I always try to stay positive about the Cleveland Browns. Occasionally I will lash out in a fit of frustration over Peyton Hillis(notes) because I miss the player we saw in 2010 or even criticize Greg Little(notes) and Montario Hardesty(notes) over dropped passes, but deep down, like every other Cleveland fan, it is just because I want them to succeed.

I usually agree with the decisions made by the front office regarding personnel decisions such as cutting Brian Robiskie(notes), the second round pick in the 2009 draft that never quite lived up to his potential. I was even excited when they signed Chris Ogbonnaya(notes) when everyone else was wondering who he was? He sure played well for the Houston Texans during the preseason. Look at his success for the Browns when Hillis and Hardesty missed games.

A decision I am having a hard time getting behind was when the Browns cut two-time Pro-Bowler Ryan Pontbriand(notes) on Tuesday, November 29. Pontbriand had been with the Browns since 2003.

He came under heavy criticism on November 13; when his snap hit the leg of Alex Mack(notes), disrupting the timing on kicker Phil Dawson’s(notes) 22-yard field goal attempt that cost the Browns the game against the St. Louis Rams. The kick itself was partially blocked.

Again, on November 27 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Pontbriand rolled the ball to holder Brad Maynard(notes) causing Dawson to miss a go-ahead 55-yard field goal. The Browns went on to lose 23-20. In itself, I have a hard time believing that even with a perfect snap, a field goal of that length would be a sure thing.

“Today, I lost a longtime teammate, Ryan Pontbriand,” Dawson wrote on Twitter. “He has been with me more than any teammate I have had. I will miss him. He is the best”

Regarded as one of the NFL’s best long snappers, Pontbriand will be replaced by an undrafted rookie from UCLA in Christian Yount(notes). Yount played seven games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers until he was waived on October 25.

To me, this decision makes no sense. It can be argued half the roster has had bad games. Should the team cut Greg Little because he is dropping passes? How about Joe Haden(notes) for allowing opposing receivers to catch the ball and score touchdowns?

When the team lets go of a proven professional who for years has performed flawlessly in favor of a waived rookie, I have a hard time lending my support.

More Cleveland Browns Commentary from this Contributor:

Fan’s look: Who is Peyton Hillis anyway?

Cleveland Browns’ fans deserve better: A fan’s take

Browns fall to Rams, hit an all-new low: A fan’s reaction

Browns must win against Rams or face fan exile: A fan’s take

Former Browns’ WR Brian Robiskie quietly joins Jaguars: A fan’s take

Sources:

All data provided by NFL.com

Twitter – Phil Dawson (@phil_dawson_4)

Paul Rados is an avid Cleveland Browns fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook. For a complete look at his freelance work please visit his Blog.

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Some rivalries take decades to form. For the Cleveland Browns, the Baltimore Ravens, and the circumstances surrounding the two teams’ existence, the rivalry was instantaneous.

This Sunday, that rivalry is renewed as the Ravens visit Cleveland looking to solidify a playoff spot. The Browns would love to play the role of spoiler, a position they’ve often found themselves in recently. Here’s a look back at some of the more memorable games in this short but intense rivalry.

September 26, 1999 – Ravens 17, Browns 10

In this first-ever meeting between the two teams, the Browns played their most competitive game in their brief existence. Ultimately it was two rushing touchdowns by Ravens QB Stoney Case that proved to be the difference in this defensive struggle. Browns RB Terry Kirby provided most of the Browns offense with 126 total yards rushing and receiving.

October 21, 2001 – Browns 24, Ravens 14

It took more than two seasons for the Browns to find a way to beat the Ravens, but when it happened in front of a frenzied hometown Cleveland crowd, it was worth the wait. Three turnovers by the Ravens propelled the Browns to a much-needed win.

Browns QB Tim Couch did just enough against a stingy Baltimore defense, throwing for two touchdowns. When it was over, fans could finally put some demons to rest with the knowledge that their new Browns could actually win against the old Browns.

November 18, 2001 – Browns 27, Ravens 17

What’s better than beating the Ravens once in a season? How about a clean sweep? The Browns took care of business in Baltimore after their first win a month earlier. Again, it was turnovers that proved to be crucial.

Ravens QB Elvis Grbac threw four interceptions – three to Browns CB Anthony Henry and a fourth to Devin Bush that was returned for a touchdown. Tim Couch had a forgettable day as well, throwing three picks, but a late fourth-quarter touchdown sealed the victory.

September 14, 2003 – Ravens 33, Browns 13

This one was memorable for all the wrong reasons. Ravens RB Jamal Lewis ripped off touchdown runs of 63 and 82 yards on his way to a single-game NFL record of 295 rushing yards. Luckily, Adrian Peterson let the Browns off the hook when he broke Lewis’ record in 2007.

Lewis always burned the Browns, averaging 127 yards per game in his career against Cleveland. The Browns strategy for stopping him? They signed him away from Baltimore before the 2007 season, when he helped the Browns rack up their most wins in a season – 10 – since they returned in 1999.

