137 Buster Skrine Cornerback Chattanooga July 29 150 Jason Pinkston Offensive tackle Pittsburgh July 29From NY Giants via MinnesotaOn day 3 of the draft, the Browns traded their two 6th round picks (Nos. 168 and 170, used to select DeMarcus Love and Mistral Raymond, respectively) to the Minnesota Vikings for their fifth round pick (No. 150, used to select Jason Pinkston). 7 248 Eric Hagg Safety Nebraska July 29Compensatory selection The Browns did not have a 3rd or 6th round selection. The Browns traded their original 7th round selectionIn March 2010, the Browns traded their seventh round selection (No. 209, later traded to Detroit) to the Seattle Seahawks for QB Seneca Wallace but later received a new 7th round selection as a compensatory pick. Undrafted free agents Pos. Player College Signed Cut OLB Derrick Addai Kentucky State July 29July 30, 2011 Browns Start Camp with Steinbach & Massaquoi Injured, 21 Undrafted Free Agents Cleveland Browns Forum http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/2011/07/browns-start-camp-with-steinbach-massaquoi-injured-21-undrafted-free-agents/ Thomas Cypert August 2, 2011 August 3 G Dominic Alford Minnesota July 26July 26, 2011 Browns sign undrafted free agents The News Herald http://news-herald.com/articles/2011/07/26/sports/doc4e2ed8b108bb8122703638.txt July 26, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120328044356/http://news-herald.com/articles/2011/07/26/sports/doc4e2ed8b108bb8122703638.txt March 28, 2012 dead September 3Ulrich, Nate September 3, 2011 Browns' 53-man roster by position and list of cuts Ohio.com http://browns.ohio.com/2011/09/browns-53-man-roster-by-position-and-list-of-cuts/ September 12, 2011 August 2026 InternetArchiveBot DT Kyle Anderson Georgetown College July 26 August 28August 28, 2011 Cleveland Browns waive 8 players Sunday WOIO http://www.woio.com/story/15347263/cleveland-browns-release-8-players August 28, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110929005332/http://www.woio.com/story/15347263/cleveland-browns-release-8-players September 29, 2011 dead DT Andre Carroll Delaware State July 29 September 3Petrak, Scott September 3, 2011 Browns Cut 17 Players, Have 10 More to go Tonight Chronicle Telegram Online http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2011/09/03/browns-cut-17-players-have-10-more-to-go-tonight/ September 3, 2011 WR L.J. Castile Delta State July 29 September 3 CB James Dockery Oregon State July 26 OLB Archie Donald Toledo August 3 September 3 DE Jabari Fletcher Appalachian State July 26 August 28 T Calton Ford Norfolk State July 29 September 3 TE Evan Frosch TCU July 29 September 3 CB Carl Gettis Missouri July 26Rados, Paul July 26, 2011 Browns add a handful of undrafted free agents Yahoo! Sports https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ycn-8867897 July 26, 2011 September 3 OLB Eric Gordon Michigan State August 3 September 3 CB Darian Hagan Cal July 29 August 28 LB Benjamin Jacobs Fresno State July 29 WR Chris Matthews Kentucky July 26 September 3 WR Juan Nunez Western Michigan July 26 August 28 T Jarrod Shaw Tennessee July 29 September 3 RB Armond Smith Union College July 29 OLB Brian Smith Notre Dame July 26 September 3 OLB Sidney Tarver Tennessee State July 26 September 3 QB Troy Weatherhead Hillsdale College* July 26 August 28 K Jeff Wolfert Missouri July 29 August 28 MLB Alex Wujciak Maryland July 26 August 3 * Weatherhead also played for the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League. Uniform changes On June 16, it was announced that the Browns would be wearing white jerseys for all home games. The Browns had previously worn white at home during the 1950s–1980s and again in the early 2000s.http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Ask-Matt/7d2d23e9-ca93-4b86-8174-dabec878ba30 Ask Matt ClevelandBrowns.com Matt Florjancic June 16, 2011 August 3, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110619083357/http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-1/Ask-Matt/7d2d23e9-ca93-4b86-8174-dabec878ba30 June 19, 