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2014 Cleveland Browns season

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2014 Cleveland Browns season
OwnerJimmy Haslam
General managerRay Farmer
Head coachMike Pettine
Home fieldFirstEnergy Stadium
Local radioWKNR · WKRK-FM · WNCX
Results
Record7–9
Division place4th AFC North
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersFS Tashaun Gipson
CB Joe Haden (captain)
OT Joe Thomas
SS Donte Whitner

The 2014 Cleveland Browns season was the franchise's 66th season as a professional sports franchise and its 62nd as a member of the National Football League (NFL). It was the first under new head coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer. The Browns improved upon their 4–12 record from 2013, finishing 7–9. The team started the season 6–3 with sole possession of the AFC North lead, but lost six of their last seven games to finish 7–9 and fail to make the playoffs for the 12th consecutive year, the longest postseason drought in franchise history. This also marked the Browns' seventh consecutive season with a losing record.

Offseason

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Personnel changes

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Coaching staff changes

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On December 29, 2013, the Browns fired head coach Rob Chudzinski. In his only season as coach, Chudzinski posted a record of 4–12, including a 7-game losing streak to end the season, although he ended the Browns' 11-game losing streak to the division rival Baltimore Ravens. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner left the team to take the same position with the Minnesota Vikings, and defensive coordinator Ray Horton took the same position with the Tennessee Titans.

On January 23, 2014, the Browns hired former Buffalo Bills' defensive coordinator Mike Pettine as head coach. Pettine served as defensive coordinator of the Bills in 2013, defensive coordinator of the New York Jets from 2009 to 2012, and a defensive assistant with the Baltimore Ravens from 2002 to 2008. This will be Pettine's first opportunity as an NFL head coach.

On January 27, the Browns hired former Bills' linebackers coach Jim O'Neil as defensive coordinator. O'Neil has served as a defensive assistant under Pettine with both the Jets and the Bills.[1]

Also, on January 27, the Browns filled out their defensive coaching staff by adding three assistant coaches who worked under Pettine in Buffalo: Chuck Driesbach as linebackers coach, Brian Fleury as assistant linebackers coach and Jeff Hafley as secondary coach.[1] The Browns also hired former Tampa Bay Buccaneers' tight ends coach Brian Angelichio to the same position and retained assistant secondary coach Bobby Babich, special teams coach Chris Tabor, and assistant special teams coach Shawn Mennenga from Chudzinski's coaching staff.[1]

On February 3, the Browns hired former Washington Redskins' offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan to take the same position with the team. Shanahan, the son of Super Bowl champion head coach Mike Shanahan, served as the Houston Texans' offensive coordinator from 2008 to 2009, and the Redskins' offensive coordinator from 2010 to 2013.

Front office changes

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On February 11, the Browns fired general manager Mike Lombardi and promoted assistant general manager Ray Farmer to take his place as GM. In addition, CEO Joe Banner resigned from his role with the team.[2]

Also on February 11, the Browns hired Bill Kuharich as assistant general manager to Farmer. Kuharich worked with Farmer in the Kansas City Chiefs player personnel department, and has also worked in the New Orleans Saints player personnel department.[3]

Roster changes

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Free agents

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Pos Player Tag 2014 Team Signed
G Oniel Cousins UFA Tampa Bay Buccaneers March 16[4]
K Billy Cundiff UFA Cleveland Browns March 6[5]
G Shawn Lauvao UFA Washington Redskins March 11[6]
C Alex Mack UFA/TT Cleveland Browns April 11
RB Willis McGahee UFA
LB Craig Robertson ERFA Cleveland Browns March 6[7]
S T. J. Ward UFA Denver Broncos March 11[8]
Players shaded in green re-signed with the Browns
UFA: Unrestricted free agent

RFA: Restricted free agent
ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent
FT: Player was designated with the franchise tag
TT: Player was designated with the transition tag

Releases

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Pos Player Released 2014 Team Signed
WR Davone Bess March 5[9]
QB Jason Campbell March 12[10] Cincinnati Bengals March 19[11]
LB D'Qwell Jackson February 26[12] Indianapolis Colts March 6[13]
WR Greg Little May 16[14] Oakland Raiders May 19[15]
QB Brandon Weeden March 12[10] Dallas Cowboys March 17[16]

Signings

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Pos Player 2013 Team Signed
WR Anthony Armstrong N/A May 19[17]
WR Miles Austin Dallas Cowboys May 15[18]
WR Earl Bennett Chicago Bears May 15[18]
WR Nate Burleson Detroit Lions April 6[19]
LB Karlos Dansby Arizona Cardinals March 11[20]
LB Zac Diles Tennessee Titans May 1[21]
TE Jim Dray Arizona Cardinals March 13[22]
WR Andrew Hawkins Cincinnati Bengals March 18[23]
G Paul McQuistan Seattle Seahawks March 24[24]
FB Chris Pressley Cincinnati Bengals April 14[25]
RB Ben Tate Houston Texans March 15[26]
QB Tyler Thigpen N/A May 1[21]
CB Isaiah Trufant New York Jets March 11[27]
S Donte Whitner San Francisco 49ers March 11[20]
QB Vince Young Green Bay Packers May 1[21]

