Browns have had losing records in nine of 11 seasons since rejoining NFL. Links to all those seasons. And, link to every Plain Dealer game story in Browns history.
Browns linebacker David Bowens (96) hugs cornerback Joe Haden after Haden intercepted a fourth-quarter pass during Cleveland's 24-23 win over Carolina.Cleveland, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns are 4-7 with five games remaining in their 2010 season.
Those games are Sunday at Miami against the Dolphins (6-5); Dec. 12 at Buffalo against the Bills (2-9); Dec. 19 at Cincinnati against the Bengals (2-9); Dec. 26 at home against the Baltimore Ravens (8-3); Jan. 2 at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3).
Since the Browns returned as a franchise to the NFL in 1999, they have had two winning seasons: 2002, when they were 9-7, made the playoffs as a wild card and lost at Pittsburgh, 36-33, in a first-round game; 2007, when they were 10-6 and were denied a playoff spot because of losing in the tiebreaker rules to the Tennessee Titans.
(Years are highlighted to link to Browns' details for each season on pro-football-reference.com)
The Browns' nine losing seasons among the last 11: 2-14 in 1999; 3-13 in 2000; 7-9 in 2001; 5-11 in 2003; 4-12 in 2004; 6-10 in 2005; 4-12 in 2006; 4-12 in 2008; 5-11 in 2009.
As they try to better some of those records, the Browns need to win on Sunday against the Dolphins, and to do so, they'll need another strong game from tailback Peyton Hillis, fullback Lawrence Vickers and the offensive line. with, of course, help from the tight ends and wide receivers.
On Scout.com's Orange and Brown Report, the Sports Xchange details how Hillis's running has been a key in the Browns' best games:
The Browns beat Cincinnati, New Orleans and New England this year and in those games Hillis rushed for 102, 69 and 184 yards respectively. One reason they beat the Saints without Hillis rushing for 100 was linebacker David Bowens returned two interceptions for touchdowns, which meant the ball went right back to the Saints.
Hillis rushed for 131 yards and scored three touchdowns when the Browns beat the Panthers 24-23 last week.
"We have to know what they do on the defensive side of the ball and adjust to it during the game," Hills said. "Sometimes you have a good week; sometimes you have a bad week. You have to prepare hard every week."
Hillis does not agree with the notion that if the Dolphins slow him they beat the Browns. He predicts the Browns will launch an aerial assault if Miami uses eight defenders in the box.
Check The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com for extensive Browns coverage. And, read The Plain Dealer game stories on every Browns regular season and playoff game in their history, at The PD's Browns History Database.
Post patterns
The Browns are interesting this season, even if not always good, Bob Hunter writes for the Columbus Dispatch.
The Browns got a break on a play review against Carolina, former NFL official Mike Pereira writes for FoxSports.com.
Wide receiver Brian Robiskie's fine game, and Browns notes, by Mike McLain of the Warren Tribune Chronicle.
Peyton Hillis has another strong game, by Fred Greetham for Scout.com's Orange and Brown Report.
What coach Eric Mangini is saying, by Scott Petrak for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram and Medina County Gazette.
Comments on Peyton Hillis, by Peter King for Sports Illustrated's SI.com.
Which is the NFL's worst team? The 10th of 10 NFL questions from Sean Leahy on USAToday.com. Hint: They were just in town.
Browns notes, leading off with placekicker Phil Dawson, by Brian Dulik for the Medina County Gazette and Elyria Chronicle-Telegram.
Browns wide receivers got the job done, by David S. Glasier for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.