2012 Cleveland Browns season

Off-season

Ownership change

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

The sale was approved on October 25, 2012.

Coaching changes

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

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

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

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

Roster changes

Free agency

Releases

Signings

Trades

• Only post draft-day trades if they include players in addition to draft picks
• Trade chart coming soon --

2012 Draft Class

Main article: 2012 NFL draft

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

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

Undrafted free agents

Supplemental Draft

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

Other news and notes

LB Fujita suspension

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

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

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

DT Taylor injury

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

Suicide of grounds crew member

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

Staff

• Majority owner – Jimmy Haslam

• Minority owner – Randy Lerner

• CEO – Joe Banner

• President – Alec Scheiner

• general manager – Tom Heckert

• Executive vice president of business operations – Bryan Wiedmeier

• Senior vice president of football operations – Mark Schiefelbein

• Senior vice president of football administration – Matt Thomas

• Director of player personnel – Jon Sandusky

• Director of college scouting – John Spytek

• Head coach – Pat Shurmur

• Assistant to the head coach – Luke Steckel

• Offensive coordinator – Brad Childress

• Quarterbacks – Mark Whipple

• Running backs – Gary Brown

• Wide receivers – Mike Wilson

• Tight ends – Steve Hagen

• Offensive line – George Warhop

• Senior offensive assistant – Nolan Cromwell

• Offensive assistant – Chris Beake

• Defensive coordinator – Dick Jauron

• Defensive line – Dwaine Board

• Linebackers – Billy Davis

• Defensive backs – Tim Hauck

• Senior defensive assistant – Ray Rhodes

• Defensive assistant – Chuck Bullough

• Special teams coordinator – Chris Tabor

• Special teams assistant – Shawn Mennenga

• Strength and conditioning – Kent Johnston

• Assistant strength and conditioning – Rick Lyle

Rosters

Opening training camp roster

Week 1 Roster

Final roster

Preseason

Schedule

LB Gocong injury

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

QB Weeden named starter

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

First roster cuts

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

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

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

Second roster cuts

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

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

Captains elected

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

Regular season

Schedule

Note: Intra-divisional opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

First quarter

• CLE – Phil Dawson 43-yard field goal, 9:16. ''Browns 3–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 1:57.''''' Second quarter
• PHI – Alex Henery 42-yard field goal, 15:00. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 2:07.'''''
• PHI – Jeremy Maclin 18-yard pass from Michael Vick (Alex Henery kick), 0:23. ''Eagles 10–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 74 yards, 0:32.''''' Third quarter
• CLE – Phil Dawson 42-yard field goal, 5:01. ''Eagles 10–6. '''Drive: 7 plays, 19 yards, 2:22.''''' Fourth quarter
• CLE – Phil Dawson 22-yard field goal, 14:17. ''Eagles 10–9. '''Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:38.'''''
• CLE – D'Qwell Jackson 13-yard interception return (Phil Dawson kick), 14:10. Browns 16–10.
• PHI – Clay Harbor 4-yard pass from Michael Vick (Alex Henery kick), 1:23. ''Eagles 17–16. '''Drive: 16 plays, 91 yards, 5:07.''''' Top passers
• PHI – Michael Vick – 29/56, 317 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT
• CLE – Brandon Weeden – 12/35, 118 yards, 4 INT 1 TD Top rushers
• PHI – LeSean McCoy – 20 rushes, 110 yards
• CLE – Trent Richardson – 19 rushes, 39 yards Top receivers
• PHI – Jeremy Maclin – 7 receptions, 96 yards, 3TD
• CLE – Mohamed Massaquoi – 3 receptions, 41 yards

