Cleveland Browns 2011 Season in Review: Going Back Game by Game

The Browns had a very disappointing 2011 season. 

I wrote an article before the season started going through the Browns season game by game and predicting each score. 

Needless to say, my predictions were mostly incorrect, but I'll take a look back at why I was so wrong and what happened in each and every game. 

Prediction: Game 1: Browns vs. Bengals

The Browns will kick off the season with their first home game against their interstate rival, the Cincinnati Bengals, on Sept. 11. 

For as much as the Browns have gone through this offseason, the Bengals are dealing with just a little more. After losing Carson Palmer to "retirement" and Chad Ochocinco to the New England Patriots, the Bengals are definitely searching for weapons. They did have a strong draft class, bringing in Georgia receiver A.J. Green, and TCU Quarterback Andy Dalton, but with draft picks always come big question marks.

As Andy Dalton makes his first start as an NFL quarterback against a great Browns defensive backfield, starring 2010 draft picks Joe Haden and T.J. Ward, he'll be under a lot of pressure, that he, quite frankly, won't be able to handle.

Colt McCoy and the Browns offense won't have a complete grasp on the playbook yet, but will be efficient enough to score a decent number of points against a Bengals defense that allowed 314 yards per game last year. Peyton Hillis will continue to bulldoze his opponents with a revamped Browns offensive line. Let's just hope he's worked on his fumbles that gave the Browns a great deal of trouble last season.

The bottom line is with such an inexperienced offense, the Bengals won't be able to move the ball well in their first game of the season. The Browns defense will have no problem shutting down Dalton, and the Browns offense will begin to shake off the proverbial "rust."

Prediction: Browns 17 Bengals 3.  

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. Bengals

Final Score: Bengals 27, Browns 17

While my score prediction for the Browns was absolutely spot on, the Bengals scored 27 more points than I thought they would. 

The first two quarters for the Browns were absolutely dreadful. Penalty after penalty, 3-and-out after 3-and-out, the Browns struggled. The Bengals took to the air, and rookie QB Andy Dalton took the Bengals down the field for a couple of scores. 

The Browns battled their way back, Colt McCoy throwing touchdowns to TEs Benjamin Watson and Evan Moore, gaining a 14-13 advantage. The Browns also knocked out Dalton with a hand injury, causing Bruce Gradkowski to enter the game.

With a 17-13 lead, Gradkowski tricked the Browns into their first loss in a moment that should have been looked upon as a kind of foreshadowing. With the Bengals on their 41-yard line and the Browns in the huddle, Gradkowski called a quick snap and threw a strike to rookie receiver AJ Green with the Browns yet to be lined up, and Green ran into the end zone untouched.

An unbelievably unlucky play for the Browns, it cost them the game and was a kickstart to a bad season.

While my prediction for the Browns offense was spot on, I vastly overrated the Browns defense and vastly underrated Andy Dalton and Cedric Benson. Benson dominated early on, and in his rookie debut, Andy Dalton was incredible against a good Browns defensive backfield.

A bit of bad luck for the Browns costs them the game and caused for a very wrong prediction out of me.

Prediction Grade: D

Prediction: Game 2: Browns vs. Colts

After a nice home opener in Cleveland, the Browns are heading on what could be an interesting trip to Lucas Oil Stadium to face the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 18. 

One of the major storylines in a tumultuous NFL offseason was Peyton Manning's neck surgery that has kept him away from the practice field, along with many other football activities. 

No matter what the Browns tried to accomplish, the only person who can slow down Peyton Manning is Peyton Manning. Lucky enough for the Browns, Peyton won't be Peyton by his second game of the season. His neck still won't be 100 percent healed, and his timing with receivers and other offensive weapons won't be perfect yet, either. 

Whoever made the Browns schedule could not have picked a better time to play the Indianapolis Colts. The Browns defensive backs will be able to contain an 85 percent Manning, and 2011 first round draft pick Phil Taylor and the rest of the Browns defensive line should contain Joseph Addai to less than stellar numbers. 

As for the Browns offense against a mediocre Colts defense, well, it may not be an air raid, but I have a feeling Colt McCoy will be able to move the football efficiently. 

Prediction: Browns 24, Colts 21

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. Colts

Final Score: Browns 27, Colts 19

In the second game of the season, the Browns made me look like a genius! Well, not really. 

I can thank Peyton Manning for that. 

At the time of the prediction, it was unknown as to whether or not Peyton Manning was to play during the season. As we all know, he didn't, and basically brought the Colts' level of play down a whole lot. 

Without Manning, Kerry Collins brought the Colts to a 6-0 lead on two Adam Vinatieri field goals, but from then on, it was essentially all Browns. 

In what would be Peyton Hillis' game of the season, he ran for 96 yards and two touchdowns against a rough Colts defense. Colt McCoy played decently as well, passing for over 200 yards and a touchdown. Phil Dawson, who would eventually be the Browns offensive MVP, kicked two field goals to give the a 27 to 12 lead.

A garbage time touchdown for the Colts gave them 19 points as the game ended, 27-19.  

My prediction for the Browns was a missed field goal away from being spot on, and my prediction for the Colts was a safety from being exactly right. 

Peyton Manning, thank you for giving me my best prediction of the season!