Draft

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Main article: 2014 NFL draft
2014 Cleveland Browns draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 8 Justin Gilbert  CB Oklahoma St Pick from MIN
1 22 Johnny Manziel  QB Texas A&M Pick from PHI
2 35 Joel Bitonio *  OT Nevada
3 71 Christian Kirksey  LB Iowa
3 94 Terrance West  RB Towson Pick from SF
4 127 Pierre Desir  CB Lindenwood
      Made roster    †   Pro Football Hall of Fame    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career
Notes
  • The Browns traded their original first-round selection (No. 4 overall) to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for the Bills' first round selection (No. 9 overall) and their 2015 first and fourth round selections.
  • The Browns then traded the No. 9 overall selection, along with their fifth round selection (No. 145 overall) to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for the No. 8 overall selection.
  • The Browns traded the No. 26 selection, along with a third round selection (No. 83 overall), to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the No. 22 overall selection.
  • The Browns acquired an additional third-round selection (No. 83 overall) in a trade that sent the team's 2013 fourth-round selection to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This selection was later traded to the Eagles (see above).
  • The Browns acquired an additional fourth-round selection (No. 127 overall) in a trade that sent the team's 2013 fifth-round selection to the Indianapolis Colts.

The Browns did not have selections from rounds 5–7 as a result of the following trades:

Undrafted free agent signings

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Pos Player College Signed
FB Ray Agnew Southern Illinois May 12
DL Calvin Barnett Oklahoma State May 12
DB Darwin Cook West Virginia May 12
RB Isaiah Crowell Alabama State May 12
OL Anthony Dima Massachusetts May 12
WR Chandler Jones San Jose State May 12
WR Jonathan Krause Vanderbilt May 12
DL Elhadji Ndiaye Nebraska-Kearney May 15
OL Michael Philipp Oregon State May 12
QB Connor Shaw South Carolina May 12
WR Kenny Shaw Florida State May 12
WR Willie Snead Ball State May 12

Gordon suspension

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On May 9, it was announced that wide receiver Josh Gordon could face a possible season-long suspension due to a fourth failed drug test. On July 4, 2014, Josh Gordon was arrested for DWI in Raleigh, NC.[28] On August 27, the suspension was upheld after Gordon's appeal.[29] On September 12, after the NFL and the NFLPA approved a new drug testing program, Gordon's suspension was retroactively reduced to 10 games. On November 17, his reinstatement was officially announced and he returned Week 12 at the Georgia Dome, against the Atlanta Falcons, on November 23.[30]

Preseason

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Schedule

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Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 August 9 at Detroit Lions L 12–13 0–1 Ford Field Recap
2 August 18 at Washington Redskins L 23–24 0–2 FedExField Recap
3 August 23 St. Louis Rams L 14–33 0–3 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
4 August 28 Chicago Bears W 33–13 1–3 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap

Regular season

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Schedule

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The Browns had no games west of the Mississippi River in 2014, by virtue of their conference rotation with NFC South and AFC South division opponents, and common position Bills and Raiders – the Raiders being based in the Pacific Time Zone but scheduled to play the Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Their only game outside of the Eastern Time Zone was in Nashville, Tennessee against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. Their November 6 game in Week 10 was their only scheduled national television appearance on the NFL Network, against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 September 7 at Pittsburgh Steelers L 27–30 0–1 Heinz Field Recap
2 September 14 New Orleans Saints W 26–24 1–1 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
3 September 21 Baltimore Ravens L 21–23 1–2 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
4 Bye
5 October 5 at Tennessee Titans W 29–28 2–2 LP Field Recap
6 October 12 Pittsburgh Steelers W 31–10 3–2 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
7 October 19 at Jacksonville Jaguars L 6–24 3–3 EverBank Field Recap
8 October 26 Oakland Raiders W 23–13 4–3 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
9 November 2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 22–17 5–3 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
10 November 6 at Cincinnati Bengals W 24–3 6–3 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
11 November 16 Houston Texans L 7–23 6–4 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
12 November 23 at Atlanta Falcons W 26–24 7–4 Georgia Dome Recap
13 November 30 at Buffalo Bills L 10–26 7–5 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap
14 December 7 Indianapolis Colts L 24–25 7–6 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
15 December 14 Cincinnati Bengals L 0–30 7–7 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
16 December 21 at Carolina Panthers L 13–17 7–8 Bank of America Stadium Recap
17 December 28 at Baltimore Ravens L 10–20 7–9 M&T Bank Stadium Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

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Week 1: at Pittsburgh Steelers

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Week One: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 3 0 141027
Steelers 10 17 0330

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

The Steelers dominated the first half, and the Browns trailed 27–3 at halftime. However, the Browns scored 24 straight points in the second half to tie the game at 27–27. The comeback attempt fell short as Steelers K Shaun Suisham kicked a 41-yard game-winning field goal as time expired. With the loss, the Browns lost their tenth straight season opener, setting an NFL record. It was also their eleventh consecutive road loss to the Steelers.