2011 dead mdy-all Because the home team for all Browns' away games chose to wear their colored jersey, the Browns wore the same uniform for all 16 games for the first time in franchise history (although the Browns wore their brown jerseys for three preseason games). Staff Cleveland Browns 2011 staff Front office Owner – Randy Lerner President – Mike Holmgren Executive vice president of business operations – Bryan Wiedmeier General manager – Tom Heckert Vice president of football operations – Mark Schiefelbein Vice president of football administration – Matt Thomas Director of player personnel – Jon Sandusky Director of college scouting – John Spytek Head coaches Head coach – Pat Shurmur Assistant to the head coach – Luke Steckel Offensive coaches Quarterbacks – Mark Whipple Running backs – Gary Brown Wide receivers – Mike Wilson Tight ends – Steve Hagen Offensive line – George Warhop Senior offensive assistant – Keith Gilbertson Offensive assistant – Chris Beake Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Dick Jauron Defensive line – Dwaine Board Linebackers – Billy Davis Defensive backs – Jerome Henderson Senior defensive assistant – Ray Rhodes Defensive assistant – Chuck Bullough Special teams coaches Special teams coordinator – Chris Tabor Special teams assistant – Shawn Mennenga Strength and conditioning Strength and conditioning – Kent Johnston Assistant strength and conditioning – Rick Lyle Roster 2011 Cleveland Browns 53 11 8  9 Thad Lewis 12 Colt McCoy  6 Seneca Wallace 31 Montario Hardesty 40 Peyton Hillis 48 Owen Marecic y FB 25 Chris Ogbonnaya 44 Eddie Williams American football FB 16 Josh Cribbs RS 15 Greg Little wide receiver y 11 Mohamed Massaquoi 18 Carlton Mitchell 10 Jordan Norwood 13 Rod Windsor 84 Jordan Cameron y 87 Dan Gronkowski 89 Evan Moore 72 Oniel Cousins T/G 77 John Greco G 75 Artis Hicks G/T 66 Shawn Lauvao G 55 Alex Mack C 79 Tony Pashos T 62 Jason Pinkston y G 73 Joe Thomas offensive tackle T 60 Steve Vallos C 94 Auston English DE 92 Jayme Mitchell DE 69 Scott Paxson DT 71 Ahtyba Rubin DT 70 Brian Sanford DE 91 Brian Schaefering DT 97 Jabaal Sheard y DE 98 Phil Taylor American football y DT 67 Kiante Tripp y DT 51 Chris Gocong OLB 52 D'Qwell Jackson MLB 54 Ben Jacobs American football y OLB 56 Kaluka Maiava OLB 53 Brian Smith linebacker, born 1989 y MLB 90 Quinton Spears y OLB 20 Mike Adams safety FS 24 Sheldon Brown American football CB 34 James Dockery y CB 23 Joe Haden CB 27 Eric Hagg y SS 21 Dimitri Patterson CB 22 Buster Skrine y CB 41 Ray Ventrone FS 28 Usama Young SS  4 Phil Dawson K  7 Brad Maynard P 57 Christian Yount y LS 58 Marcus Benard OLB NF-Inj. 59 Titus Brown American football MLB IR 99 Scott Fujita OLB IR  2 Reggie Hodges P IR 29 Brandon Jackson American football RB IR  8 Richmond McGee P IR 81 Alex Smith tight end TE IR 65 Eric Steinbach G IR 96 Emmanuel Stephens DE IR 43 T. J. Ward SS IR 82 Ben Watson American football TE IR 78 Dominic Alford y G 88 Torrey Grissett y WR 95 Ayanga Okpokowuruk DE 93 Craig Robertson American football y LB 74 Jarrod Shaw y G 36 David Sims safety y S 35 Armond Smith y RB 17 Owen Spencer y WR Preseason Schedule The Browns' preseason schedule was announced on April 12, 2011. Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.comrecap 1 August 13, 2011 Green Bay Packers W 27–17 1–0 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap 2 August 19, 2011 Detroit Lions L 28–30 1–1 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap 3 August 25, 2011 at Philadelphia Eagles L 14–24 1–2 Lincoln Financial Field Recap 4 September 1, 2011 at Chicago Bears L 14–24 1–3 Soldier Field Recap Roster Moves After the third preseason game, all NFL teams had to reduce their rosters to 80 players. On August 28, The Browns released eight players, the majority of them being undrafted free agents.Gesk, Michael August 29, 2011 NFL Roster Cuts: Cleveland Browns Released Eight To Get To 80 Players SBNation http://mobile.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/8/29/2390937/nfl-roster-cuts-cleveland-browns September 12, 2011 April 2, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120402151400/http://mobile.