Prediction Grade: A 

Prediction: Game 3: Browns vs. Dolphins

The Browns head back home with a 2-0 record after a stunning victory over the Colts to play the underachieving Miami Dolphinson Sept. 25. 

Last season, these two teams met in Miami, with the Browns squeaking out a victory after a Chad Henne red-zone interception. Both teams were evenly matched last season, and if it wasn't for Chad Henne's interception problem, the Dolphins could have sealed the deal.

This season's matchup could be much the same, but as the Browns are coming off their victory in Indianapolis in these hypothetical analyses, they have the slight edge over the Dolphins.

The Browns run game, with Peyton Hillis and newly acquired Brandon Jackson, should be able to run the ball pretty well against a Dolphins run defense that let up 100 yards a game last season. In last season's game, Jake Delhomme was able to hit tight end Ben Watson early and often, giving Watson over 100 yards receiving on the day.

In this year's edition, McCoy will replicate Delhomme's performance and use TEs Evan Moore and Ben Watson a great deal. 

Defensively, the Browns secondary will be able to shutdown Brandon Marshall and Reggie Bush pretty easily, as they are the only two true weapons that the Dolphins posses in their arsenal. 

The Browns should be able to beat the Dolphins, who are a bit of a mess at this point. 

Prediction: Browns 24, Dolphins 17

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. Dolphins

Final Score: Browns 17, Dolphins 16

This would be the best game the Browns had all season. What a sad thing to say. 

At this point in the season, the Dolphins were a wreck, starting off 0-2 with Reggie Bush not doing anything for them. 

The Browns were a hopeful 1-1 in their first two games and were looking for a big win to go 2-1. That's just what they got. 

With Peyton Hillis in the beginning stages of his horrible season, he was out against the Dolphins with strep throat. 

In came Montario Hardesty, who would play very well for the Browns. 

Hardesty finished up with 14 carries for 67 yards and was the focal point of the Browns offense on this day. 

The game was a good defensive battle, both teams allowing early touchdowns, but the Dolphins kicking three field goals to make it a 16-10 game with just over two minutes to go. This is the point in which the Browns knew Colt McCoy could get the job done. 

After struggling the entire game, Colt drove the Browns down the field, and with 43 seconds, left threw a beautiful 14 yard pass to Mohammed Massaquoi to give the Browns a 17-16 victory.

My predictions for a good game from Browns running backs was correct, as well as my prediction that the Browns would use their tight ends effectively (Ben Watson was the leading receiver), but the score was a bit off. Overall, though, it wasn't horrible.

Prediction Grade: B 

Prediction: Game 4 Browns vs. Titans

The Cleveland Browns' Week 4 matchup is a home game against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 2.

The Titans have endured a lot of change during this topsy-turvy offseason as well. Severing ties with former franchise quarterback Vince Young meant that Jeff Fisher was meant to stay...or so Titans fans thought.

Months later, Fisher was fired, signaling that a new era was at hand. With new head coach Mike Munchak at the helm, the Titans drafted Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Locker with their first round pick and later signed veteran Matt Hasselbeck to a deal.

To make things more difficult for the Titans, Chris Johnson continues his hold out into the first week of the preseason, but it will only be a matter of time before his pay day comes. 

At this point in the season, Hasselbeck will be leading the Titans offense and will most likely be comfortable with the playbook and his receivers. There should be little worry that "CJ2K" will be ready to go at this point in the season as well. 

The timing of this game could mean bad things for the Browns. The Titans have a great deal of talent on the offensive side of the ball, and at this point, when everything is coming together, the Titans could be dangerous. They should be able to run the ball with Chris Johnson efficiently, with a somewhat inexperienced and slow defensive line for the Browns. 

The Titans will probably have more success containing Colt McCoy and the pass game with great defensive backs who are covering the average-at-best receivers of the Browns. However, the Browns run game could be lethal, with the Titans' losses of Jason Babin, Kyle Vandenbosch and Tony Brown on their defensive line.

The Browns will fight until the finish, but the Titans talent may be just too much on this day.

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. Titans

Final Score: Titans 31-Browns 13

The Browns were absolutely dominated in what could have been the turning point of their season. 

With things looking up for the Browns, Matt Hasselbeck and CJ2k came into town just tore up the Browns defense. Before this game, Chris Johnson was under a lot of fire for his horrible rushing numbers in his first three ball games. After this game, things were looking a little better for Johnson and the Titans.

The Browns went up 3-0 early, but after that, it was all Titans. Hasselbeck had an incredible first half, throwing for three first-half touchdowns on just 10 completions. At 21-6 going into the half, the Browns defense stepped up in the second half, but unfortunately, a Jordan Babineaux 97-yard interception return with the Browns driving down the field all but won the game for the Titans. 

That throw by Colt was probably the worst of his season, but other than that, Colt had a career day. Finishing up 40-of-61 with 350 yards and a touchdown, Colt had what would be the best game of his season. 

Unfortunately for the Browns, and for my prediction, it wouldn't mean much. 

I was right in predicting a win for the Titans, but wrong for predicting a big running game for the Browns backs and the Browns score. 

Overall, not a horrible prediction, but certainly not great. 

Prediction Grade: C

Prediction: Game 5 Browns vs. Raiders

Coming off of a bye week and two straight home games, the Browns head to Oakland to take on the Raiders.

