73rd season in franchise history
The 2021 season was the Cleveland Browns' 69th season as a member of the National Football League (NFL), their 73rd overall and their second under head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. The Browns finished 8–9, failing to improve upon their 11–5 record from 2020. Despite starting 3–1, they would go 5–8 in their last games, eliminating them from playoff contention in the process. For the 75th anniversary of the team's founding in 1946, the Browns introduced a commemorative logo in January to use for the season.[1]
Offseason
Re-signings
Position | Player | Tag | Date |
TE | Stephen Carlson | ERFA | March 5 |
DE | Porter Gustin | ERFA | March 5 |
WR | Rashard Higgins | UFA | March 17 |
WR | KhaDarel Hodge | RFA | March 15 |
OLB | Elijah Lee | UFA | March 19 |
WR | JoJo Natson | UFA | March 18 |
K | Cody Parkey | UFA | March 18 |
LB | Malcolm Smith | UFA | March 18 |
Players added
Position | Player | Tag | 2020 Team | Date |
DE | Jadeveon Clowney | UFA | Tennessee Titans | April 14 |
CB | Troy Hill | UFA | Los Angeles Rams | March 18 |
DT | Malik Jackson | UFA | Philadelphia Eagles | March 19 |
S | John Johnson | UFA | Los Angeles Rams | March 17 |
DT | Malik McDowell | UFA | | May 3 |
DE | Takkarist McKinley | UFA | Las Vegas Raiders | March 17 |
K | Chase McLaughlin | waivers | New York Jets | May 11 |
OT | Greg Senat | UFA | Dallas Cowboys | March 18 |
DT | Damion Square | UFA | Los Angeles Chargers | May 4 |
LB | Anthony Walker Jr. | UFA | Indianapolis Colts | March 19 |
Players lost
Draft
Pre-draft trades
- Cleveland acquired a third-round selection and a 2020 third-round selection from New Orleans in exchange for 2020 third- and seventh-round selections.[6]
- Cleveland acquired a fourth-round selection from Philadelphia in exchange for defensive end Genard Avery.[7]
- Cleveland acquired a fifth-round selection from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for offensive lineman Austin Corbett.[8]
- Cleveland traded its original fifth-round selection to Jacksonville in exchange for safety Ronnie Harrison.[9]
- Cleveland acquired a seventh-round selection and guard Wyatt Teller from Buffalo in exchange for 2020 fifth- and sixth-round selections.[10]
- Cleveland traded its original seventh-round selection to Denver in exchange for fullback Andy Janovich.[11]
Undrafted free agents
Staff
2021 Cleveland Browns staff | Front office - Owners – Jimmy Haslam, Dee Haslam, Whitney Haslam-Johnson, J.W. Johnson (EVP)
- Chief strategy officer – Paul DePodesta
- EVP/Chief Operating Officer – David Jenkins
- EVP of football operations/General manager – Andrew Berry
- Vice president of football administration – Chris Cooper
- Vice president of football operations – Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
- Vice president of player personnel – Glenn Cook
- Vice president of research and strategy – Andrew Healy
- Vice president of player personnel process and development – Ken Kovash
- Director of football administration - Taylor Young
- Director of player personnel – Dan Saganey
- Assistant director of pro personnel – Adam Al-Khayyal
- Director of research and strategy – Dave Giuliani
- Director of scouting research – Mike Cetta
- Director of football information systems - Brad DeAngelis
- Senior football advisor – Ryan Grigson
- Special advisor – Jim Brown
Head coaches Offensive coaches - Offensive coordinator – Alex Van Pelt
- Run game coordinator/running backs – Stump Mitchell
- Pass game coordinator/wide receivers – Chad O'Shea
- Tight ends – Drew Petzing
- Offensive line – Bill Callahan
- Assistant offensive line – Scott Peters
- Senior offensive assistant – Kevin Rogers
- Offensive assistant – T. C. McCartney
- Offensive quality control – Jonathan Decoster
| | | Defensive coaches - Defensive coordinator – Joe Woods
- Defensive line – Chris Kiffin
- Assistant defensive line – Jeremy Garrett
- Linebackers – Jason Tarver
- Defensive pass game coordinator/defensive backs – Jeff Howard
- Assistant defensive backs – Brandon Lynch
- Defensive run game coordinator – Ben Bloom
- Defensive quality control – Stephen Bravo-Brown
- Defensive Assistant - Zach Dunn
Special teams coaches - Assistant special teams – Doug Colman
- Coaching assistant – Ryan Cordell
Strength and conditioning - Director of high performance – Shaun Huls
- Director of strength and conditioning – Larry Jackson
- Director of performance nutrition – Katy Meassick
- Strength and conditioning assistant/sports science – Josh Christovich
- Strength and conditioning assistant – Monty Gibson
- Strength and conditioning assistant – Dale Jones
- Strength and conditioning assistant – Evan Marcus
|
Final roster
2021 Cleveland Browns final roster |
| Quarterbacks Running backs Wide receivers Tight ends | | Offensive linemen Defensive linemen | | Linebackers Defensive backs Special teams | | Reserve lists Practice squad Rookies in italics 54 active, 14 inactive, 9 practice squad (+5 exempt) |
Preseason
Regular season
Schedule
The Browns' 2021 schedule was announced on May 12.