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

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

Week 2: at Cincinnati Bengals

First quarter

• CIN (13:35) – Adam Jones 81-yard punt return (Mike Nugent kick) Bengals 7, Browns 0
• CLE (9:06) – Phil Dawson 50-yard field goal Bengals 7, Browns 3 Drive: 9 plays, 32 yards, 4:12 Second quarter
• CIN (10:33) – A. J. Green 10-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick) Bengals 14, Browns 3 Drive: 8 plays, 74 yards, 4:25
• CLE (8:15) – Trent Richardson 32-yard run (Phil Dawson kick) Bengals 14, Browns 10 Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards, 2:22
• CIN (4:49) – Mike Nugent 39-yard field goal Bengals 17, Browns 10 Drive: 7 plays, 56 yards, 3:20 Third quarter
• CIN (12:05) – Brandon Tate 44-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick) Bengals 24, Browns 10 Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:02
• CLE (0:20) – Trent Richardson 23-yard pass from Brandon Weeden (Phil Dawson kick) Bengals 24, Browns 17 Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 2:12 Fourth quarter
• CIN (11:01) – Andrew Hawkins 50-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick) Bengals 31, Browns 17 Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 4:23
• CLE (7:18) – Greg Little 24-yard pass from Brandon Weeden (Phil Dawson kick) Bengals 31, Browns 24 Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:33
• CIN (2:14) – Mike Nugent 37-yard field goal Bengals 34, Browns 24 Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 5:02
• CLE (0:20) – Phil Dawson 25-yard field goal Bengals 34, Browns 27 Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 1:49 Top passers
• CLE – Brandon Weeden 26/37, 322 yards, 2 TD
• CIN – Andy Dalton 24/31, 318 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
• CLE – Trent Richardson 19 rushes, 109 yards, TD
• CIN – BenJarvus Green-Ellis 21 rushes, 75 yards Top receivers
• CLE – Mohamed Massaquoi 5 receptions, 90 yards
• CIN – Brandon Tate 3 receptions, 71 yards, TD After a tough home loss to the Eagles, the Browns traveled on the road to take on the Bengals for Round 1 of the Battle Of Ohio. With less than 90 seconds played, the Bengals scored as Pacman Jones returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown making the score 7–0. The Browns responded with Phil Dawson's 50-yard field goal to come within 4 at 7–3. In the 2nd quarter Andy Dalton found A.J. Green on a 10-yard touchdown pass making the score 14–3 for an 11-point lead. The Browns followed up with Trent Richardson running for a 32-yard touchdown making the score 14–10 but the Bengals pulled away as Mike Nugent nailed a 39-yard field goal for a 17–10 halftime lead. In the 3rd quarter, the Bengals went right back to work when Dalton found Brandon Tate on a 44-yard touchdown pass to increase their lead to 24–10. Again, the Browns tried to rally by coming in just a touchdown short with Brandon Weeden's first NFL career touchdown pass, a 23-yard pass to Richardson to make the score 24–17. The Bengals pulled away in the 4th quarter as Dalton found Andrew Hawkins on a 50-yard pass making the score 31–17 but again, the Browns tried to rally by coming within a touchdown as Weeden found Greg Little on a 24-yard pass making the score 31–24. After this, the Bengals moved ahead by double digits for the first time since leading by 14 in the 3rd quarter with Nugent's 37-yard field goal for a 34–24 lead. The Browns tried to rally a comeback but could only come away with 3 points as Dawson nailed a 25-yard field goal for a final score of 34–27.

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

Week 3: vs. Buffalo Bills

First quarter

• BUF (9:08) – T. J. Graham 9-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick) Bills 7, Browns 0 Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 4:21
• BUF (5:15) – C. J. Spiller 32-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick) Bills 14, Browns 0 Drive: 4 plays, 49 yards, 1:53 Second quarter
• CLE (2:17) – Trent Richardson 6-yard run (Phil Dawson kick) Bills 14, Browns 7 Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 4:41 Third quarter
• BUF (10:42) – Rian Lindell 37-yard field goal Bills 17, Browns 7 Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 4:22
• CLE (2:33) – Travis Benjamin 22-yard pass from Brandon Weeden (Phil Dawson kick) Bills 17, Browns 14 Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 4:38 Fourth quarter
• BUF (9:12) – Stevie Johnson 9-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick (Rian Lindell kick) Bills 24, Browns 14 Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 5:27 Top passers
• BUF – Ryan Fitzpatrick 22/35, 208 yards, 3 TD
• CLE – Brandon Weeden 27/43, 237 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers
• BUF – Tashard Choice 20 rushes, 91 yards
• CLE – Trent Richardson 12 rushes, 27 yards, TD Top receivers
• BUF – Stevie Johnson 7 receptions, 61 yards, TD
• CLE – Jordan Cameron 5 receptions, 45 yards