For some reasons, in seasons past, the Browns have had trouble with the bottom-dwelling Raiders while in Oakland. They always seem to overlook the Raiders and receive bad losses as the away team. 

In a 2009 matchup (a game which I happened to attend), ex-Cleveland Brown and Akron Zip quarterback Charlie Frye returned to Cleveland and had quite a rough outing. Finishing the game with a QB rating of 53 and three picks, Frye lead the Raiders to a 23-9 loss. 

Following a 7-9 campaign in 2010, it initially seemed as if the Raiders offseason was heading in the wrong direction. Nnamdi Asomugha signing with the Eagles and Zach Miller leaving the Raiders for his new home in Seattle left Raiders fans searching for answers.

Al Davis and the Raiders responded nicely. They signed TE Kevin Boss from the Giants, QB Trent Edwards from Buffalo and G Justin Smiley from Jacksonville to fill holes of the previous season.

In the 2011 edition of the Browns and Raiders matchup, quarterback Jason Campbell and the Raiders offense will be stagnant, as their lack of offensive weapons is no match for a decent Browns defense. Cornerback Joe Haden will be swarming Oakland speedster Darius Heyward-Bey and will be swatting passes all over the field.

Colt McCoy, yet to really have a breakout game this season, will take a weakened Raiders secondary and dominate, throwing for three touchdowns and over 300 yards. 

The Browns will reverse their fortunes and will beat the Raiders pretty handily. 

Prediction: Browns 35, Raiders 10

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. Raiders

Final Score: Raiders 24 Browns 17

Oh boy, was I off on this one. 

I didn't take into account Darren McFadden, and I didn't take special teams into account. 

The Browns, again, had a winnable game that they didn't win. 

They knocked out Jason Campbell, causing Kyle Boller to take the rock, but couldn't bottle up McFadden, Jacoby Ford or Raiders punter Shane Lechler. 

Two of the Raiders' three touchdowns were set up on special teams. Jacoby Ford took a kick return 101 yards for a TD, and with the Browns down 17-7 with the Raiders punting, Shane Lechler faked the kick and threw it to Zach Miller for the 35-yard touchdown, putting the game out of reach for the Browns. 

The Browns have always had tough luck in Oakland, and that continued. 

My prediction for Colt McCoy's breakout game was wrong, as he played well but did nothing special with 215 yards and two touchdowns.

Other than that, I didn't take into account two special teams touchdowns for the Raiders, which I probably should have, Without them, the Browns probably win this game.

Not a good prediction from me at all; maybe it's the bias kicking in.

Prediction Grade: D 

Prediction: Game 6 Browns vs. Seahawks

The Browns travel all the way back to Cleveland to face the heavily revamped Seattle Seahawks for a Week 7 matchup on Oct. 23.

Seattle has had a memorable offseason, improving their roster immensely. The Matt Hasselbeck era came to end, ushering in the Tavaris Jackson era. In addition to Jackson, the Seahawks brought in big names like Zach Miller, Robert Gallery and Sidney Rice, each of whom really improve a Seahawks team that slid into the playoffs last season (much in thanks to Qwest Field and the 12th man, I might add). 

Tavaris Jackson is still a big question mark, and coming into a game vs. the Browns, we don't really know what Tavaris has to offer. The Browns defensive backs can be intimidating, and in late October, the Seahawks may stick to running the ball with Justin Forsett and Marshawn Lynch. That being said, Sidney Rice does create a huge problem for opposing teams, and could be used well by Pete Carroll and his staff. 

The Browns will attack a rather weak Seattle defense, ranked 27th in the league last year, with the West Coast system that relies on a great deal of efficient passing. Peyton Hillis could be a large factor as well, as the Seahawks ranked 21st in rush defense last year. 

Those same Browns DBs who had played so well in previous games may face more of a challenge this time around, as Tavaris has various weapons to choose from. Though they shouldn't be too afraid of what Forsett and Lynch have to offer, the Seahawks could make effective use of their backs in this contest.

Although the Browns definitely have the ability to win this game, with such a revamped offense, Seattle may be able to overpower the new 3-4 defense.

Prediction: Seahawks 35, Browns 31

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. Seahawks

Final Score: Browns 6 Seahawks 3

What a horribly ugly game by both teams in this one. 

Tavaris Jackson was out for the game, meaning Charlie Whitehurst was at the helm for the Seahawks, and what a miserable job he did. Posting a QB Rating of 35, Whitehurst was dominated by the Browns defense, who only allowed 137 total yards. 

The Browns defense was on point in this one and was well on its way to being a top five NFL defense. 

The Browns offense was lead by Montario Hardesty who rushed for 95 yards and Chris Ogbonnaya, who became a big acquisition for the Browns in the middle of the season, caught four passes for 43 yards. 

Phil Dawson, however, was the MVP for the Browns yet again. Scoring all of the Browns' six  points, Dawson hit two field goals of over 50 yards. His first was a 52 yarder and his second was a 53-yard kick. 

My prediction went horribly wrong. Offense was nonexistent in this game. 

Prediction Grade: F

Prediction: Game 7 Browns vs. 49ers

On the eve of Halloween, October 30, the Browns will head back out to the Bay Area to take on Jim Harbaugh and the San Francisco 49ers. 