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Game summaries
Week 1: at Kansas City Chiefs
Game information |
First quarter - CLE – Nick Chubb 4-yard run (Kareem Hunt run), 7:53. Browns 8–0. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:07.
- KC – Harrison Butker 28-yard field goal, 1:51. Browns 8–3. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 6:02.
Second quarter - CLE – Jarvis Landry 5-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 13:28. Browns 15–3. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:23.
- KC – Patrick Mahomes 5-yard run (Harrison Butker kick), 6:30. Browns 15–10. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:58.
- CLE – Nick Chubb 18-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 2:55. Browns 22–10. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 3:35.
Third quarter - KC – Travis Kelce 11-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker kick), 7:27. Browns 22–17. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:33.
- KC – Harrison Butker 43-yard field goal, 0:32. Browns 22–20. Drive: 10 plays, 28 yards, 5:24.
Fourth quarter - CLE – Kareem Hunt 2-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 10:24. Browns 29–20. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:08.
- KC – Tyreek Hill 75-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker kick), 10:10. Browns 29–27. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:14.
- KC – Travis Kelce 8-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes (pass failed), 7:04. Chiefs 33–29. Drive: 3 plays, 15 yards, 1:32.
| Top passers Top rushers Top receivers | |
With the loss, the Browns started their season at 0–1. The Browns failed to win in Week 1 for the 17th straight season.
Week 2: vs. Houston Texans
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter - HOU – Tyrod Taylor 15-yard run (Joey Slye kick), 7:06. Texans 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:38.
- CLE – Baker Mayfield 5-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 1:14. Tied 14–14. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:52.
Third quarter - CLE – Demetric Felton 33-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 7:50. Browns 21–14. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 5:52.
- CLE – Chase McLaughlin 30-yard field goal, 4:40. Browns 24–14. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:37.
Fourth quarter - HOU – Brandin Cooks 2-yard pass from Davis Mills (Joey Slye kick), 11:32. Browns 24–21. Drive: 16 plays, 75 yards, 8:08.
- CLE – Nick Chubb 26-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 5:52. Browns 31–21. Drive: 9 plays, 82 yards, 5:40.
| Top passers Top rushers Top receivers | |
With the win, the Browns improved to 1–1.
Week 3: vs. Chicago Bears
Week 3: Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Bears | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
Browns | 0 | 10 | 3 | 13 | 26 |
at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
Game information |
First quarter - CHI - Cairo Santos 47-yard field goal, 8:40. Bears 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 24 yards, 2:46.
Second quarter - CLE - Chase McLaughlin 57-yard field goal, 12:31. Tied 3–3. Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 4:32.
- CLE - Austin Hooper 13-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 0:19. Browns 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 89 yards, 2:35.
Third quarter - CLE - Chase McLaughlin 41-yard field goal, 9:32. Browns 13–3. Drive: 7 plays, 21 yards, 4:26.
- CHI - Cairo Santos 22-yard field goal, 1:43. Browns 13–6. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:02.
Fourth quarter - CLE - Kareem Hunt 29-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 14:46. Browns 20–6. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:57.
- CLE - Chase McLaughlin 52-yard field goal, 10:40. Browns 23–6. Drive: 6 plays, 37 yards, 3:00.