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

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

Week 4: at Baltimore Ravens

First quarter

• No scoring plays. Second quarter
• BAL (12:57) – Torrey Smith 18-yard pass from Joe Flacco (kick aborted) Ravens 6, Browns 0 Drive: 6 plays, 85 yards, 2:53
• BAL (10:03) – Justin Tucker 45-yard field goal Ravens 9, Browns 0 Drive: 7 plays, 32 yards, 1:58
• CLE (2:32) – Trent Richardson 2-yard run (Phil Dawson kick) Ravens 9, Browns 7 Drive: 11 plays, 94 yards, 4:52 Third quarter
• BAL (9:53) – Joe Flacco 1-yard run (Justin Tucker kick) Ravens 16, Browns 7 Drive: 13 plays, 89 yards, 5:07
• CLE (6:52) – Phil Dawson 51-yard field goal Ravens 16, Browns 10 Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 3:01
• BAL (0:15) – Cary Williams 63-yard interception return (Justin Tucker kick) Ravens 23, Browns 10 Fourth quarter
• CLE (12:11) – Phil Dawson 50-yard field goal Ravens 23, Browns 13 Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 3:04
• CLE (4:33) – Phil Dawson 52-yard field goal Ravens 23, Browns 16 Drive: 5 plays, 12 yards, 1:35 Top passers
• CLE – Brandon Weeden 25/52, 320 yards, INT
• BAL – Joe Flacco 28/46, 356 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• CLE – Trent Richardson 14 rushes, 47 yards, TD
• BAL – Ray Rice 18 rushes, 49 yards Top receivers
• CLE – Greg Little 4 receptions, 77 yards
• BAL – Anquan Boldin 9 receptions, 131 yards

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

Week 5: at New York Giants

First quarter

• CLE (14:17) – Trent Richardson 15-yard run (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 7, Giants 0 Drive: 2 plays, 22 yards, 0:37
• CLE (10:14) – Josh Gordon 62-yard pass from Brandon Weeden (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 14, Giants 0 Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:11
• NYG (3:22) – Victor Cruz 3-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick) Browns 14, Giants 7 Drive: 11 plays, 92 yards, 6:41 Second quarter
• CLE (13:48) – Phil Dawson 32-yard field goal Browns 17, Giants 7 Drive: 10 plays, 50 yards, 4:43
• NYG (6:49) – Lawrence Tynes 29-yard field goal Browns 17, Giants 10 Drive: 14 plays, 68 yards, 6:53
• NYG (2:59) – Ahmad Bradshaw 4-yard run (Lawrence Tynes kick) Browns 17, Giants 17 Drive: 2 plays, 40 yards, 0:54
• NYG (1:16) – Victor Cruz 7-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick) Giants 24, Browns 17 Drive: 5 plays, 29 yards, 1:27
• NYG (0:04) – Lawrence Tynes 40-yard field goal Giants 27, Browns 17 Drive: 2 plays, 36 yards, 0:17 Third quarter
• NYG (5:14) – Victor Cruz 28-yard pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick) Giants 34, Browns 17 Drive: 9 plays, 95 yards, 5:13
• CLE (3:37) – Phil Dawson 41-yard field goal Giants 34, Browns 20 Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:39 Fourth quarter
• NYG (5:41) – David Wilson 40-yard rush (Lawrence Tynes kick) Giants 41, Browns 20 Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:24
• CLE (3:56) – Josh Gordon 20-yard pass from Brandon Weeden (Phil Dawson kick) Giants 41, Browns 27 Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 1:45 Top passers
• CLE – Brandon Weeden 22/35, 291 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
• NYG – Eli Manning 25/37, 259 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers
• CLE – Trent Richardson 17 rushes, 81 yards, TD
• NYG – Ahmad Bradshaw 30 rushes, 200 yards, TD Top receivers
• CLE – Josh Gordon 2 receptions, 82 yards, 2 TD
• NYG – Rueben Randle 6 receptions, 82 yards After a tough road loss to the Ravens, the Browns went to face against the Giants on the road. They drew first blood taking a 7–0 lead as Trent Richardson ran for a 15-yard touchdown followed by Brandon Weeden finding Josh Gordon on a 62-yard touchdown pass leaving the Browns with a 14–0 lead. Finally, the Giants were able to get on the board when Eli Manning found Victor Cruz on a 3-yard pass to shorten the lead 14–7. In the 2nd quarter, the Browns moved ahead by double digits again as Phil Dawson kicked a 32-yard field goal for a 17–7. The Giants then again responded by scoring 17 unanswered points before halftime starting by coming within a touchdown off of Lawrence Tynes' 29-yard field goal making the score 17–10. Then the Giants were able to tie it as Ahmad Bradshaw ran for a 4-yard touchdown for a 17–17 score before the Giants took the lead as Manning found Cruz again on a 7-yard pass making the score 24–17. Tynes made the score 27–17 with a 40-yard field goal not long before halftime. The Giants went right back to work in the third quarter as Manning found Cruz a 3rd time on a 28-yard pass increasing their lead to 34–17. Then the Browns tried to rally a comeback but only came away with Dawson nailing a 41-yard field goal making the score 34–20. Then in the fourth quarter, David Wilson ran for a 40-yard touchdown making the score 41–20. The Browns wrapped up the game scoring with Weeden finding Gordon again on a 20-yard pass for a final score of 41–27.