Week 2: vs. New Orleans Saints

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Week Two: New Orleans Saints at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Saints 0 10 7724
Browns 10 6 7326

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

This was the Browns' first home opener win since 2004, and also marked Johnny Manziel's NFL debut. Rookie Terrence West, who had more than 2,500 all-purpose yards at Division I (FCS) Towson University, ran for 68 yards and one touchdown. Billy Cundiff hit the game-winning field goal as time expired.

Week 3: vs. Baltimore Ravens

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Week Three: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Ravens 3 7 7623
Browns 7 0 14021

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

For the Browns, this would mark the third straight regular season game that they played in: that would be decided by 3 or fewer points, and that would have a game-winning field goal in the final ten seconds of the fourth quarter. In a tightly contested match, the Browns led 21–17 heading into the fourth. A series of errors (including a missed 50-yard field goal try and a blocked field goal attempt) prevented them from scoring, while the Ravens scored 6 unanswered. Throughout the first three periods, the Browns were 5/7 on third down conversions; they were 0/4 on third down conversions and gained only one first down in the decisive fourth quarter. Ravens K Justin Tucker kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired. With the loss, the Browns suffered their first home loss of the season as their record fell to 1–2 entering the bye week. The Browns also fell to 1–12 against the Ravens with Joe Flacco as the QB under center. Victories by the Bengals and the Steelers would leave the Browns in sole possession of last place in the AFC North.

The Browns were the only team in the NFL not to have a turnover in the first three games of the season.

Week 5: at Tennessee Titans

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Week Five: Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 10 31629
Titans 7 21 0028

at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

Game information

This marked the Browns' solitary game outside the Eastern time zone during the 2014 season. The Browns ended a 7-game away losing streak and improved to 2–2 with the win. For the fourth time this season, the Browns participated in a game that was decided by 3 or fewer points. It was also the fourth time in as many games that the winning score was produced with less than 2 minutes to go in the 4th quarter. The game was aggressive, with 14 penalties for 142 yards, and the ejection of the Titans' linebacker Derrick Morgan. The Titans dominated in the early minutes, scoring the first 14 points of the contest and leaping out to a 28–3 lead. Despite trailing by as many as 25 points in the second quarter, the Browns scored the final 26 points of the game while the Titans failed to score any points in the second half. Travis Benjamin caught the game-winning TD pass from Brian Hoyer with 69 seconds left in the game.

The Browns' 25-point rally represented the largest comeback in franchise history and the largest comeback by a road team in NFL history. For his outstanding play on punt and kick coverage, Browns DL Tank Carder was recognized as the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Week 6: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

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Week Six: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 3 0 0710
Browns 0 21 3731

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

This was the second and final regular season meeting between the two teams. The Browns snapped a four-game losing streak to the Steelers with a 31–10 blowout victory. They also won their first divisional game of the season, ending a five-game losing streak to division foes. The Steelers led 3–0 after the first quarter. However, the Browns scored 21 straight points in the second quarter, building a 21–3 halftime lead. Adding a field goal in the third quarter and a touchdown in the fourth, the Browns created an insurmountable 31–3 lead. The Steelers’ late touchdown in the fourth quarter produced the final score. Steelers’ QB Ben Roethlisberger suffered only his second career loss in 20 career games against the Browns. For Cleveland, the 21-point margin of victory was the most lopsided win over Pittsburgh since they routed them 51–0 in a Week 1 matchup during the 1989 season. The Browns moved into third place in the AFC North with a 3–2 record while the Steelers fell into fourth place with a 3–3 record.