- CLE - Chase McLaughlin 28-yard field goal, 3:43. Browns 26–6. Drive: 10 plays, 41 yards, 5:35.
| Top passers Top rushers - CHI – David Montgomery – 10 rushes, 34 yards
- CLE – Nick Chubb – 22 rushes, 84 yards
Top receivers | |
With the win, the Browns improved to 2–1. The Browns' defense set franchise records for fewest yards allowed (47) and fewest net passing yards allowed (1).[12] DE Myles Garrett set a franchise record with 4.5 sacks[12] and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[13]
Week 4: at Minnesota Vikings
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter - CLE - Chase McLaughlin 53-yard field goal, 6:16. Browns 14–7. Drive: 7 plays, 36 yards, 3:29.
| Top passers Top rushers Top receivers | |
This was Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski's first return to Minneapolis since leaving the Vikings in January 2020 to become the Browns head coach. Stefanski served as an assistant coach for the Vikings from 2006 to 2019.
With the win, the Browns improved to 3–1. This marked the Browns' sixth consecutive win over NFC opponents.
Week 5: at Los Angeles Chargers
Week 5: Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Chargers – Game summary
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Browns | 3 | 17 | 7 | 15 | 42 |
Chargers | 7 | 6 | 8 | 26 | 47 |
at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- Date: October 10
- Game time: 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. PDT
- Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
- Game attendance: 70,240
- Referee: Brad Allen
- TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
- Recap, Game Book
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter - CLE – Rashard Higgins 7-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 12:46. Browns 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 72 yards, 4:58.
- LAC – Mike Williams 72-yard pass from Justin Herbert (kick failed), 11:43. Chargers 13–10. Drive: 4 plays, 82 yards, 1:03.
- CLE – Kareem Hunt 3-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 0:54. Browns 17–13. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 6:00.
- CLE – Chase McLaughlin 31-yard field goal, 0:00. Browns 20–13. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 0:38.
Third quarter - CLE – Nick Chubb 52-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 12:18. Browns 27–13. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:42.
- LAC – Justin Herbert 9-yard run (Justin Herbert–Donald Parham pass), 6:25. Browns 27–21. Drive: 14 plays, 84 yards, 5:53.
Fourth quarter - LAC – Mike Williams 42-yard pass from Justin Herbert (Tristan Vizcaino kick), 11:22. Chargers 28–27. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 1:29.
- CLE – David Njoku 71-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Baker Mayfield–Austin Hooper pass), 10:40. Browns 35–28. Drive: 2 plays, 78 yards, 0:42.
- LAC – Austin Ekeler 4-yard run (Tristan Vizcaino kick), 7:24. Tied 35–35. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:16.
- CLE – Kareem Hunt 8-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 4:45. Browns 42–35. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:39.
- LAC – Austin Ekeler 19-yard pass from Justin Herbert (kick failed), 3:15. Browns 42–41. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:30.
- LAC – Austin Ekeler 3-yard run (run failed), 1:31. Chargers 47–42. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 0:31.
| Top passers Top rushers Top receivers - CLE – David Njoku – 7 receptions, 149 yards, TD
- LAC – Mike Williams – 8 receptions, 165 yards, 2 TD
| |
With the loss, the Browns fell to 3–2. The Browns became the first team in NFL history to lose a game despite scoring 40+ points and having no turnovers. Such teams were previously 442–0.
Week 6: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week 6: Arizona Cardinals at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Cardinals | 7 | 16 | 7 | 7 | 37 |
Browns | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter - ARI - DeAndre Hopkins 13-yard pass from Kyler Murray (Matt Prater kick), 14:49. Cardinals 14–0. Drive: 11 plays, 78 yards, 4:41.
- ARI - Matt Prater 36-yard field goal, 13:02. Cardinals 17–0. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 0:51.
- ARI - Matt Prater 51-yard field goal, 9:24. Cardinals 20–0. Drive: 4 plays, -5 yards, 2:07.
- CLE - Donovan Peoples-Jones 11-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 5:06. Cardinals 20–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:18.
- ARI - Matt Prater 33-yard field goal, 0:43. Cardinals 23–7. Drive: 12 plays, 56 yards, 4:23.
- CLE - Donovan Peoples-Jones 57-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 0:00. Cardinals 23–14. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 0:43.
Third quarter - ARI - DeAndre Hopkins 9-yard pass from Kyler Murray (Matt Prater kick), 2:56. Cardinals 30–14. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 3:30.