The NFL lockout did a lot of damage to NFL teams with new coaches, including the Browns, and the 49ers were not sparred from that fact. 

New head coach Jim Harbaugh is implementing a new system, a system which Stanford Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck is teaching to 49ers players. A system with massive success at the college level, we have yet to see the implications that it will have in the NFL. 

By the time this matchup between Cleveland and San Francisco happens, the learning of the new offenses and defenses of each team should no longer be an issue.

But to the Cleveland Browns, newly signed 49er Braylon Edwards could definitely be an issue. Although Alex Smith has yet to live up to his No. 1 overall potential, he's done enough to earn the trust of his teammates and his coaches, and will be able to deliver the ball to his targets such as Teddy Ginn, Jr., Braylon and Vernon Davis.  

The 49ers have an array of weapons on both sides of the ball that could cause the Browns some problems. However, after losing a home game to Seattle, Cleveland will have enough motivation to beat the 49ers. 

Prediction: Browns 27, 49ers 24 

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. 49ers

Final Score: 49ers 20 Browns 10

I don't think anybody expected the 49ers to be as good as they were this season. 

Coming into this matchup, the 49ers were a 5-1 football team, taking the NFL by surprise. 

The Browns got off to a horrible start in this game with Colt McCoy fumbling on the opening drive, and couldn't ever catch up. 

The 49ers gave the ball early and often to Frank Gore, who finished with 134 rushing yards and a touchdown. Alex Smith didn't do much, but did enough to keep the ball moving for the 49ers.

The highlight of the game for the Browns was a four-down goal line stand that could've put the 49ers up. 

The 49ers only scored a single touchdown early, and the Browns put up a good fight in the second half, but it was the dominant 49ers defense that held on to give the 49ers their sixth victory. 

My prediction was again wrong, and rightfully so. I, a lot like everyone else, didn't know what the 49ers were capable of. 

Prediction Grade: D

Prediction: Game 8 Browns vs. Texans

After a galvanizing win in the Bay Area, the Browns enter a very tough battle in Houston against the Texans on Nov. 6. 

A disappointing 2010 for the Texans could be a great motivation for the 2011 edition in Houston. Quarterback Matt Schuab lead the way for the Texans offense, throwing for 4,000 yards and 24 touchdowns, but it was running back Arian Foster who took the NFL and fantasy teams all over the country by storm.

An amazing offensive team, Houston had major defensive issues, ranking last in the NFL in passing defense and 30th in total defense. The Texans just couldn't stop the other team from scoring. That inability to defend really limited the Texans to their 6-10 record last year. 

For as much talent as Houston has on offense, this year should be a bit different for the Texans. They should be an improved defensive team while remaining dominant on offense. So when the Browns come to town, they better be very well prepared. 

The Browns should be able to pass the ball well. Houston is not a team known to be able to defend the pass, and with an efficient passing offense like the Browns should have, the passing game should not be in short supply. The Browns rush game, however, could be held in check.

The Texans were a middle of the road rush defense team last season, with linebacker Brian Cushing leading the way, and should be just as good this season. 

All in all, the Browns should be able to score points in bunches. But then again, Houston will score too. 

Prediction: Texans 45, Browns 35

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. Texans

Final Score: Texans 30, Browns 12

Do we have to talk about it?

After this game, the Browns season was all but over. 

The Texans started early passing down the field, but eventually, Arian Foster and Ben Tate took over. The Texans absolutely demolished the Browns defensive line and linebacking corps.

Foster ran for 124 and a touchdown, while Tate ran for 115 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown.

What might have been more frustrating for the Browns was their lack of offense.

The Texans surprised the league with the No. 1-ranked defense at the time they were playing the Browns and showed it. Colt McCoy was held to just 146 yards, while the Browns rushed for only 44 yards as a team.

It was an embarrassing show from the Browns and to add insult to injury, watch this. Let's just say Brian Cushing isn't the nicest guy ever. 

My prediction was also embarrassing. The Texans offense proved its worth, and I predicted a Texans victory, but the Browns offense and Texans defense really let me down.

Prediction Grade: D  

Prediction: Game 9 Browns vs. Rams

The Browns come off of a tough one in Texas and head back home to take on the up-and-coming St. Louis Rams on Nov. 13. 

The Rams are a team that the Browns should be able to prepare for very well, as their head coach, Shurmur, was a former coordinator for the Rams. Although Josh McDaniels is bringing a different system to St. Louis offensively, Shurmur should know the tendencies of most of the players on offense, especially quarterback Sam Bradford. 

The Browns and Rams are both up-and-coming teams, both with quarterbacks who excelled at the college level, both have stellar running games and both desperately need wide receivers. However, the Rams were able to muster up a more successful season due to the fact that they play in the weakest division in football, the NFC West.

In this matchup, the defenses will be the key to who wins the game. Both offenses are decent, but whichever defense steps up will be able to pull this game out.

The Rams run a 4-3 defensive scheme, anchored by linebacker James Laurinitis, who is rising up the ranks in the linebacking world. On the defensive line, Chris Long and James Hall combined for 19 sacks last season, but Browns tackles should be able to handle them enough to give Colt McCoy the time he needs to make plays down the field.

The Browns secondary will come through again, and linebackers Scott Fujita and D'Qwell Jackson should be able to assist both the defensive line and secondary by getting to quarterback Sam Bradford.