Week 7: at Jacksonville Jaguars

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Week Seven: Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 3 3 006
Jaguars 0 7 31424

at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

  • Date: October 19
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EDT
  • Game weather: 76 °F (24.4 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 61,341
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein and Steve Tasker
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Browns entered this game with a 3–2 record, coming off a blowout victory over the Steelers and were looking to win their third consecutive game. Meanwhile, the Jaguars entered with a 0–6 record, and a 9-game losing streak, coming off a tough loss to the Tennessee Titans. Despite being heavy favorites to win this matchup, the Browns were routed 24–6. The Browns led 6–0 late in the first half and had the opportunity to kick a field goal and go up 9–0. Instead, Browns HC Mike Pettine opted to go for it on 4th & 1. The conversion attempt failed, and within seconds, the Jaguars scored a touchdown to close out the half, leading 7–6. Following a lost fumble by Brian Hoyer, the Jaguars added a field goal to make it 10–6. In the fourth, the Browns finally imploded. KR Jordan Poyer attempted to catch the punt at the Browns' 2-yard line; the ball went off his facemask, and the Jaguars recovered, scoring a touchdown on their next drive to make it 17–6. On the Browns' next drive, Hoyer threw an interception and the Jags converted another touchdown a few seconds later, making the final score 24–6. After committing only 2 turnovers in their first 5 games, the Browns committed 3 turnovers against the Jaguars. 17 of the Jaguars’ 24 points came off turnovers. The defense picked off Blake Bortles three times, but they were able to score only 3 points off of those turnovers. Hoyer struggled mightily throughout the game, going 16/41 for 215 yards, 0 touchdowns, an interception, and a lost fumble. It was the Browns' lowest scoring output of the season and the fewest points that they had scored with Hoyer as their starting quarterback. It was the first time that the Browns had failed to score a touchdown in a game since Week 2 against the Ravens (in the 2013 season). It was also the first time that the Browns failed to score any points in the second half (it last occurred in Week 2 of the 2013 season when the Browns were outscored by the Ravens 14–0 in the second half). The Jaguars won their first game of the season to improve to 1–6; The Browns' record dropped to 3–3 as they fell to 4th place in the AFC North.

Week 8: vs. Oakland Raiders

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Week Eight: Oakland Raiders at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 6 0713
Browns 6 3 01423

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: October 26
  • Game time: 4:25 pm. EDT
  • Game weather: 55 °F or 12.8 °C, (Sunny)
  • Game attendance: 67,431
  • Referee: Ron Torbert
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Solomon Wilcots
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

After suffering a disappointing loss to the previously winless Jaguars the week before, the Browns faced yet another winless opponent in the Oakland Raiders. Both teams struggled for much of the game, kicking a combined five field goals as the Browns held a 9–6-second half lead. At the end of the third quarter the Browns finally got the break they needed when S Joe Haden recovered a Darren McFadden fumble deep in Cleveland territory and returned it 34 yards. Four plays later, QB Brian Hoyer found WR Andrew Hawkins for a four-yard touchdown pass and a 16–6 lead. The Raiders would never recover and the Browns, despite giving up the Raiders’ lone touchdown pass from Derek Carr to Andre Holmes with 7 seconds left, won the game 23–13.

Week 9: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Week Nine: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 0 10 7017
Browns 3 6 7622

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

Rookie WR Mike Evans, a teammate of Johnny Manziel at Texas A&M and the recipient of more than 200 catches in 2 years, was the favorite target for QB Mike Glennon, scoring both of Tampa Bay's TDs in the game. Patrick Murray added a field goal but missed three others. Cleveland blocked Murray's first FG attempt, tipped a punt that gained only 12 yards, got 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery, and kept the Bucs out of the end zone in the fourth quarter. QB Brian Hoyer passed for 300 yards and two touchdowns, with the game-winner to rookie wide receiver Taylor Gabriel.

Week 10: at Cincinnati Bengals

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Week Ten: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 7 10 7024
Bengals 3 0 003

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Game information

This was the 82nd meeting between the teams in the "Battle of Ohio." The Browns' defense suffocated the Bengals, forcing four turnovers while limiting the Bengals’ offense to 3 points and surrendering only one red zone drive. Bengals QB Andy Dalton struggled severely, going 10/33 for 86 yards while throwing 3 interceptions, and being sacked twice on consecutive plays by DT Desmond Bryant. His final passer rating was 2.0, the lowest in Bengals team history. Cleveland found its sea legs using the "running back by committee" approach, with all three of its starting rushers (Ben Tate, Terrence West, and Isiah Crowell) scoring TDs in compiling 170 yds on the ground. The Bengals lost their first regular season home game since Week 14 of the 2012 season (against the Cowboys). The 21-point loss represented the Bengals’ most lopsided defeat since the Ravens routed them by 31 points in Week 13 of the 2008 season. For the Browns, their 21-point victory marked their largest road margin since the 1993 season (when the Browns beat the L.A. Rams by 28 points), won multiple road games in a season for the first time since 2010, snapped a 5-game road losing streak to the Bengals and a 17-game road losing streak to division foes (both of which began in 2008). The Browns' 6–3 record is the franchise's best 9-game start since returning to the league in 1999, and their best start since the 1994 season when the Browns opened the season with a 7–2 record.

With the convincing win, the Browns improved to 6–3. This marked the Browns' best 9-game start to a season since 1994, when they started 7–2. After the Steelers lost the following Sunday, the Browns held sole possession of first place in the AFC North, the first (and, as of 2021, only) time the Browns solely led a division since 1995.