Fourth quarter - ARI - A. J. Green 14-yard pass from Kyler Murray (Matt Prater kick), 4:48. Cardinals 37–14. Drive: 11 plays, 93 yards, 7:18.
| Top passers Top rushers - ARI – James Conner – 16 rushes, 71 yards
- CLE – Kareem Hunt – 14 rushes, 66 yards
Top receivers | |
With the loss, the Browns fell to 3–3. This loss ended a 6-game winning streak over NFC opponents and marked the first time the Browns lost consecutive games under head coach Kevin Stefanski. Starting quarterback Baker Mayfield left the game after aggravating a shoulder injury he suffered earlier in the season. Mayfield was ruled out for the following game, ending his streak of 51 consecutive starts at quarterback, the second longest stretch in franchise history (trailing only Brian Sipe's 70 consecutive starts from 1978–82).[14]
Week 7: vs. Denver Broncos
Week 7: Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Broncos | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
Browns | 10 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
Game information |
First quarter - CLE - D'Ernest Johnson 4-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 12:20. Browns 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:40.
- CLE - Chase McLaughlin 52-yard field goal, 3:14. Browns 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 43 yards, 7:04.
Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter | Top passers Top rushers Top receivers | |
With the win, the Browns improved to 4–3. RB D'Ernest Johnson was named the FedEx Ground Player of the week. Johnson, who was making his first career start in place of injured RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, had 22 carries for 146 yards and a touchdown, including several key runs to run out the clock and preserve the win.[15]
Week 8: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 8: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Steelers | 0 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 15 |
Browns | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 10 |
at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
- Date: October 31
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: Sunny, 56 °F (13 °C)
- Game attendance: 67,431
- Referee: Shawn Hochuli
- TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
- Recap, Game Book
Game information |
First quarter - CLE – Chase McLaughlin 30-yard field goal, 8:09. Browns 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 63 yards, 6:51.
Second quarter - PIT – Chris Boswell 31-yard field goal, 9:18. Tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 5:36.
Third quarter - CLE – D'Ernest Johnson 10-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 9:36. Browns 10–3. Drive: 8 plays, 86 yards, 4:19.
- PIT – Najee Harris 8-yard run (pass failed), 3:39. Browns 10–9. Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 5:57.
Fourth quarter | Top passers Top rushers Top receivers | |
With the loss, the Browns fell to 4–4.
On November 5, the Browns announced their intentions to release WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Week 9: at Cincinnati Bengals
Week 9: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Browns | 7 | 17 | 10 | 7 | 41 |
Bengals | 7 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 16 |
at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Date: November 7
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: Partly sunny, 60 °F (16 °C)
- Game attendance: 65,451
- Referee: Scott Novak
- TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
- Recap, Game Book
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter - CLE – Nick Chubb 1-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 14:45. Browns 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:25.
- CLE – Donovan Peoples-Jones 60-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 10:10. Browns 21–7. Drive: 1 play, 60 yards, 0:08.
- CLE – Chase McLaughlin 28-yard field goal, 4:10. Browns 24–7. Drive: 6 plays, 20 yards, 3:21.
- CIN – Evan McPherson 27-yard field goal, 0:02. Browns 24–10. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 4:08.
Third quarter - CLE – Nick Chubb 70-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 8:00. Browns 31–10. Drive: 2 plays, 70 yards, 0:14.
- CLE – Chase McLaughlin 24-yard field goal, 5:14. Browns 34–10. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:20.
Fourth quarter - CIN – Joe Mixon 2-yard run (run failed), 13:51. Browns 34–16. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 2:16.
- CLE – David Njoku 18-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 4:27. Browns 41–16. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 2:32.
| Top passers Top rushers Top receivers | |
With the win, the Browns improved to 5–4. The 25-point margin of victory was the Browns' largest since 2003. RB Nick Chubb was named FedEx Ground Player of the Week. Chubb rushed for 137 yards on 14 carries with two touchdowns.
Week 10: at New England Patriots
Week 10: Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Browns | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Patriots | 7 | 17 | 7 | 14 | 45 |
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Date: November 14
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: Cloudy, 48 °F (9 °C)
- Game attendance: 65,878
- Referee: John Hussey
- TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
- Recap, Game Book
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter - NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 5-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 14:43. Patriots 14–7. Drive: 1 play, 5 yards, 0:05.