This game is a toss-up. Both teams are pretty evenly matched, so it could definitely go either way. Bradford's ability as a quarterback may give the Rams the slightest of edges. 

Prediction: Rams 24, Browns 23.

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. Rams

Final Score: Rams 13 Browns 12

Again, do we have to go through this one?

Probably the most agonizing defeat of the season, the Browns dropped one to St. Louis. 

Both offenses played pretty well, with Steven Jackson leading the Rams with 128 rush yards and Colt McCoy and Chris Ogbonnaya giving the Browns a boost, but they weren't able to get into the end zone. 

The Browns battled back and forth with St. Louis trading field goals, but it came down to a 22-yard Phil Dawson field goal attempt with just over two minutes left in the game. The Browns were down 13-12, and a field goal would put the Browns ahead and leave the defense on the field to win the game. 

Well, with the way the Browns' season had been going, of course their luck took a turn for the worst. Long snapper Ryan Pontbriand, who happens to have been a Pro Bowl long snapper for many years, snapped the ball off the foot of Alex Mack, causing for a delay in the holding process and causing Phil Dawson to miss the kick wide and losing the Browns the game. 

What may have been the toughest game of the Browns season, a game that could have put them at 4-5 with the Jaguars coming up, was sadly a good prediction from me. 

The one point loss was a good call, although the point totals were a little lower than expected. Both teams had certain strengths, and it was an incredibly close matchup.  

Prediction Grade: A

Prediction: Game 10 Browns vs. Jaguars

After back to back losses, the Browns continue the home stand against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 20. 

At this point, the Browns are 5-4, needing a big win to stay relevant in the ridiculously competitive AFC North. Motivated to succeed, the Browns face a middle-of-the-road Jaguars team who are in the middle of a transition from the David Garrard era into the Blaine Gabbert era. 

This should be a very winnable game for the Browns. In last season's matchup, the Browns run game was shut down. Peyton Hillis was the teams leading rusher with only 48 yards on the ground. However, they were able to pass the ball efficiently to Hillis, as he was also the teams leading receiver with 95 yards through the air.

As successful as they were on offense, the Browns were not able to stop Jaguars star running back Maurice Jones-Drew, as they ran over the Browns for 133 yards and a touchdown. David Garrard threw three picks that the Browns were not able to convert into really any opportunities.

Last season, the Browns were an abysmal away team, but this season, with a matchup against Jacksonville in Cleveland, I think the Browns will be able to do enough to squeak one past the Jags. Colt McCoy should be able to replicate his 240 yards passing in last seasons's game, but the majority of the pressure will fall on the shoulders of the Browns rush defense. If the Browns can contain Maurice Jones-Drew to under 100 yards, they should have absolutely no problem winning this game. 

With their backs against the wall, the Browns should edge out a victory at home.

Prediction: Browns 27, Jags 21 

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. Jaguars

Final Score: Browns 14 Jaguars 10

The Browns squeaked out a win against the Jags thanks to Mr. Chris Ogbonnaya. 

Ogbonnaya finished with a career day of 21 carries for 115 yards and a touchdown, leading the Browns to victory. 

Maurice Jones-Drew was effective for the Jags, but after he pulled a touchdown celebration that mimicked the LeBron James powder-toss in front of the Cleveland fans, well, let's just say he will no longer be respected in Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The Browns defense again held up pretty well, not allowing a passing touchdown, and held MJD to a reasonable 87 yards on the ground.  

Blaine Gabbert had the opportunity to win the game for the Jaguars with a 1st-and-goal from the 2-yard line, but could not put the Jaguars in before the clock ran out. 

My prediction went decently, as I said if the Browns keep MJD to less than 100 yards on the ground, they should be able to win, and they did just that. However, the point totals were a little high. The Browns squeaked out a win, giving me the correct prediction in an unfortunately meaningless game. 

Prediction Grade: C+

Prediction Game 11: Browns vs. Bengals

After a Week 1 win in Cleveland against these same Bengals, the Browns head to Cincy to try to sweep the season series on Nov. 27. 

The Bengals, at this point on offense, will be a complete and utter mess. Andy Dalton may no longer be the starting quarterback, as he hasn't been able to handle the pressure in his rookie season. However, assuming that he is still the starting QB, the Browns secondary will be able to pick him apart. 

Coming off of a big win at home against the Jaguars, the Browns will have enough fight to put away the Bengals, pretty handily.

With a bit of an improved defense for Cincinnati, however, the Browns won't be able to move the ball up and down the field the way they would like to. Newly acquired cornerback Nate Clements will be able to shut down Browns receiver Mohammed Massaqoui with relative ease, forcing Colt McCoy to move the ball to his tight ends and running backs.

The Browns running game might not be at its best, either. With an array of run defensive weapons, including Rey Maualuga and Carlos Dunlap, the ground game may have to really grind to get a great amount of production.

Andy Dalton is going to have a rough day. He may throw between two and four interceptions and will maybe throw for 150 to 200 yards at the maximum. He's going to have to rely on the Bengals running game to give the offense some life. Defensive tackle Phil Taylor of the Browns will make sure that rushing attack of the Bengals doesn't have the day it would like to. 