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

Week 6: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

First quarter

• CIN (7:07) – Jermaine Gresham 55-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick) Bengals 7, Browns 0 Drive: 3 plays, 63 yards, 1:35 Second quarter
• CLE (14:51) – Josh Gordon 71-yard pass from Brandon Weeden (Phil Dawson kick) Bengals 7, Browns 7 Drive: 6 plays, 87 yards, 2:11
• CIN (1:54) – A. J. Green 4-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick) Bengals 14, Browns 7 Drive: 3 plays, 27 yards, 1:23 Third quarter
• CLE (8:25) – Phil Dawson 41-yard field goal Bengals 14, Browns 10 Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:28
• CLE (6:27) – Phil Dawson 38-yard field goal Bengals 14, Browns 13 Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:05 Fourth quarter
• CLE (14:56) – Montario Hardesty 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 20, Bengals 14 Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 5:17
• CIN (11:11) – Mike Nugent 44-yard field goal Browns 20, Bengals 17 Drive: 8 plays, 34 yards, 3:45
• CLE (8:00) – Benjamin Watson 4-yard pass from Brandon Weeden (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 27, Bengals 17 Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 3:11
• CLE (7:50) – Sheldon Brown 17-yard interception return (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 34, Bengals 17
• CIN (5:21) – A. J. Green 57-yard pass from Andy Dalton (Mike Nugent kick) Browns 34, Bengals 24 Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 2:29 Top passers
• CIN – Andy Dalton 31/46, 381 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
• CLE – Brandon Weeden 17/29, 231 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
• CIN – BenJarvus Green-Ellis 16 rushes, 62 yards
• CLE – Montario Hardesty 15 rushes, 56 yards, TD Top receivers
• CIN – A. J. Green 7 receptions, 135 yards, 2 TD
• CLE – Josh Gordon 3 receptions, 99 yards, TD

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

Week 7: at Indianapolis Colts

First quarter

• IND (7:23) – Andrew Luck 3-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick) Colts 7, Browns 0 Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 7:37 Second quarter
• CLE (14:01) – Greg Little 14-yard pass from Brandon Weeden (kick aborted) Colts 7, Browns 6 Drive: 16 plays, 90 yards, 8:22
• IND (7:41) – Andrew Luck 5-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick) Colts 14, Browns 6 Drive: 14 plays, 76 yards, 6:20 Third quarter
• CLE (11:53) – Josh Gordon 33-yard pass from Brandon Weeden (Phil Dawson kick) Colts 14, Browns 13 Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:07
• IND (3:19) – Adam Vinatieri 38-yard field goal Colts 17, Browns 13 Drive: 17 plays, 61 yards, 8:34 Fourth quarter
• No scoring plays. Top passers
• CLE – Brandon Weeden 25/41, 264 yards, 2 TD
• IND – Andrew Luck 16/29, 186 yards Top rushers
• CLE – Montario Hardesty 7 rushes, 28 yards
• IND – Vick Ballard 20 rushes, 84 yards Top receivers
• CLE – Josh Gordon 2 receptions, 59 yards, TD
• IND – Reggie Wayne 6 receptions, 73 yards