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/8/29/2390937/nfl-roster-cuts-cleveland-browns dead After the final preseason game, all teams had to reduce their rosters to 53 players. The Browns released 25 players and placed two players – RB Brandon Jackson and G Eric Steinbach – on injured reserve. Notable players released include QB Jarrett Brown and DB Coye Francies. Regular season Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.comrecap 1 September 11 Cincinnati Bengals L 17–27 0–1 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap 2 September 18 at Indianapolis Colts W 27–19 1–1 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap 3 September 25 Miami Dolphins W 17–16 2–1 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap 4 October 2 Tennessee Titans L 13–31 2–2 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap 5 Bye 6 October 16 at Oakland Raiders L 17–24 2–3 O.co Coliseum Recap 7 October 23 Seattle Seahawks W 6–3 3–3 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap 8 October 30 at San Francisco 49ers L 10–20 3–4 Candlestick Park Recap 9 November 6 at Houston Texans L 12–30 3–5 Reliant Stadium Recap 10 November 13 St. Louis Rams L 12–13 3–6 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap 11 November 20 Jacksonville Jaguars W 14–10 4–6 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap 12 November 27 at Cincinnati Bengals L 20–23 4–7 Paul Brown Stadium Recap 13 December 4 Baltimore Ravens L 10–24 4–8 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap 14 December 8 Thursday at Pittsburgh Steelers L 3–14 4–9 Heinz Field Recap 15 December 18 at Arizona Cardinals L 17–20 (OT) 4–10 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap 16 December 24 at Baltimore Ravens L 14–20 4–11 M&T Bank Stadium Recap 17 January 1 Pittsburgh Steelers L 9–13 4–12 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap Note: Intra-divisional opponents are in bold text. Game summaries Week 1: vs. Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 1: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – Game summary September 11 1:00 p.m. EDT Bengals 10 3 0 14 Browns 0 14 3 0 Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio 67,321 72 F (Partly Cloudy) Bill Leavy CBS Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots Recap First quarter CIN (8:20) – Mike Nugent 24 yd field goal Bengals 3, Browns 0 Drive: 10 plays, 35 yds, 4:40 CIN (2:22) – Jermaine Gresham 2 yd pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick) Bengals 10, Browns 0 Drive: 7 plays, 41 yds, 4:03 Second quarter CIN (11:30) – Mike Nugent 47 yd field goal Bengals 13, Browns 0 Drive: 9 plays, 42 yds, 4:24 CLE (9:17) – Benjamin Watson 34 yd pass from Colt McCoy (Phil Dawson kick) Bengals 13, Browns 7 Drive: 4 plays, 57 yds, 2:13 CLE (4:14) – Evan Moore 2 yd pass from Colt McCoy (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 14, Bengals 13 Drive: 9 plays, 90 yds, 3:21 Third quarter CLE (8:36) – Phil Dawson 20 yd field goal Browns 17, Bengals 13 Drive: 10 plays, 50 yds, 4:50 Fourth quarter CIN (4:28) – A. J. Green 41 yd pass from Bruce Gradkowski (Mike Nugent kick) Bengals 20, Browns 17 Drive: 5 plays, 62 yds, 1:51 CIN (1:49) – Cedric Benson 39 yd run (Mike Nugent kick) Bengals 27, Browns 17 Drive: 3 plays, 46 yds, 0:18 Top passers CIN – Andy Dalton – 10/15, 81 yds, 1 TD CLE – Colt McCoy – 19/40, 213 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT Top rushers CIN – Cedric Benson – 25 carr, 121 yds, 1 TD CLE – Peyton Hillis – 17 carr, 57 yds Top receivers CIN – Jermaine Gresham – 6 rec, 58 yds, 1 TD CLE – Benjamin Watson – 3 rec, 45 yds, 1 TD Top tacklers CIN – Reggie Nelson – 9 tackles, 1 sack CLE – D'Qwell Jackson – 11 tackles, 2 sacks The Browns began the season with a division game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals struck first, with two Mike Nugent field goals and a Jermaine Gresham touchdown reception. Down 13–0, the Browns struck back, with Colt McCoy