A bit of a disappointing day offensively for the Browns, but they get the much-needed win they were looking for. 

Prediction: Browns 14, Bengals 3

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. Bengals

Final Score: Bengals 23 Browns 20 

Bad football teams find ways to lose football games. 

That is the Cleveland Browns. 

The Browns came out firing on all cylinders against Cincinnati. Colt McCoy was finding his receivers and tight ends. Greg Little and Jordan Norwood were leading the receivers, and Peyton Hillis returned, giving the Browns a threat in the backfield. 

The Browns were up 17-7 at halftime and looked as though they were going to beat the Bengals.

Then came Andy Dalton. Dalton led his troops back into the game, making big throws leading to a touchdown and two field goals to tie the Browns, 20-20. It was his throw to AJ Green that made the difference in the final minutes and led to a Mike Nugent field goal with 38 seconds left in the game. 

The Browns, who came out looking so good for the first time all season, found a way and lost to the Bengals, 23-20.

Again, I vastly underrated the Bengals offense. 

Prediction Grade: F

Prediction: Game 12 Browns vs. Ravens

A season sweep in the Battle of Ohio leads the Browns back to Cleveland to take on the rival Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 4. 

This is where all the hope the Browns had with a 7-4 record at this point late in the season begins to fade. The schedule makers really got the best of them here. 

The Browns take on a Baltimore team who has owned them in previous years. The Ravens are loaded with talent on both ends of the ball, talent the Browns are searching for, but just haven't been able to find yet.

Taking a risk on Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco has paid off immensely for the Ravens. He has played very well in his first few seasons as a pro, and his arm strength has become such a weapon for Baltimore through the air. Running back Ray Rice has also been quite a pleasant pick up for the Ravens, marching into the hearts of fantasy football owners all over the country. 

The Browns are going to have a tough time slowing down the Ravens, much like they have in seasons past. There's just too much talent for the Browns to stand a legitimate chance in this game. The Ravens defense is loaded with playmakers, from safety Ed Reed to linebacker Ray Lewis, who will no doubt give the Browns very little room to work with. Colt McCoy may have his roughest day of the season thus far, as he hasn't faced a defense like this since last season. 

However, Peyton Hillis may be able to grind out 100 yards thanks to an overachieving Browns offensive line. But one thing is for sure, it will be a very quiet and not so glamorous 100 yards, more based on the fact that the Browns can't do anything through the air. 

As much as I hate to say it, the Browns don't stand a chance against Baltimore in this matchup, and the late-season collapse is set to begin. 

Prediction: Ravens 35, Browns 21

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. Ravens

Final Score: Ravens 24 Browns 10

Ray Rice certainly showed up at Browns Stadium. 

Rice lead the way for a big Ravens victory against the Browns running for a career-high 204 yards and a touchdown against a underachieving Browns rush defense. Joe Flacco couldn't get much going in the wind and rain, but was definitely effective when he had to be.

The Browns offense, as usual, was ineffective against a stifling Ravens defense, even without Ray Lewis. Colt McCoy struggled, posting a 62 QB rating and throwing for 192 yards on 35 attempts. Hillis was ineffective as well, running for just three yards a carry. 

The Browns offense and defense simply did not have the tools necessary to compete with the Ravens, just as I predicted. 

The score wasn't exactly right, but you kind of get the point. 

Prediction Grade: C+

Prediction: Game 13 Browns vs. Steelers

A tough loss to the Ravens and a short week send the Browns to Pittsburgh in a Thursday night matchup on Dec. 8. 

Again, the schedule makers forced a disaster on the Browns in the latter half of the season. Playing Pittsburgh and Baltimore back to back is difficult enough, but to play Pittsburgh only four nights after the loss to the Ravens is going to be an unsurmountable challenge. 

The Steelers are the Steelers. One of the most hate-able teams in the NFL, the Steelers are the team that everyone wants to beat, and yet, not many can. 

The Browns always have a tough time dealing with Pittsburgh, because quite honestly, the talent is way too much. Roethlisberger and the high-powered Steelers offense will be clicking on all cylinders, especially at this point late in the season, which is disastrous for the Browns. 

Colt McCoy was pummeled in the last game of last year's season, suffering a 41-9 loss, which was his worst game of the season. James Harrison and the entire Steelers defense used McCoy as a punching bag, thanks in large part to John St. Clair, former Browns right tackle.

The Steelers defense continues to be loaded with hard-nosed and overly aggressive playmakers who will make this game for the Browns, a game they will want to forget. With a very short week to prepare, the Browns will be simply overloaded and primed for a beatdown by the Steelers. 

The Browns will be overpowered on both sides of the ball, especially the defensive side of the ball, and won't be able to make this much of a contest.

However, it's not really fair to the Browns that their schedule came to this. But then again, things have never really been fair to the Browns, have they?

Prediction: Steelers 35, Browns 10

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. Steelers

Final Score: Steelers 14 Browns 3 

The Browns offense was moving the ball down the field VERY effectively against the Steelers on the first drive of the game. They got all the way down to the goal line, and on 3rd-and-1, were unsuccessful in getting into the end zone. Pat Shurmur called for points on the board instead of scoring a TD, and the game was over. 

The first drive in, the Steelers hadn't even gotten the ball, and that was it. The game was over. 