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

Week 8: vs. San Diego Chargers

First quarter

• CLE (4:26) – Trent Richardson 26-yard run (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 7, Chargers 0 Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 4:35 Second quarter
• SD (0:03) – Nick Novak 43-yard field goal Browns 7, Chargers 3 Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 1:48 Third quarter
• SD (2:36) – Nick Novak 31-yard field goal Browns 7, Chargers 6 Drive: 9 plays, 30 yards, 4:36 Fourth quarter
• No scoring plays. Top passers
• SD – Philip Rivers 18/34, 154 yards
• CLE – Brandon Weeden 11/27, 129 yards Top rushers
• SD – Ryan Mathews 24 rushes, 95 yards
• CLE – Trent Richardson 24 rushes, 122 yards, TD Top receivers
• SD – Ronnie Brown 7 receptions, 85 yards
• CLE – Josh Gordon 3 receptions, 46 yards In rainy and windy conditions, Trent Richardson scored the game's only touchdown, running from 26 yards out for a 7–0 lead. The Chargers managed to get on the board as Nick Novak score a 43-yard field goal before halftime making the score 7–3. The Chargers then scored the only points of the second half in the third quarter, with Novak scoring a 31-yard field goal making the score 7–6. There were no further scores and the Browns increased their record to 2–6 and their home record to 2–2.

Week 9: vs. Baltimore Ravens

First quarter

• BAL (8:32) – Ray Rice 8-yard run (Justin Tucker kick) Ravens 7, Browns 0 Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 5:25
• BAL (0:01) – Bernard Pierce 12-yard run (Justin Tucker kick) Ravens 14, Browns 0 Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 6:52 Second quarter
• CLE (9:19) – Phil Dawson 32-yard field goal Ravens 14, Browns 3 Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 5:42
• CLE (1:47) – Phil Dawson 28-yard field goal Ravens 14, Browns 6 Drive: 10 plays, 76 yards, 4:05
• CLE (0:03) – Phil Dawson 29-yard field goal Ravens 14, Browns 9 Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 1:00 Third quarter
• CLE (2:39) – Phil Dawson 33-yard field goal Ravens 14, Browns 12 Drive: 10 plays, 41 yards, 5:30 Fourth quarter
• CLE (8:48) – Phil Dawson 41-yard field goal Browns 15, Ravens 14 Drive: 9 plays, 34 yards, 4:32
• BAL (4:26) – Torrey Smith 19-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Joe Flacco pass to Anquan Boldin) Ravens 22, Browns 15 Drive: 9 plays, 81 yards, 4:22
• BAL (2:49) – Justin Tucker 43-yard field goal Ravens 25, Browns 15 Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:01 Top passers
• BAL – Joe Flacco 15/24, 153 yards, TD
• CLE – Brandon Weeden 20/37, 176 yards, 2 INT Top rushers
• BAL – Ray Rice 25 rushes, 98 yards, TD
• CLE – Trent Richardson 25 rushes, 105 yards Top receivers
• BAL – Anquan Boldin 5 receptions, 57 yards
• CLE – Greg Little 5 receptions, 52 yards