completing two touchdown passes to give Cleveland the lead at halftime. Phil Dawson gave the Browns an insurance field goal, but late in the fourth, Bengals backup QB Bruce Gradkowski caught the Browns defense slow out of the huddle and hit A. J. Green for a 41-yard touchdown that proved to be the game winner. With the 27–17 loss, the Browns started the season 0–1. Week 2: at Indianapolis Colts Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 2: Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary September 18 1:00 p.m. EDT Browns 0 14 0 13 Colts 3 6 3 7 Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana 65,035 Domed stadium Gene Steratore CBS Marv Albert and Rich Gannon Recap First quarter IND (10:31) – Adam Vinatieri 39 yd field goal Colts 3, Browns 0 Drive: 10 plays, 67 yds, 4:29 Second quarter IND (14:15) – Adam Vinatieri 27 yd field goal Colts 6, Browns 0 Drive: 10 plays, 78 yds, 4:40 CLE (7:53) – Evan Moore 16 yd pass from Colt McCoy (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 7, Colts 6 Drive: 11 plays, 55 yds, 6:22 IND (3:53) – Adam Vinatieri 52 yd field goal Colts 9, Browns 7 Drive: 10 plays, 34 yds, 4:00 CLE (0:15) – Peyton Hillis 1 yd run (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 14, Colts 9 Drive: 10 plays, 80 yds, 3:28 Third quarter IND (6:52) – Adam Vinatieri 36 yd field goal Browns 14, Colts 12 Drive: 9 plays, 42 yds, 3:52 Fourth quarter CLE (10:57) – Phil Dawson 20 yd field goal Browns 17, Colts 12 Drive: 7 plays, 19 yds, 3:49 CLE (3:55) – Peyton Hillis 24 yd run (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 24, Colts 12 Drive: 3 plays, 28 yds, 0:55 CLE (2:59) – Phil Dawson 23 yd field goal Browns 27, Colts 12 Drive: 4 plays, 9 yds, 0:24 IND (0:24) – Dallas Clark 6 yd pass from Kerry Collins (Adam Vinatieri kick) Browns 27, Colts 19 Drive: 12 plays, 83 yds, 2:35 Top passers CLE – Colt McCoy 22/32, 211 yds, 1 TD IND – Kerry Collins 19/38, 191 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT Top rushers CLE – Peyton Hillis 27 carr, 94 yds, 2 TD IND – Joseph Addai 14 carr, 64 yds Top receivers CLE – Mohamed Massaquoi 3 rec, 45 yds IND – Reggie Wayne 4 rec, 66 yds Top tacklers CLE – D'Qwell Jackson 8 tackles IND – Kavell Conner 10 tackles The Browns took on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2, with both teams looking to rebound from losses. The Colts moved the ball well early, but had to settle for two Adam Vinatieri field goals to take a 6–0 lead. The Browns answered with an Evan Moore touchdown reception from Colt McCoy. The Colts briefly regained the lead on another Vinatieri field goal, but the Browns responded with a Peyton Hillis touchdown run to take a 14–9 lead into halftime. The Colts added another field goal in the third, but the Browns scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth to put the game away and defeat the Colts 27–19. With the win, the Browns improved to 1–1. Week 3: vs. Miami Dolphins Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 3: Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns – Game summary September 25 1:00 p.m. EDT Dolphins 7 3 3 3 Browns 0 7 3 7 Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio 66,651 77 F (Sunny) Walt Anderson CBS Don Criqui and Randy Cross Recap First quarter MIA (8:09) – Daniel Thomas 10 yd pass from Chad Henne (Dan Carpenter kick) Dolphins 7, Browns 0 Drive: 4 plays, 43 yds, 1:56 Second quarter CLE (7:16) – Joshua Cribbs 33 yd pass from Colt McCoy (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 7, Dolphins 7 Drive: 6 plays, 59 yds, 2:43 MIA (0:27) – Dan Carpenter 23 yd field goal Dolphins 10, Browns 7 Drive: 11 plays, 75 yds, 3:38 Third quarter CLE (10:37) – Phil Dawson 30 yd field goal Browns 10, Dolphins 10 Drive: 9 plays, 68 yds, 4:23 MIA (2:29) – Dan Carpenter 41 yd field goal Dolphins 13, Browns 10 Drive: 14 plays, 70 yds, 8:08 Fourth quarter MIA (3:23) – Dan Carpenter 38 yd field goal Dolphins 16, Browns 10 Drive: 8 plays, 39 yds, 2:57 CLE (0:43) – Mohamed Massaquoi 14 yd pass from Colt McCoy (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 