The rest of the game was a bit interesting, though. The Steelers went right back down the field and scored, making it a 7-3 game. 

Then came the injury. Ben Roethlisberger went down after rolling on his ankle thanks to a hit by Scott Paxson. He was down for the count. He was done. The Browns were going to win! They took out Roethlisberger. Charlie Batch couldn't do anything against the great Browns defense! The Browns were going to beat Pittsburgh on a Thursday night at Heinz Field! Unbelievable. 

Then came halftime. 

Outc omes Roethlisberger with 15 pounds of tape on his ankle, hobbling around like he needs a cane, and starts the next Steelers drive in the huddle. If there was any doubt the game was over before, that doubt was gone. Roethlisberger hobbled around and moved the ball for the Steelers, but was unable to score until he threw a 80-yard touchdown to Antonio Brown that put the Steelers up 14-3. 

Then came the hit. 

James Harrison crushes Colt McCoy's face mask, and now Colt is down for the count. He comes out, Seneca Wallace throws the Browns down to the 4-yard-line with a 13-yard strike to TE Evan Moore and then Colt comes back ready to play after his head was pounded in by Harrison. 

Colt runs around and makes errant throws, eventually throwing an interception that would end the game. 

After the game, Colt says he doesn't remember what happened on the field, and the NFL comes to investigate the Browns trainers and creates the "Colt McCoy Rule" in which there has to be an independent neurologist on the sidelines at every game. Harrison was suspended, and McCoy was out for the rest of the season.

A pretty eventful Thursday Night Football game. 

Prediction Grade: D

Prediction: Game 14 Browns vs. Cardinals

Next, the Browns head out to the desert after a demoralizing loss to the Steelers to face the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 18. 

The Cardinals are a team that improved in the offseason—well, at least offensively. 

Last season was a bit of a lost season for the Cardinals, who had major offensive problems that stemmed from the retirement of QB Kurt Warner. They turned to former Browns quarterback Derek Anderson, who really couldn't provide them with any answers. After Anderson came quarterback Max Hall out of BYU, who really did nothing for them, and finally ended with John Skelton out of Fordham in New York City.

All three quarterbacks were unable to deliver the ball to the wealth of receivers the Cardinals have, anchored by Larry Fitzgerald, who is arguably the best receiver in the NFL. The Cardinals weren't helped by the fact that running backs Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower were not producing to the level they were capable of. 

Kevin Kolb should be a great acquisition by the Cardinals. He should be the piece the Cardinals were looking for at quarterback, as well as the guy they needed to give Fitzgerald the ball. 

The Cardinals defense is, quite simply, lacking. After trading Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to the Eagles for Kolb, the Cardinals secondary could allow for Colt McCoy to have a big game. The Cardinal run defense is a little more stout, but it could be a decent game for Hillis as well.  

This game is going to be fun to watch. The Browns should be able to move the ball very well, and Colt McCoy will have the biggest game of the season with 400 yards through the air. However, the Cardinals will be able to participate in the air raid as well, and Kevin Kolb will be able to match Colt McCoy throw for throw. 

A late interception by McCoy could spell doom for the Browns, losing a close one to the Cardinals. 

Prediction: Cardinals 42, Browns 35

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. Cardinals

Final Score: Cardinals 20 Browns 17

The Browns again looked good coming out against the Cardinals. 

Seneca Wallace took control of the offense, and they came out firing. Greg Little had his best game as a Brown, with 131 yards and a touchdown. 

Even Peyton Hillis, who had been otherwise absent, got into the act and ran for 99 yards and a touchdown. 

But as I said before, bad football teams find ways to lose football games. 

The Cardinals kicked two field goals in the fourth quarter to tie the game and stopped the Browns in overtime, kicking the field goal that would give the Browns a loss in their last winnable game of the season. 

John Skelton threw the ball all over the depleted Browns secondary, but sadly, the scoring wasn't as high as I'd thought. 

Prediction Grade: F

Prediction: Game 15 Browns vs. Ravens

The Browns head back east to face the Ravens in Baltimore on Christmas Eve. 

Unfortunately, the Browns won't be receiving a big Christmas gift from the Ravens. 

Currently on a three-game skid, the Browns will be looking to get back over the .500 mark with a win in Baltimore. Although the division and even the wild card may be out of reach at this point in the season, the Browns would benefit greatly from a win over the Ravens. 

A beat-down in the first game in Cleveland will give the Browns the fire to come out and compete in what will be a much closer game. Colt McCoy will have looked at the game film from his last outing and realize exactly what he needs to do to be more efficient this time around. Peyton Hillis will be able to grind out another 100-yard performance, doing it a little more glamorously this time around. 

However, the Ravens are still going to be just a bit too much for the Browns. Flacco will be firing on all cylinders, hitting Anquan Boldin with relative ease. Ray Rice and the massive Ravens line will overpower the Browns defensive line and lead to a big game from the Ravens rushing attack. 

Down by seven in the fourth quarter, the Browns will fight. They'll be primed and ready to complete the comeback. McCoy will lead them down the field and score a touchdown with four minutes left in the game, which will be sadly too much time for the Ravens offense. 

The Ravens will hit a game-winning field goal as time expires, and any hope the Browns had of the postseason will be vanished. The Browns are a scrappy bunch, and they proved that here, but it won't be enough to take down the mighty Ravens. 