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

Week 11: at Dallas Cowboys

First quarter

• CLE (4:01) – Benjamin Watson 10-yard pass from Brandon Weeden (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 7, Cowboys 0 Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 4:55 Second quarter
• CLE (12:09) – Phil Dawson 51-yard field goal Browns 10, Cowboys 0 Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 3:44
• CLE (5:07) – Phil Dawson 37-yard field goal Browns 13, Cowboys 0 Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 4:16 Third quarter
• DAL (4:16) – Dan Bailey 44-yard field goal Browns 13, Cowboys 3 Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 5:44 Fourth quarter
• DAL (13:49) – Felix Jones 2-yard run (Dan Bailey kick) Browns 13, Cowboys 10 Drive: 8 plays, 89 yards, 3:59
• DAL (6:46) – Dez Bryant 28-yard pass from Tony Romo (Dan Bailey kick) Cowboys 17, Browns 13 Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 5:11
• CLE (1:07) – Benjamin Watson 17-yard pass from Brandon Weeden (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 20, Cowboys 17 Drive: 1 play, 17 yards, 0:03
• DAL (0:02) – Dan Bailey 32-yard field goal Browns 20, Cowboys 20 Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 1:05 Overtime
• DAL (6:07) – Dan Bailey 38-yard field goal Cowboys 23, Browns 20 Drive: 7 plays, 28 yards, 3:32 Top passers
• CLE – Brandon Weeden 20/35, 210 yards, 2 TD
• DAL – Tony Romo 35/50, 313 yards, TD Top rushers
• CLE – Trent Richardson 28 rushes, 95 yards
• DAL – Felix Jones 14 rushes, 43 yards, TD Top receivers
• CLE – Josh Gordon 5 receptions, 53 yards
• DAL – Dez Bryant 12 receptions, 145 yards, TD

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

Week 12: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

First quarter

• PIT (14:00) – Lawrence Timmons 53-yard interception return (Shaun Suisham kick) Steelers 7, Browns 0
• CLE (9:10) – Phil Dawson 28-yard field goal Steelers 7, Browns 3 Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 3:13 Second quarter
• CLE (12:25) – Jordan Cameron 5-yard pass from Brandon Weeden (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 10, Steelers 7 Drive: 3 plays, 10 yards, 1:21
• CLE (3:45) – Phil Dawson 32-yard field goal Browns 13, Steelers 7 Drive: 10 plays, 44 yards, 5:34
• PIT (0:07) – Chris Rainey 1-yard run (Shaun Suisham kick) Steelers 14, Browns 13 Drive: 9 plays, 84 yards, 1:50 Third quarter
• CLE (5:25) – Trent Richardson 15-yard run (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 20, Steelers 14 Drive: 3 plays, 31 yards, 1:46 Fourth quarter
• No scoring plays. Top passers
• PIT – Charlie Batch 19/33, 199 yards, 3 INT
• CLE – Brandon Weeden 17/26, 158 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
• PIT – Jonathan Dwyer 9 rushes, 19 yards
• CLE – Trent Richardson 29 rushes, 85 yards, TD Top receivers
• PIT – Emmanuel Sanders 5 receptions, 73 yards
• CLE – Josh Gordon 4 receptions, 60 yards Although the Steelers scored first on a 53-yard interception return by Lawrence Timmons, the Browns benefited from eight Pittsburgh turnovers and the Browns defeated the Steelers 20–14. This was the first Browns victory over the Steelers since Week 14 of the 2009 season, and only the fifth time the Browns beat the Steelers since returning to the NFL in 1999. The Browns became the only AFC North team on the season to successfully defend their home territory against the Steelers. After the game, it was announced that team president Mike Holmgren would leave the Browns with immediate effect.

Week 13: at Oakland Raiders

First quarter

• No scoring plays. Second quarter
• CLE (12:59) – Phil Dawson 41-yard field goal Browns 3, Raiders 0 Drive: 13 plays, 57 yards, 6:27
• CLE (10:25) – Josh Gordon 44-yard pass from Brandon Weeden (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 10, Raiders 0 Drive: 2 plays, 62 yards, 0:49
• OAK (4:28) – Sebastian Janikowski 51-yard field goal Browns 10, Raiders 3 Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 2:44 Third quarter
• CLE (9:51) – Phil Dawson 35-yard field goal Browns 13, Raiders 3 Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 5:09
• OAK (0:17) – Rod Streater 64-yard pass from Carson Palmer (S. Janikowski kick) Browns 13, Raiders 10 Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:41 Fourth quarter
• CLE (3:27) – Trent Richardson 3-yard run (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 20, Raiders 10 Drive: 14 plays, 94 yards, 6:04
• OAK (0:01) – Brandon Myers 17-yard pass from Carson Palmer (S. Janikowski kick) Browns 20, Raiders 17 Drive: 15 plays, 84 yards, 3:26 Top passers
• CLE – Brandon Weeden 25/36, 364 yards, TD, 2 INT
• OAK – Carson Palmer 34/54, 351 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers
• CLE – Trent Richardson 20 rushes, 72 yards, TD
• OAK – Jeremy Stewart 9 rushes, 46 yards Top receivers
• CLE – Josh Gordon 6 receptions, 116 yards, TD
• OAK – Brandon Myers 14 receptions, 130 yards, TD Behind Brandon Weeden's career high passing day (364 yards), the Browns defeated the Oakland Raiders 20–17, snapping a 12-game road losing streak, and their first consecutive wins since Weeks 2 and 3 of the 2011 season. The win would also knock Oakland out of the playoff race.