Week 11: vs. Houston Texans

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Week Eleven: Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Texans 7 7 3623
Browns 0 7 007

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: November 16
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 35 °F or 1.7 °C, (Light Snow)
  • Game attendance: 67,431
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein and Steve Tasker
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

This marked the first of four games against potential playoff-bound teams in the Texans, Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, and Indianapolis Colts. The Browns saw their three-game winning streak end as the Texans’ defense and run game dominated the Browns in a 23–7 blowout loss. Texans DE J. J. Watt, who played tight end in high school, scored the 5th offensive TD of his career. The Browns' lone score came in the 2nd quarter. A touchdown from Brian Hoyer to Browns' receiver Andrew Hawkins tied the game at 7 in the second quarter. However, the Texans scored the final 16 points of the contest. Hoyer struggled as he was 20/50 passing for 330 yards, throwing only one touchdown while throwing a 4th quarter interception. It was only the second time this season that the Browns got shut out in the second half of a game, an event that also occurred in their 24–6 loss to the Jaguars. With the loss, the Browns fell out of 1st place in the AFC North and into a tie for 3rd place behind the Bengals and Steelers, who both won that week.

Defensive linemen John Hughes and Phil Taylor were lost for the season on IR, and Jordan Cameron missed his 3rd straight game due to a concussion. On November 18, the Browns released RB Ben Tate.

This game started a stretch that lasted until the end of the 2017 season where the Browns would win only five of their next 55 games.

Week 12: at Atlanta Falcons

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Week Twelve: Cleveland Browns at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 7 6 10326
Falcons 7 7 01024

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: November 23
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (domed stadium)
  • Game attendance: 70,046
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein and Steve Tasker
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

This was WR Josh Gordon's first action, back from his 10-game suspension. He led all receivers with 120 total yards. Down 24–23 with 44 seconds left, Hoyer, who had 3 interceptions and 0 touchdowns, drove the ball 61 yards including the key pass to Gordon inside the 35-yard line, setting up Billy Cundiff's 2nd game-winning field goal of the season with 5 seconds left for a 26–24 victory.

With the win, the Browns improved to 7–4. The Browns won consecutive road games for the first time since 2008 and Hoyer became the first Browns quarterback since Brian Sipe in 1980 to record consecutive 300+ yd games. S Tashaun Gipson left the game in the fourth quarter after colliding with CB Joe Haden and suffering a serious knee injury on the play. Gipson would miss the rest of the regular season.

Week 13: at Buffalo Bills

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Week Thirteen: Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 3 0 0710
Bills 0 0 141226

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: November 30
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 57 °F (13.9 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 68,576
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Trent Green and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Bills’ defense dominated the Browns in a 26–10 defeat. The first half was low scoring; K Billy Cundiff made a 22-yard field goal for a 3–0 lead. Several special teams errors occurred in the second quarter that prevented either team from scoring. Cundiff missed a field goal and the Bills’ K Dan Carpenter's 53-yard field goal try was blocked by S Joe Haden. The Bills dominated the second half, scoring 20 unanswered points to seize control. The Bills scored a touchdown early in the third to go up 7–3. On the Browns' next drive, RB Terrance West fumbled, and the Bills recovered for a touchdown, adding a field goal in the 4th quarter to make it 17–3. Hoyer threw an INT on the next drive, and the Bills kicked another field goal, building a 20–3 lead. At that moment, Hoyer was benched for Johnny Manziel for the remainder of the game. Manziel led an 80-yard touchdown drive on his first series, running for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 20–10. On Manziel's second drive, the Browns failed to gain a first down, turning the ball over on downs. The Bills kicked 2 more field goals to make it 26–10, producing the final margin.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 7–5.

On December 3, head coach Mike Pettine announced that Hoyer would start the Browns' next game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Week 14: vs. Indianapolis Colts

[edit]
Week Fourteen: Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 0 7 9925
Browns 7 7 7324