- NE – Kendrick Bourne 23-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 5:40. Patriots 21–7. Drive: 11 plays, 99 yards, 6:11.
- NE – Nick Folk 38-yard field goal, 0:17. Patriots 24–7. Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 3:31.
Third quarter - NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 5-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 5:04. Patriots 31–7. Drive: 8 plays, 92 yards, 5:06.
Fourth quarter - NE – Hunter Henry 3-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 13:33. Patriots 38–7. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:59.
- NE – Jakobi Meyers 11-yard pass from Brian Hoyer (Nick Folk kick), 4:13. Patriots 45–7. Drive: 6 plays, 92 yards, 4:02.
| Top passers - CLE – Case Keenum – 8/12, 81 yards
- NE – Mac Jones – 19/23, 198 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers - CLE – D'Ernest Johnson – 19 rushes, 99 yards
- NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 20 rushes, 100 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers - CLE – D'Ernest Johnson – 7 receptions, 58 yards
- NE – Kendrick Bourne – 4 receptions, 98 yards, TD
| |
With the loss, the Browns fell to 5–5. The 38-point margin of defeat was the Browns' largest since 2005.
Week 11: vs. Detroit Lions
Week 11: Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Lions | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 10 |
Browns | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
- Date: November 21
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: Showers, 44 °F (7 °C)
- Game attendance: 67,431
- Referee: Clay Martin
- TV announcers (Fox): Gus Johnson, Aqib Talib and Megan Olivi
- Recap, GameBook
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter - DET – Aldrick Rosas 43-yard field goal, 9:07. Browns 13–10. Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:54.
| Top passers - DET – Tim Boyle – 15/23, 77 yards, 2 INT
- CLE – Baker Mayfield – 15/29, 176 yards, TD, 2 INT
Top rushers Top receivers | |
With the win, the Browns improved to 6–5. This win ended a four-game losing streak to the Lions, as this was the Browns first win over the Lions since 2001.
Week 12: at Baltimore Ravens
Game information |
First quarter - BAL – Justin Tucker 52-yard field goal, 0:24. Ravens 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 41 yards, 3:38.
Second quarter - BAL – Justin Tucker 25-yard field goal, 3:53. Ravens 6–0. Drive: 17 plays, 59 yards, 8:41.
- CLE – Chase McLaughlin 46-yard field goal, 1:02. Ravens 6–3. Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards, 1:27.
Third quarter - BAL – Mark Andrews 13-yard pass from Lamar Jackson (Justin Tucker kick), 9:48. Ravens 13–3. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:12.
- CLE – David Njoku 20-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 0:39. Ravens 13–10. Drive: 5 plays, 87 yards, 2:30.
Fourth quarter - BAL – Justin Tucker 49-yard field goal, 1:10. Ravens 16–10. Drive: 11 plays, 45 yards, 5:18.
| Top passers - CLE – Baker Mayfield – 18/37, 247 yards, TD
- BAL – Lamar Jackson – 20/32, 165 yards, TD, 4 INT
Top rushers - CLE – Kareem Hunt – 7 rushes, 20 yards
- BAL – Lamar Jackson – 17 rushes, 68 yards
Top receivers - CLE – Jarvis Landry – 6 receptions, 111 yards
- BAL – Mark Andrews – 4 receptions, 65 yards, TD
| |
With the loss, the Browns went into their bye week at 6–6. The Browns' sixth loss on the season means they did not improve upon their 11–5 record from 2020.
Week 14: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Week 14: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Ravens | 0 | 6 | 3 | 13 | 22 |
Browns | 10 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
- Date: December 12
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: Sunny, 47 °F (8 °C)
- Game attendance: 67,431
- Referee: Brad Rogers
- TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
- Recap, Game Book
Game information |
First quarter - CLE – Chase McLaughlin 43-yard field goal, 7:30. Browns 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:50.
- CLE – Jarvis Landry 9-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 0:38. Browns 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 4:58.
Second quarter - CLE – Austin Hooper 1-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 8:15. Browns 17–0. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 6:05.
- BAL – Justin Tucker 50-yard field goal, 3:30. Browns 17–3. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:54.
- CLE – Myles Garrett 15-yard fumble return (Chase McLaughlin kick), 0:49. Browns 24–3.
- BAL – Justin Tucker 42-yard field goal, 0:02. Browns 24–6. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 0:47.