17, Dolphins 16 Drive: 13 plays, 80 yds, 2:40 Top passers MIA – Chad Henne 19/29, 255 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT CLE – Colt McCoy 19/39, 210 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT Top rushers MIA – Daniel Thomas 23 carr, 95 yds CLE – Montario Hardesty 14 carr, 67 yds Top receivers MIA – Brian Hartline 4 rec, 87 yds CLE – Benjamin Watson 5 rec, 64 yds Top tacklers MIA – Will Allen 5 tackles CLE – Ahtyba Rubin 8 tackles, 1.5 sacks The Browns faced the Miami Dolphins without their leading rusher Peyton Hillis in a Week 3 matchup. The Dolphins took an early lead, converting a Colt McCoy interception into a 7–0 lead on a touchdown pass from Chad Henne. The Browns tied the game on a touchdown pass from McCoy to Joshua Cribbs. The Dolphins took the lead again on a Dan Carpenter field goal, and took a 10–7 lead into halftime. The Browns again tied the game in the third with Phil Dawson's field goal. The Dolphins added two more field goals, and had the Browns down six points in the final minutes. McCoy led the Browns down the field, and hit Mohamed Massaquoi on a 14-yard touchdown pass to give the Browns a last-minute, 17–16 victory. With the win, the Browns improved to 2–1 and it also became the first season since 2007 to where the team was actually at least a game above .500. Week 4: vs. Tennessee Titans Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 4: Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns – Game summary October 2 1:00 p.m. EDT Titans 7 14 10 0 Browns 3 3 0 7 Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio 66,240 55 F (Rain) Pete Morelli CBS Marv Albert and Rich Gannon Recap First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers TEN – CLE – Top rushers TEN – CLE – Top receivers TEN – CLE – Top tacklers TEN – CLE – With the loss, the Browns dropped to 2–2, heading into their Week 5 bye. Week 6: at Oakland Raiders Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Six: Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders – Game summary October 16 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. PDT Browns 0 7 0 10 Raiders 7 7 10 0 O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California 57,300 71 F, Sunny Carl Cheffers CBS Marv Albert and Rich Gannon First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers CLE – OAK – Top rushers CLE – OAK – Top receivers CLE – OAK – Top tacklers CLE – OAK – With the loss, the Browns fell to 2–3. Week 7: vs. Seattle Seahawks Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Seven: Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns – Game summary October 23 1:00 p.m. EDT Seahawks 0 0 3 0 Browns 0 3 0 3 Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio 66,350 62 F, (Sunny) Mike Carey Fox Ron Pitts, Jim Mora, Jr. and Drea Avent First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers SEA – CLE – Top rushers SEA – CLE – Top receivers SEA – CLE – Top tacklers SEA – CLE – With the win, the Browns improved to 3–3. Week 8: at San Francisco 49ers Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Six: Cleveland Browns at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary October 30 4:15 p.m. EDT/1:15 p.m. PDT Browns 0 3 0 7 49ers 10 7 0 3 Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California 69,732 67 F, Sunny Bill Leavy CBS Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers CLE – SF – Top rushers CLE – SF – Top receivers CLE – SF – Top tacklers CLE – SF – With the loss, the Browns fell to 3–4. Week 9: at Houston Texans Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Nine: Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans – Game summary November 6 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST Browns 3 0 3 6 Texans 14 10 3 3 Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas 71,511 Played indoors (retractable roof closed) Alberto Riveron CBS Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts First quarterHOU – Ben Tate 27-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 9:50. Texans 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 82 yards, 5:10. HOU – Matt Schaub 2-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 7:11. Texans 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 21 yards, 2:29. CLE – Phil Dawson 50-yard field goal, 3:43. Texans 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 20 yards, 3:28.Second quarterHOU – Arian Foster 19-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), 8:06. Texans 21–3. Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 3:54. HOU – Neil Rackers 28-yard field goal, 0:00. Texans 24–3. Drive: 1 play, 0 yards, 0:02.Third quarterHOU – Neil Rackers 21-yard field goal, 5:45. Texans 27–3. Drive: 13 plays, 78 yards, 7:19. CLE – Phil Dawson 51-yard field goal, 2:08. Texans 27–6. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:37.Fourth quarterHOU – Neil Rackers 50-yard field goal, 10:35. Texans 30–6. Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 6:33. CLE – Josh Cribbs 2-yard pass from Colt McCoy (pass failed), 4:47. Texans 30–12. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 5:48. |stats=Top passersCLE – Colt McCoy – 14/22, 146 yards, TD, INT HOU – Matt Schaub – 14/23, 119 yards, INTTop rushersCLE – Chris Ogbonnaya – 13 rushes, 28 yards HOU – Arian Foster – 19 rushes, 124 yards, TDTop receivers' CLE – Josh Cribbs – 5 receptions, 50 yards, TD HOU – Owen Daniels – 3 receptions, 32 yards With the loss, the Browns fell to 3–5. In reaction to this game, Cleveland comedian Mike Polk filmed a video at Cleveland Browns Stadium in which he berated the Browns and dubbed the stadium a "factory of sadness", a nickname that has caught on for both the stadium and the Browns themselves. Week 10: vs. St. Louis Rams Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Ten: St. Louis Rams at Cleveland Browns – Game summary November 13 1:00 p.m. EST Rams 0 10 0 3 Browns 3 6 3 0 Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio 64,900 63 F, (Cloudy) / Windy Gusting to Gale Force Clete Blakeman Fox Ron Pitts, Jim Mora, Jr. and Drea Avent First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers STL – CLE – Top rushers STL – CLE – Top receivers STL – CLE – Top tacklers STL – CLE – With the loss, the Browns fell to 3–6. Week 11: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Eleven: Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns – Game summary November 20 1:00 p.m. EST Jaguars 0 7 0 3 Browns 0 7 0 7 Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio 63,498 52 F, (Cloudy) Terry McAulay CBS Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers JAC – CLE – Top rushers JAC – CLE – Top receivers JAC – CLE – Top tacklers JAC – CLE – With the win, the Browns improved to 4–6 and finished 2-2 against the AFC South. Week 12: at Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Twelve: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary November 27 1:00 p.m. EST Browns 7 10 3 0 Bengals 7 0 10 6 Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio 48,260 57 F, Rainy Walt Anderson CBS Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers CLE – Colt McCoy – 16/34, 151 YDS, 2 TD CIN – Andy Dalton – 21/31, 270 YDS, 1 TD Top rushers CLE – Peyton Hillis – 19 CAR, 65 YDS, 0 TD CIN – Cedric Benson – 21 CAR, 106 YDS, 1 TD Top receivers CLE – Jordan Norwood – 4 REC, 69 YDS, 0 TD CIN – A. J. Green – 3 REC, 110 YDS, 0 TD Top tacklers CLE – D'Qwell Jackson – 5 TKL, 4 AST CIN – Rey Maualuga – 6 TKL, 4 AST After being swept by the Bengals for the first time since 2009, the Browns dropped to 4–7. Week 13: vs. Baltimore Ravens Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Thirteen: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns – Game summary December 4 4:05 p.m. ESTSchefter, Adam NFL announces Week 13 flex plan https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7265289/week-13-flex-detroit-lions-new-orleans-saints-now-night-denver-broncos-minnesota-vikings-fox espn.com November 21, 2011 November 21, 2011 Ravens 0 10 7 7 Browns 0 0 3 7 Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio 63,648 51 F, (Light