Week 14: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

First quarter

• KC (15:00) – Jamaal Charles 80-yard run (Ryan Succop kick) Chiefs 7, Browns 0 Drive: 1 play, 80 yards, 0:12
• CLE (3:56) – Phil Dawson 23-yard field goal Chiefs 7, Browns 3 Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 4:00 Second quarter
• CLE (15:00) – Travis Benjamin 93-yard punt return (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 10, Chiefs 7 Third quarter
• CLE (12:28) – Trent Richardson 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 17, Chiefs 7 Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 2:32
• CLE (8:45) – Phil Dawson 24-yard field goal Browns 20, Chiefs 7 Drive: 5 plays, 7 yards, 2:23 Fourth quarter
• CLE (14:21) – Trent Richardson 1-yard run (Phil Dawson kick) Browns 27, Chiefs 7 Drive: 12 plays, 82 yards, 6:25
• CLE (9:08) – Phil Dawson 34-yard field goal Browns 30, Chiefs 7 Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:50 Top passers
• KC – Brady Quinn 11/22, 159 yards, INT
• CLE – Brandon Weeden 17/30, 217 yards Top rushers
• KC – Jamaal Charles 18 rushes, 165 yards, TD
• CLE – Montario Hardesty 10 rushes, 52 yards Top receivers
• KC – Dwayne Bowe 2 receptions, 70 yards
• CLE – Josh Gordon 8 receptions, 86 yards Helped by a 93-yard punt return by Travis Benjamin (the longest punt return for a touchdown in franchise history), the Browns defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 30–7 for their first three-game win streak since 2009, improving their current season to 5–8 and 3–0 against the AFC West. With losses by the Bengals and Steelers (both 7–6), the Browns still remain in playoff contention moving up to only two games behind their two longest rivals. This remained the Browns' only December victory until a 24–10 win over the San Francisco 49ers in 2015.

Week 15: vs. Washington Redskins

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

Week 16: at Denver Broncos

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

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

Week 17: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Top passers

• CLE – Thaddeus Lewis
• PIT – Ben Roethlisberger Top rushers
• CLE – Brandon Jackson
• PIT – Jonathan Dwyer Top receivers
• CLE – Benjamin Watson
• PIT – Emmanuel Sanders After a tough loss at the Broncos, the Browns traveled to Pittsburgh for game 2 of the 2012 series. The Browns were able to tie the game at 3–3 and then 10–10. However, they were overpowered by the Steelers as they scored 14 unanswered points to make the final score 24–10. The Browns went on to lose the game, finishing 5–11 for the season. They finished 1–7 in games away from home.