Third quarter - BAL – Justin Tucker 55-yard field goal, 2:05. Browns 24–9. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:40.
Fourth quarter - BAL – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (pass failed), 8:56. Browns 24–15. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 2:34.
- BAL – Mark Andrews 8-yard pass from Tyler Huntley (Justin Tucker kick), 1:17. Browns 24–22. Drive: 14 plays, 90 yards, 4:09.
| Top passers - BAL – Tyler Huntley – 27/38, 270 yards, TD
- CLE – Baker Mayfield – 22/32, 190 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers Top receivers | |
With the win, the Browns improved to 7–6. During the game, Myles Garrett set the franchise record for most sacks in a season, with 15.
Week 15: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Week 15: Las Vegas Raiders at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Raiders | 7 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 16 |
Browns | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
Game information |
First quarter - LV – Bryan Edwards 5-yard pass from Derek Carr (Daniel Carlson kick), 3:41. Raiders 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 7:12.
Second quarter - LV – Daniel Carlson 24-yard field goal, 0:56. Raiders 10–0. Drive: 13 plays, 56 yards, 5:18.
Third quarter Fourth quarter - LV – Daniel Carlson 40-yard field goal, 14:46. Raiders 13–7. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 4:47.
- CLE – Harrison Bryant 6-yard pass from Nick Mullens (Chase McLaughlin kick), 3:45. Browns 14–13. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 8:22.
- LV – Daniel Carlson 48-yard field goal, 0:00. Raiders 16–14. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 1:50.
| Top passers - LV – Derek Carr – 25/38, 236 yards, TD, INT
- CLE – Nick Mullens – 20/30, 147 yards, TD
Top rushers - LV – Josh Jacobs – 15 rushes, 52 yards
- CLE – Nick Chubb – 23 rushes, 91 yards, TD
Top receivers | |
After 25 Browns players and three coaches, including head coach Kevin Stefanski, tested positive for COVID-19 in the week leading up to the game, the game was postponed from its original date of December 18 to December 20.[16] During this time, three players were able to test negative and be activated, but the majority of the infected players were ruled out. With starting QB Baker Mayfield and backup QB Case Keenum sidelined with the virus, third-string QB Nick Mullens made his first start with the Browns. Special teams coach Mike Priefer served as acting head coach for the game.[17]
With the loss, the Browns fell to 7–7.
Week 16: at Green Bay Packers
Week 16: Cleveland Browns at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Browns | 6 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 22 |
Packers | 7 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 24 |
at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Date: December 25
- Game time: 4:30 p.m. EST/3:30 p.m. CST
- Game weather: Cloudy, 35 °F (2 °C)
- Game attendance: 77,901
- Referee: Alex Kemp
- TV announcers (Fox/NFLN/Prime Video): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi
- Recap, Game Book
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter - GB – Davante Adams 9-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 10:47. Packers 14–6. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 4:48.
- CLE – Harrison Bryant 1-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (pass failed), 7:03. Packers 14–12. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:44.
- GB – Davante Adams 1-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 0:12. Packers 21–12. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 1:39.
Third quarter - GB – Mason Crosby 32-yard field goal, 9:12. Packers 24–12. Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 5:48.
- CLE – Chris Naggar 37-yard field goal, 1:07. Packers 24–15. Drive: 14 plays, 66 yards, 8:05.
Fourth quarter - CLE – Anthony Schwartz 5-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chris Naggar kick), 4:31. Packers 24–22. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 2:10.
| Top passers - CLE – Baker Mayfield – 21/36, 222 yards, 2 TD, 4 INT
- GB – Aaron Rodgers – 24/34, 202 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers - CLE – Nick Chubb – 17 rushes, 126 yards, TD
- GB – Aaron Jones – 12 rushes, 66 yards
Top receivers - CLE – Rashard Higgins – 5 receptions, 58 yards
- GB – Davante Adams – 10 receptions, 114 yards, 2 TD
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This game marked the first time in franchise history that the Browns played on Christmas Day.
With the loss, the Browns fell to 7–8, and had 6 one-score game losses, the most in the NFL[citation needed]
Week 17: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter - PIT – Chris Boswell 30-yard field goal, 8:20. Steelers 13–0. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 4:16.
- CLE – David Njoku 3-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 0:56. Steelers 13–7. Drive: 4 plays, 48 yards, 2:02.