Rain) Ed Hochuli CBS Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers BAL – CLE – Top rushers BAL – CLE – Top receivers BAL – CLE – Top tacklers BAL – CLE – With their 7th straight loss to the Ravens, the Browns fell to 4–8. Week 14: at Pittsburgh Steelers Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fourteen: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary December 8 8:20 p.m. EST Browns 3 0 0 0 Steelers 7 0 0 7 Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 60,754 31 F, Fair Ed Hochuli NFLN Brad Nessler, Mike Mayock and Alex Flanagan First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers CLE – PIT – Top rushers CLE – PIT – Top receivers CLE – PIT – Top tacklers CLE – PIT – With their 8th loss in Pittsburgh, the Browns fell to 4-9 and secured both their 9th consecutive season without a playoff berth and a last place finish in the AFC North for the 3rd time since 2008. Week 15: at Arizona Cardinals Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Fifteen: Cleveland Browns at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary December 18 4:15 p.m. EST/2:15 p.m. MST Browns 7 3 7 0 0 Cardinals 0 7 0 10 3 University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona 60,443 Played indoors (retractable roof closed) Scott Green CBS Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers CLE – ARI – Top rushers CLE – ARI – Top receivers CLE – ARI – Top tacklers CLE – ARI – With the loss, the Browns fell to 4–10 and finished 1–3 against the NFC West. Week 16: at Baltimore Ravens Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Sixteen: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary December 24 1:00 p.m. EST Browns 0 0 7 7 Ravens 10 7 3 0 M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland 71,083 44 F, Partly Cloudy Walt Coleman CBS Spero Dedes and Rich Gannon First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter Top passers CLE – BAL – Top rushers CLE – BAL – Top receivers CLE – BAL – Top tacklers CLE – BAL – With their 8th straight loss to the Ravens, the Browns fell to 4–11 and finished 1-7 on the road. Week 17: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Cleveland Browns 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week Seventeen: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary January 1 4:15 p.m. ESThttp://www.steelersdepot.com/2011/12/steelers-week-17-sunday-game-against-browns-flexed-to-415-kickoff/ Steelers Week 17 Sunday Game Against Browns Flexed to 4:15 Kickoff 25 December 2011 Steelers 0 3 10 0 Browns 0 6 3 0 Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio 68,266 37 F, (mix of rain and snow) Alberto Riveron CBS Kevin Harlan & Solomon Wilcots First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter CLEVELAND: Dawson 26-yard field goal (6:03) Cleveland Browns 3, Pittsburgh Steelers 0 CLEVELAND: Dawson 45-yard field goal (1:06) Cleveland Browns 6, Pittsburgh Steelers 0 PITTSBURGH: Suisham 19-yard field goal (0:00) Cleveland Browns 6, Pittsburgh Steelers 3 Third quarter PITTSBURGH: Suisham 29-yard field goal (9:43) Cleveland Browns 6, Pittsburgh Steelers 6 PITTSBURGH: Redman 7 Yd Run (Suisham Kick) (5:27) Pittsburgh Steelers 13, Cleveland Browns 6 CLEVELAND: Dawson 49-yard field goal (1:59) Pittsburgh Steelers 13, Cleveland Browns 9 Fourth quarter No scoring plays Top passers PIT – Roethlisberger, 221 yards CLE – Wallace, 177 yards Top rushers PIT – Redman, 92 yards CLE – Wallace, 44 yards Top receivers PIT – Brown, 90 yards CLE – Cribbs, 91 yards Top tacklers PIT – Timmons, 6 tackles CLE – Jackson, 13 tackles With the loss, the Browns finished the season 4–12 and they were swept by the AFC North for the first time since 2006. Cleveland also finished 3-5 at home. Standings References 30em External links 2011 Cleveland Browns at Pro Football Reference (Profootballreference.com) 2011 Cleveland Browns Statistics at jt-sw.com 2011 Cleveland Browns Schedule at jt-sw.com 2011 Cleveland Browns at DatabaseFootball.com Cleveland Category:Cleveland Browns seasons Cleveland Category:2011 in Cleveland