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

Standings

2013 Pro Bowl

Main article: 2013 Pro Bowl

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

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

References

References

1. Cabot, Mary Kay. (October 16, 2012). "Jimmy Haslam is new Cleveland Browns owner after unanimous approval by NFL". Cleveland Live LLC.
2. "Cleveland Browns' sale to Jimmy Haslam complete".
3. (August 2, 2012). "Reports: Deal to sell the Browns complete". [[Sports Illustrated]].
4. McMahon, Tim. (January 11, 2012). "Jerome Henderson will be new DB coach". [[ESPN]].
5. Schudel, Jeff. (January 18, 2012). "Browns hired Nolan Cromwell as senior offensive assistant". [[The News-Herald (Ohio).
6. (January 23, 2012). "Browns add Hauck to staff". ClevelandBrowns.com.
7. Ulrich, Nate. (January 28, 2012). "Browns hire Brad Childress as offensive coordinator". [[Akron Beacon Journal]].
8. "Broncos sign FS Adams".
9. "Titus Brown not Tendered".
10. "Browns re-sign G Cousins and DT Schaffering".
11. Cabot, Mary Kay. (March 2, 2012). "Cleveland Browns put franchise tag on longtime kicker Phil Dawson". [[Cleveland Plain Dealer]].
12. Florio, Mike. (March 13, 2012). "Phil Dawson signs franchise tender". [[NBC Sports]].
13. "Browns re-sign G Greco".
14. "Dolphins Sign T Hicks".
15. (March 15, 2012). "Chiefs sign free-agent RB Peyton Hillis".
16. Cabot, Mary Kay. (February 27, 2012). "Cleveland Browns sign LB D'Qwell Jackson to five-year, $42.5 million deal". [[Cleveland Plain Dealer]].
17. "Browns re-sign WR Norwood".
18. Hensley, Jamison. (March 15, 2012). "Report: Browns keep CB Dimitri Patterson". [[ESPN]].com.
19. "Browns re-sign TE Smith".
20. "Eagles Sign C Vallos".
21. "Browns release T Pashos and P McGee".
22. "Browns release DE Mitchell".
23. "Buccaneers sign DE Mitchell".
24. (May 15, 2012). "Browns cut Smith, place Sweat on retired list".
25. "Carolina Panthers: Armond Smith".
26. (March 14, 2012). "Browns Release Eric Steinbach". [[ESPN]].com.
27. "Dolphins sign G Steinbach".
28. Schudel, Jeff. (March 15, 2012). "Browns sign veteran DL Jaqua Parker". [[The News-Herald (Ohio).
29. (March 15, 2012). "DE Frostee Rucker signs with Browns". [[Chicago Tribune]].
30. Florjancic, Matt. (March 26, 2012). "Browns awarded four compensatory picks". ClevelandBrowns.com.
31. Hangst, Andrea. (April 30, 2012). "Tracking Cleveland Browns' 2012 NFL Undrafted Free-Agent Signings". BleacherReport.
32. Pokorny, Chris. (May 30, 2012). "Wilson: Browns Reportedly Cut CB Mike Allen". Dawgs by Nature.
33. Rados, Paul. (August 26, 2012). "Cleveland Browns Cut Nine, Projections for Remaining Roster Cuts: A Fan's Look". Yahoo! Sports.
34. Rados, Paul. (September 1, 2012). "Cleveland Browns Release Final Cuts List, Roster Set at 53: A Fan's Reaction". Yahoo! Sports.
35. Cabot, Mary K. (May 14, 2012). "Cleveland Browns cut RB Armond Smith, sign Toledo RB Adonis Thomas and former Idaho LB JoJo Dickson". [[Cleveland Plain Dealer]].
36. Brinson, Will. (May 15, 2012). "Ohio State linebacker Andrew Sweat picks law school over NFL, concussions". [[CBS Sports]].
37. (July 12, 2012). "Browns select WR Gordon in supplemental draft".
38. Fendrich, Howard. (May 2, 2012). "NFL suspends 4 players for Saints' bounties".
39. (May 2, 2012). "Jonathan Vilma banned one year". [[ESPN]].
40. Telich, John. (July 3, 2012). "Browns Fujita Appeal Denied by League". [[WJW (TV).
41. Glitin, Marty. (September 7, 2012). "Browns LB Scott Fujita gets nod to play". [[CBS Sports]].
42. (May 11, 2012). "Browns' Phil Taylor will need surgery".
43. "Browns employee kills self".
44. (August 4, 2012). "Browns' Chris Gocong hurts Achilles".
45. (August 6, 2012). "Browns name rookie QB Brandon Weeden starter".
46. Kilpatrick, Bryan. (August 27, 2012). "Browns Awarded Defensive Lineman Ernest Owusu Off Waivers". SB Nation.
47. Alper, Josh. (December 31, 2012). "Report: Pat Shurmur, Tom Heckert fired in Cleveland". [[NBC Sports]].
48. Florjancic, Matt. (December 26, 2012). "Dawson, Thomas make Pro Bowl roster". ClevelandBrowns.com.