Fourth quarter - PIT – Chris Boswell 50-yard field goal, 9:46. Steelers 16–7. Drive: 8 plays, 25 yards, 3:50.
- PIT – Chris Boswell 48-yard field goal, 5:48. Steelers 19–7. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 1:35.
- CLE – Harrison Bryant 1-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 1:10. Steelers 19–14. Drive: 17 plays, 76 yards, 4:38.
- PIT – Najee Harris 37-yard run (Chris Boswell kick), 0:51. Steelers 26–14. Drive: 3 plays, 45 yards, 0:19.
| Top passers - CLE – Baker Mayfield – 16/38, 185 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
- PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 24/46, 123 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers - CLE – Nick Chubb – 12 rushes, 58 yards
- PIT – Najee Harris – 28 rushes, 188 yards, TD
Top receivers | |
On January 2, Cincinnati defeated Kansas City to clinch the AFC North title. This marks the Browns’ 29th consecutive season without winning a division title. With the Los Angeles Chargers’ win over Denver later that day, the Browns were eliminated from playoff contention.[18]
With their 18th straight regular season loss in Pittsburgh, the Browns fell to 7–9. They finished 2–6 in away games.
Week 18: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Week 18: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Bengals | 0 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 16 |
Browns | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
Game information |
First quarter Second quarter Third quarter - CIN – Elliott Fry 36-yard field goal, 5:01. Browns 14–10. Drive: 14 plays, 52 yards, 8:36.
Fourth quarter - CLE – Demetric Felton 10-yard pass from Case Keenum (Chase McLaughlin kick), 7:14. Browns 21–10. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 6:00.
- CIN – Chris Evans 4-yard pass from Brandon Allen (pass failed), 2:26. Browns 21–16. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 4:48.
| Top passers - CIN – Brandon Allen – 15/29, 136 yards, TD
- CLE – Case Keenum – 17/24, 176 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers - CIN – Trayveon Williams – 9 rushes, 38 yards
- CLE – D'Ernest Johnson – 25 rushes, 123 yards, TD
Top receivers - CIN – Trent Taylor – 2 reception, 41 yards
- CLE – Jarvis Landry – 6 receptions, 75 yards, TD
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With the win, the Browns finished the season 8–9. They finished 6–3 in home games. The Browns swept the Bengals in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1994 and 1995.
Standings
Division
Conference
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# | Team | Division | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | SOS | SOV | STK |
Division winners |
1[a] | Tennessee Titans | South | 12 | 5 | 0 | .706 | 5–1 | 8–4 | .472 | .480 | W3 |
2[a] | Kansas City Chiefs | West | 12 | 5 | 0 | .706 | 5–1 | 7–5 | .538 | .517 | W1 |
3 | Buffalo Bills | East | 11 | 6 | 0 | .647 | 5–1 | 7–5 | .472 | .428 | W4 |
4 | Cincinnati Bengals | North | 10 | 7 | 0 | .588 | 4–2 | 8–4 | .472 | .462 | L1 |
Wild cards |
5[b] | Las Vegas Raiders | West | 10 | 7 | 0 | .588 | 3–3 | 8–4 | .510 | .515 | W4 |
6[b] | New England Patriots | East | 10 | 7 | 0 | .588 | 3–3 | 8–4 | .481 | .394 | L1 |
7 | Pittsburgh Steelers | North | 9 | 7 | 1 | .559 | 4–2 | 7–5 | .521 | .490 | W2 |
Did not qualify for the postseason |
8[c] | Indianapolis Colts | South | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 3–3 | 7–5 | .495 | .431 | L2 |
9[c][d] | Miami Dolphins | East | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 4–2 | 6–6 | .464 | .379 | W1 |
10[c][d] | Los Angeles Chargers | West | 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | 3–3 | 6–6 | .510 | .500 | L1 |
11[e] | Cleveland Browns | North | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 | 3–3 | 5–7 | .514 | .415 | W1 |
12[e] | Baltimore Ravens | North | 8 | 9 | 0 | .471 | 1–5 | 5–7 | .531 | .460 | L6 |
13 | Denver Broncos | West | 7 | 10 | 0 | .412 | 1–5 | 3–9 | .484 | .357 | L4 |
14[f] | New York Jets | East | 4 | 13 | 0 | .235 | 0–6 | 4–8 | .512 | .426 | L2 |
15[f] | Houston Texans | South | 4 | 13 | 0 | .235 | 3–3 | 4–8 | .498 | .397 | L2 |
16 | Jacksonville Jaguars | South | 3 | 14 | 0 | .176 | 1–5 | 3–9 | .512 | .569 | W1 |
Tiebreakers[g] |
- ^ a b Tennessee finished ahead of Kansas City based on head-to-head victory.