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

The Colts rallied from a 14-point deficit in the second half to knock off the Browns, 25–24. The defense got off to a fast start right away and dominated for 59 minutes, forcing 4 turnovers in the contest. QB Andrew Luck fumbled on the Colts' 1 yard line, and the ball was recovered in the endzone to make it 7–0. With a chance to go up 10–0, Browns K Billy Cundiff missed a 40 yd. field goal that would later prove to be very costly. Following the miss, Luck rushed for a TD to tie the game at 7–7. On the next drive, Hoyer led the Browns downfield; Rookie RB Isaiah Crowell ran in for a touchdown to lead 14–7 at halftime. In the second half, the Colts' turnover problems continued, committing a fumble on their first drive that the Browns couldn't convert into points. Later in the quarter, Luck threw a "pick-six" to Browns rookie DB Justin Gilbert (his 1st INT of the year), and the Browns went up 21–7. The next two Colts' drives resulted in points (a field goal and a T. Y. Hilton touchdown), cutting the deficit to 21–16 heading into the 4th quarter. Adding another FG in the 4th to make it 21–19, and with a chance to take the lead, Luck threw another interception (he was sacked 3 times). However, the Browns failed to get a first down and were forced to settle for 3, making it 24–19 Browns and leaving the door open for the Colts to take the lead. With less than 4 minutes to go, Luck led a 90-yard game-winning touchdown drive. The Browns had a chance to end the game with a stop on 4th and inches at the 3-yard line, but RB Dan Herron avoided the tackle and picked up 2 yards for a Colts first down. Luck would throw the game-winning TD pass to Hilton on the next play, making it 25–24 Colts with 36 seconds left. After a failed two-point conversion, and with the Browns having one more chance to win the game, Hoyer threw his 2nd INT with less than 10 seconds remaining, and the Colts ran out the clock.

The Browns' offense was barely noticeable throughout the contest. TE Jordan Cameron returned to duty after 5 weeks, leading all Browns receivers with only 41 yds. 17 of the team's 24 points came off of Colts turnovers, the defense converting two into TDs. Punt and kick coverage teams kept returning fan-favorite KR Joshua Cribbs in check, and traded RB Trent Richardson was held to 30 yds. on 7 carries. MLB D'Qwell Jackson had 9 tackles for Indy, but no sacks. In the second half, the Browns' offense failed to convert a single 3rd down (0/6). For the fourth consecutive game, Hoyer was dismal, passing 14/31 for 140 yards, 0 TDs, and 2 INTs (the third straight game that Hoyer had 0 TDs and multiple INTs). It was the second game in a row that the Browns failed to win after holding a halftime lead. It was only the second time that the Browns lost when holding a 4th quarter lead at any point (the other loss coming to the Ravens in Week 3).

With the loss, the Browns fell to 7–6 on the season; wins by the Steelers and Ravens would leave the Browns in 4th place in the AFC North. It was the first time this season that the Browns lost back-to-back games.

On December 9, it was announced that Johnny Manziel would start over the struggling Brian Hoyer. Starting G Ryan Seymour moved to center, replacing Nick McDonald as the team's 4th center to start a game. He finished the season at that position. K Billy Cundiff was released from the team on December 13, replaced by Garrett Hartley.

Week 15: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]
Week Fifteen: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bengals 10 10 3730
Browns 0 0 000

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: December 14
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 44 °F or 6.7 °C, (Cloudy)
  • Game attendance: 67,431
  • Referee: Walt Anderson
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch and Pam Oliver
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

This was the second regular season meeting between the two teams. The Browns, having won the first meeting in Cincinnati, were looking to sweep the season series for the first time since 2002. However, the Bengals throttled the Browns in a 30–0 defeat, dominating from start to finish. The Bengals pounced on the Browns early, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive. They went up 20–0 in the first half and never looked back. Manziel was awful in his first start for the Browns, going 10/18 for 80 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. The Browns' 38 offensive plays were the lowest in the NFL this season.

The Browns were shut out in a game for the first time since 2009 season and remains the most recent time they have been shut out. The 30-point margin of defeat was the Browns' largest margin of defeat since 2011. The Browns extended their losing streak in December games, having lost 10 consecutive games, dating back to 2012.

With the loss, the fell to 7–7. They finished 4–4 at home. The Browns were mathematically eliminated from AFC North title contention. The Browns have now gone 22 consecutive seasons without a division title, the longest active streak in the league.

Week 16: at Carolina Panthers

[edit]
Week Sixteen: Cleveland Browns at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 3 3713
Panthers 3 7 0717

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Date: December 21
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST
  • Game weather: 48 °F (8.9 °C), mostly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 73,810
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Tom McCarthy and Adam Archuleta
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

One day before this game, the San Diego Chargers defeated the San Francisco 49ers. The Chargers' victory mathematically eliminated the Browns from postseason contention.

The Browns entered this game playing for pride and looking to sweep the NFC South. In a low scoring first half, the Panthers jumped out to a 10–3 lead. QB Johnny Manziel got off to another slow start, going 3 for 8 with only 32 passing yards. The Browns gained only 2 first downs with Manziel in the first half (with one first down coming via penalty). With less than two minutes remaining in the first half, Manziel injured his hamstring, and was ruled out for the rest of the game. In the third quarter, the Browns added a field goal from newly signed K Garrett Hartley, cutting the deficit to 10–6. In the fourth quarter, Hoyer threw an 81-yard TD pass to TE Jordan Cameron, and the Browns led 13–10. However, the Panthers would score the go-ahead touchdown on their next drive and go up 17–13. With the Browns facing a 4th and 11 at midfield, HC Mike Pettine elected to punt. The Browns' defense couldn't force a punt or turnover, and the Panthers ran out the clock.