Prediction: Ravens 27, Browns 24

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. Ravens

Final Score: Ravens 20 Browns 14

The Browns looked like they packed it in against the Ravens on Christmas Eve early. They had no heart, no desire and no will to win. The Ravens climbed out to a 17-0 lead in the first half and extended that lead to 20-0 early in the second half. The apparent rout was on. Or so we thought. 

The Browns stormed back in the second, half not allowing a single Raven point after the 20-0 field goal. Joshua Cribbs had his first and only punt return TD of the season, returning it 84 yards to the house and giving the Browns a bit of a spark. 

Seneca Wallace drove the Browns down late in the fourth and threw a TD to Evan Moore to put the Browns within reach.

The Browns got the ball back after holding the Ravens, but couldn't move the ball against the stiff Ravens defense. 

I knew the Browns would fight, but I wasn't quite right with the "field goal to win the game as the clock expires."

Prediction Grade: B

Prediction: Game 16 Browns vs. Steelers

The Browns head back home from Baltimore to play the rival Steelers on New Year's Day of 2012. 

The Browns at 7-8, after starting 7-4, want desperately to beat the Steelers, get back to .500 and give their fans something to cheer about.

This will be the game in which the fans see a Browns team that is inspired and primed for a playoff run in 2012. The pieces will be set. The talent will be there. All they need now is to put everything together.

At this point in the season, the Steelers may not even be playing all of their starters. They will have clinched a playoff berth weeks prior and will be wanting to rest their players as the playoffs are set to begin. This is just what the doctor ordered for the Cleveland Browns.

They will be able to get to Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch early and often, forcing errant throws that lead to an interception or two by cornerback Joe Haden. 

Offensively, the Browns will be attacking the weakness of the Steelers second team defense and will be moving the ball up and down the field. Greg Little, the Browns rookie receiver, will have his biggest game as a Cleveland Brown, scoring a 65-yard touchdown on a pass from McCoy to give the Browns a 14-point lead. Running back Brandon Jackson will also have his first 100-yard rushing game of the season, giving him about 500 yards on the year.

The Browns will win this game, and it may be by more than expected.

Prediction: Browns 28, Steelers 10

What Actually Happened: Browns vs. Ravens

Final Score: Steelers 13 Browns 9

The Browns wanted to win their final game of the 2011 season. 

You could just see it. I should know. I was there. 

The Browns and Steelers played stifling defense in the first half, the Browns kicking two field goals and the Steelers kicking a field goal as time expired. 

Neither a hobbling Roethlisberger nor Wallace could really do much amidst the wind, rain and eventually, snow. 

The Steelers kicked an early field goal in the second half and tied the score up at 6-6. 

Then the Browns shot themselves in the foot. Driving again against the Steeler defense, Seneca Wallace threw a bad interception to Troy Polamalu, which led to the only touchdown of the game, giving the Steelers a 13-6 lead. 

The Browns kicked another field goal, a 49-yard boot from Phil Dawson that made it through the uprights, the wind and the snow. 

The Browns were down 13-9 and forced a fumble to get the ball back and drive down the field with a chance to score. With seconds left and no timeouts, the Browns had one last opportunity from the 25-yard line to throw a Hail Mary and win the game.

Seneca Wallace got outside the pocket and threw it to the end-zone but unfortunately, it was dropped by Greg Little, and the Browns fell to the Steelers, ending their season on a somewhat hopeful note. 

Unfortunately, my prediction was very wrong. 

Prediction Grade: F

Prediction: Season Recap: Browns Finish 8-8

The early schedule for the Browns will provide them with a fast start. Winning the first three games, they will be the "sexy" team in the NFL. Sports Illustrated will likely have them on the cover after a Week 3 in against the Dolphins, and all will be looking up for Cleveland. 

It's the late schedule that really makes for a horrible ending to an otherwise great Browns season. The last five games of the season go as follows: Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Arizona, Baltimore, Pittsburgh. The Browns simply don't have the firepower to win more than one of those games. 

An 8-8 season in Cleveland, however, gives Browns fans something to cheer about. 8-8 is not a losing season, something Browns fans are accustomed to at this point. A big win against the Steelers will be the game that gives the Browns the momentum they need heading into the 2012 season, a season in which the Browns will be right in the middle of a playoff run. 

What Actually Happened: Browns Finish 4-12

The Browns had a very disappointing season, ending up 4-12. 

Colt McCoy had a decent season as the starter, but with an offense without any weapons, it's impossible for him to be that effective. Peyton Hillis was non-existent, but Chris Ogbonnaya made his name renown in the Cleveland area. D' Qwell Jackson should win the Comeback Player of the Year after leading the Browns and the NFL in tackles after battling through injuries. Browns rookies Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard proved that they can make a few plays for this team.

The Browns need receivers, and a linebacker or two, but bad season and all, this team is close to being a playoff contender. 

In Pat Shurmur's first season, he made plenty of mistakes and cost the team a game or two, but with a full offseason to look forward to, hopefully the extra time can help him to become a better coach.

For Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert the job is simple: add talent. The Browns need talent on offense and talent on defense to become a legitimate contender.

If the Browns can do damage in the NFL draft and in free agency, 2012 looks to be a much more promising year for the Cleveland Browns.