- ^ a b Las Vegas finished ahead of New England based on win percentage in common games (5–1 vs. 2–4 against: Miami, Dallas, LA Chargers, Cleveland, and Indianapolis).
- ^ a b c Indianapolis finished ahead of Miami and Los Angeles based on conference record (7–5 vs. 6–6).
- ^ a b Miami finished ahead of LA Chargers based on win percentage in common games (5–1 vs. 2–4 against: New England, Las Vegas, Houston, Baltimore, and NY Giants).
- ^ a b Cleveland finished ahead of Baltimore based on division record (3–3 vs. 1–5).
- ^ a b NY Jets finished ahead of Houston based on head-to-head victory.
- ^ 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.
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Team leaders
Regular season
Awards
The following Browns were awarded for their performances during the season:
AFC Defensive Player of the Week/Month
2022 Pro Bowl
On December 20, it was announced that G Joel Bitonio, RB Nick Chubb, DE Myles Garrett, G Wyatt Teller, and CB Denzel Ward were named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster, with Bitonio and Garrett named as starters. This marks the fourth Pro Bowl selection for Bitonio, the third for Chubb and Garrett, the second for Ward, and the first for Teller.
References
- ^ Patsko, Scott (January 29, 2021). "Browns unveil logo to celebrate 75th anniversary of the franchise". Cleveland.com. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
- ^ "AFC Notes: Browns, Fisher, Broncos, Fleming".
- ^ "Patriots Sign Wide Receiver Marvin Hall". Patriots.com. June 4, 2021.
- ^ "Vikings Sign and Bring Back DT Sheldon Richardson".
- ^ "Houston Texans Transactions (5-20-2021)". HoustonTexans.com. May 20, 2021.
- ^ Shook, Nick (April 24, 2020). "Saints trade up, select LB Zack Baun with 74th pick". NFL.com. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
- ^ "Browns trade pass rusher Genard Avery to the Eagles in exchange for 2021 draft pick". CBS Sports. October 28, 2019. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
- ^ DaSilva, Carmen (October 15, 2019). "Rams trade 2021 draft pick to Browns for OL Austin Corbett". RamsWire. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
- ^ "Browns acquire safety Ronnie Harrison from Jaguars in trade". NFL.com. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ "Teller-traded-cleveland". clevelandbrowns.com. August 29, 2019. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
- ^ Alper, Josh (March 17, 2020). "Broncos agree to trade Andy Janovich to Browns". NBC Sports. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
- ^ a b "Browns 26, Bears 6: Myles Garrett sacks Justin Fields 4.5 times, defense holds Chicago to 1 net yard passing". Chronicle-Telegram. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
- ^ "Myles Garrett named AFC Defensive Player of the Week". ClevelandBrowns.com. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
- ^ Baker Mayfield out for Thursday's game against Denver
- ^ "Browns running back D'Ernest Johnson named FedEx Ground Player of the Week". WJW-TV. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
- ^ Amid COVID-19 outbreak, Browns vs. Raiders postponed until 5 p.m. Monday
- ^ Ulrich, Nate (December 20, 2021). "Browns activate John Johnson III from COVID-19 list; Nick Mullens set to start at quarterback against Raiders". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
- ^ "Why Did The Browns Miss The Playoffs?". The Cold Wire. January 3, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
External links
- 2021 Cleveland Browns at Pro Football Reference (Profootballreference.com)
- 2021 Cleveland Browns Statistics at jt-sw.com
- 2021 Cleveland Browns Schedule at jt-sw.com
- 2021 Cleveland Browns at DatabaseFootball.com
- Official website
Cleveland Browns |
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- Founded in 1946
- Based in Cleveland, Ohio
- Headquartered in Berea, Ohio
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Playoff appearances (30) | |
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Division championships (12) | |
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Conference championships (11) | |
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League championships (8) | |
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Cleveland Browns seasons |
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Bold indicates AAFC championship (through 1949) or NFL championship (1950–1969) |