With the loss, the Browns fell to 7-8 and guaranteed a finish in fourth place in the AFC North.

On December 26, due to injuries to both Hoyer and Manziel, Connor Shaw was announced to be the starting quarterback for the Browns' Week 17 matchup against the Ravens. On December 27, WR Josh Gordon was suspended for the season finale for a violation of team rules.

Week 17: at Baltimore Ravens

[edit]
Week Seventeen: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 3 7010
Ravens 0 3 01720

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Game information

In the season finale against the Ravens, undrafted rookie QB Connor Shaw started the game as the team's 3rd starting QB for the season. Defensive and kicking units kept the game close, as both offenses were disrupted for the entire first half; K's Justin Tucker and Garrett Hartley scored field goals for a 3–3 tie. In the third quarter, the Browns got key plays from Shaw and rookie RB Terrence West, as he scored on a 2-yard run to take the lead 10–3. Because of the amount of plays on the field for the defense, however, they ran out of gas in the fourth, and QB Joe Flacco led Baltimore to 17 straight unanswered points, including a pair of passing TDs to Kamar Aiken and Torrey Smith, for the Ravens' 20–10 win.

With the loss, the Browns finished the season 7–9. This marked the team's seventh consecutive season with a losing record and 14th in their 16 seasons since returning to the NFL in 1999. The Browns finished 3–5 in away games.

Standings and Postseason

[edit]

On December 23, Pro Bowl selections were announced for the season: S Tashaun Gipson, CB Joe Haden, and OT Joe Thomas were named starters for the Pro Bowl. This marked Thomas' eighth straight Pro Bowl selection, making him the first offensive lineman in NFL history to be nominated in each of his first eight seasons. On January 19, S Donte Whitner was added to the Pro Bowl roster, his third career selection.

On January 3, 2015, Thomas was named to the Associated Press’ 2014 NFL All-Pro team for the fifth time. On January 12, the Pro Football Writers' Assn. named Thomas to the All-NFL team while G Joel Bitonio joined Thomas on the All-AFC team. Bitonio was one of only two rookies on the squad.

The Browns' 25-point comeback win over the Tennessee Titans was selected as a finalist for the GMC "Never Say Never" moment of 2014.

On January 28, Haden was named a Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics. He became the first American professional football player to ever hold the title.

Division

[edit]
AFC North
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(3) Pittsburgh Steelers 11 5 0 .688 4–2 9–3 436 368 W4
(5) Cincinnati Bengals 10 5 1 .656 3–3 7–5 365 344 L1
(6) Baltimore Ravens 10 6 0 .625 3–3 6–6 409 302 W1
Cleveland Browns 7 9 0 .438 2–4 4–8 299 337 L5

Conference

[edit]
AFC[31][32]
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1[a] New England Patriots East 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 .514 .487 L1
2[a] Denver Broncos West 12 4 0 .750 6–0 10–2 .521 .484 W1
3[b] Pittsburgh Steelers North 11 5 0 .688 4–2 9–3 .451 .486 W4
4[b] Indianapolis Colts South 11 5 0 .688 6–0 9–3 .479 .372 W1
Wild Cards
5 Cincinnati Bengals North 10 5 1 .656 3–3 7–5 .498 .425 L1
6 Baltimore Ravens North 10 6 0 .625 3–3 6–6 .475 .378 W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7[c] Houston Texans South 9 7 0 .563 4–2 8–4 .447 .299 W2
8[c] Kansas City Chiefs West 9 7 0 .563 3–3 7–5 .512 .500 W1
9[c] San Diego Chargers West 9 7 0 .563 2–4 6–6 .512 .403 L1
10[c] Buffalo Bills East 9 7 0 .563 4–2 5–7 .516 .486 W1
11 Miami Dolphins East 8 8 0 .500 3–3 6–6 .512 .406 L1
12 Cleveland Browns North 7 9 0 .438 2–4 4–8 .479 .371 L5
13 New York Jets East 4 12 0 .250 1–5 4–8 .543 .375 W1
14[d] Jacksonville Jaguars South 3 13 0 .188 1–5 2–10 .514 .313 L1
15[d] Oakland Raiders West 3 13 0 .188 1–5 2–10 .570 .542 L1
16 Tennessee Titans South 2 14 0 .125 1–5 2–10 .506 .375 L10
Tiebreakers[e]
  1. ^ a b New England defeated Denver head-to-head (Week 9, 43–21).
  2. ^ a b Pittsburgh defeated Indianapolis head-to-head (Week 8, 51–34).
  3. ^ a b c d Kansas City finished ahead of San Diego in the AFC West based on head-to-head sweep (Week 7, 23–20; Week 17, 19–7).
    Houston finished ahead of Kansas City and Buffalo based on conference record.
    Kansas City finished ahead of Buffalo based on head-to-head victory (Week 10, 17–13).
    San Diego finished ahead of Buffalo based on head-to-head victory (Week 3, 22–10).
  4. ^ a b Jacksonville finished ahead of Oakland based on record vs. common opponents (1–4 to 0–5).
  5. ^ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.

Staff

[edit]
2014 Cleveland Browns staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and conditioning – Paul Ricci
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Derik Keyes
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Mike Wolf
  • Performance Analyst - Daniel Kant-Hull


Final roster

[edit]
2014 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, 11 reserve, 7 practice squad

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Browns hire Jim O'Neil as new DC". Associated Press. January 27, 2014. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  2. ^ "Browns name Ray Farmer new GM". Associated Press. February 11, 2014. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  3. ^ Benne, John (February 11, 2014). "Browns hire Bill Kuharich as assistant GM". SB Nation. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  4. ^ Howell, Leo (March 16, 2014). "Tampa Bay Buccaneers Add More Depth at Guard, Sign Oniel Cousins". The Pewter Plank. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  5. ^ Breech, John (March 6, 2014). "Browns re-sign kicker Billy Cundiff to one-year deal". CBS Sports. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  6. ^ Jones, Mike (March 11, 2014). "Redskins free agency, Day 1: Riley, Moss back, WR Roberts, G Lauvao and LB Hayward added". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  7. ^ "Browns Tender COntract to LB Robertson". Bleacher Report. March 6, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  8. ^ Neisen, Joan (March 12, 2014). "Broncos invest in their defense with three pricey signings". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on March 13, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  9. ^ Wesseling, Chris (March 5, 2014). "Davonne bess among three cut by Browns". NFL.com. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  10. ^ a b Wilson, Ryan (March 12, 2014). "Browns Release QBs Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell". CBS Sports. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  11. ^ "Bengals sign QB Jason Campbell to be backup". The Sporting News. March 20, 2014. Archived from the original on March 25, 2014. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  12. ^ Brinson, Will (February 26, 2014). "Browns Release LB D'Qwell Jackson". CBS Sports. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  13. ^ Wilson, Ryan (March 6, 2014). "Colts Sign LB D'Qwell Jacosno". CBS Sports. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  14. ^ Edholm, Eric (May 16, 2014). "Browns release Greg Little, making that Julio Jones trade look even worse now". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
  15. ^ Gutierrez, Paul (May 19, 2014). "How does Greg Little fit with Raiders". ESPN. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
  16. ^ Sabin, Rainer (March 17, 2014). "Dallas Cowboys sign QB Brandon Weeden". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
  17. ^ Chris Pokorny (May 19, 2014). "Browns Sign WR Anthony Armstrong & Waive WR Josh Cooper; Other Transactions". SBNation. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
  18. ^ a b Pat McManamon (May 15, 2014). "Browns add WRs Austin, Bennett". ESPN. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  19. ^ Rothstein, Michael (April 6, 2014). "WR Nate Burleson to join Browns". ESPN. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
  20. ^ a b "Browns add DL Dansby, S Whitner". ESPN. March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  21. ^ a b c "Browns sign Zac Diles, Tyler Thigpen, Vince Young". ClevelandBrowns.com. May 1, 2014. Archived from the original on May 5, 2014. Retrieved May 16, 2014.
  22. ^ Carucci, Vic (March 14, 2014). "Cleveland Browns Add Solid Blocker in TE Jim Dray". ClevelandBrowns.com. Archived from the original on March 17, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  23. ^ Cabot, Mary Kay (March 18, 2014). "Cleveland Browns Swipe WR Andrew Hawkins from Cincinnati Bengals". Cleveland Plain Dealer. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  24. ^ Blount, Terry (March 24, 2014). "Paul McQuistan to join Cleveland Browns". ESPN. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  25. ^ Gantt, Darin (April 14, 2014). "Browns signing former Bengals fullback Chris Pressley". NBC Sports. Retrieved April 14, 2014.
  26. ^ "Browns sign free agent RB Ben Tate". Associated Press. March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  27. ^ Carucci, Vic (March 11, 2014). "Cleveland Browns add special-teams ace Isaiah Trufant". CleveladnBrowns.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  28. ^ Quinn, T. J. and Don Van Natta Jr. (May 9, 2014). "Josh Gordon faces suspension". ESPN. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
  29. ^ "Josh Gordon suspended for season". ESPN. August 27, 2014. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
  30. ^ "Josh Gordon suspension reduced". ESPN. September 12, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  31. ^ "2014 Conference Standings". NFL.com. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
  32. ^ "2014 NFL playoff picture". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
[edit]
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