September 12, 2004 – Browns 20, Ravens 3

Season-opening victories have been rare for the Browns since they returned as an expansion team. In fact, this 20-3 win over the Ravens marks the only time the Browns have won their first game of the season since they returned in 1999.

The defense carried the day in this one, sacking Ravens QB Kyle Boller three times and intercepting him twice. Browns QB Jeff Garcia threw for a TD and rushed for another while Browns fans rejoiced in their first and only season-opening victory since the team’s return.

November 18, 2007 – Browns 33, Ravens 30 OT

During the 2007 season, the Browns racked up 10 wins, including two against the Ravens. Perhaps none was more memorable than this overtime victory in Baltimore when kicker Phil Dawson saved the day with a game-tying and game-winning field goal.

The game was a close affair, with the lead changing hands four times. Josh Cribbs racked up over 300 return yards in the game, and safety Brodney Pool returned an interception 100 yards for a score. But it was Dawson’s late-game heroics that proved to be the difference.

Needing a 51-yard field goal to send the game to overtime, Dawson’s attempt was initially ruled no good. But after reviewing the kick, it was determined that the ball actually went through the uprights, bounced off the center support, and came back onto the field. The call was reversed, and the game went to OT, when Dawson was able to nail the game-winner.

The kick marked the last time Cleveland would manage a victory over the Ravens. They’ve lost six straight against Baltimore since this unforgettable win.

CLEVELAND (AP) —
Colt McCoy
took a knee on Cleveland’s sideline, closed his eyes and the young quarterback asked for some help from above.

This week, the Browns got it.

“There’s nothing wrong with praying,” McCoy said.

Jacksonville rookie quarterback
Blaine Gabbert
‘s pass into the end zone on the game’s last play was incomplete, allowing the Browns to escape with a 14-10 win over the
Jaguars on Sunday.

As McCoy watched helplessly, Gabbert rifled a 3-yard pass high over the middle that was off the mark and caromed off wide
receiver
Mike Thomas
‘ outstretched hands, and the Browns (4-6) celebrated a win they nearly gave away.

“We deserved this one,” McCoy said. “Our team deserved this.”

Last week, the Browns lost 13-12 to the St. Louis Rams when Cleveland botched a snap and reliable kicker
Phil Dawson
missed a 22-yard field goal try. This one nearly ended under similar circumstances as Jacksonville’s final drive was set up
by Dawson missing a 38-yarder that sailed over the top of the right post.

“Everybody played their hearts out and it’s about time it went our way,” said Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, who covered
Thomas tightly on the final play. “We knew it was up to us. Right there. We had to make the play and we did.”

McCoy shook off an apparent shoulder injury and threw a 3-yard TD pass to Josh Cribbs in the fourth to give Cleveland a 14-10
lead. But Dawson’s stunning miss with 2:49 left gave the Jaguars (3-7) a final chance and Gabbert, who had some good and bad
moments, nearly pulled off the comeback.

“It’s not the ending we were looking for,” said Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, who defended his use of the clock in the final
minute. “It’s not the first time this year we’ve had the opportunity. We’re really looking for that breakout, game-winning
drive. We had a chance for our quarterback to take us down. He took us down. We were knocking on the door. We just couldn’t
close it out.”

Chris Ogbonnaya
rushed for 115 yards and scored on a 1-yard run for Cleveland, ending a TD drought at home that lasted more than 158 minutes.
The Browns had scoring drives of 87 and 85 yards, rarities in the offense’s first season under coach Pat Shurmur.

But Shurmur knows he can count on his defense, and the Browns’ didn’t disappoint.

“I did trust that we would get them stopped,” Shurmur said. “I trust our defense.”

The Browns appeared in control when Dawson booted his 38-yarder toward the goal post. However, the officials standing directly
under the uprights ruled the high kick went wide right. Dawson argued that his kick should have counted, but referee Terry
McAulay announced the attempt could not be reviewed because it sailed above the post.

“The way we saw it was part of the ball was outside of the outside edge of the upright,” said McAulay, whose crew had a few
other tough calls to make.

Gabbert then drove the Jaguars down the field and Jacksonville caught a break when Browns cornerback
Joe Haden
was called for interference in the final minute on third down.

Maurice Jones-Drew was stopped twice inside the 5, and the Browns were fortunate when Gabbert’s pass on second-and-goal went
off wide receiver
Jason Hill
‘s chest in the back corner of the end zone with 3 seconds left. Haden believed he got a hand on Gabbert’s throw.

That set up a dramatic finale, and this one went Cleveland’s way, giving the Browns a much-needed win before their schedule
gets rougher.

Jackson said he was ready for the pass.

“I anticipated the play and that’s a tough route to cover because he’s kind of going away,” Jackson said. “He came into my
zone and I went with him. His arms went up, I saw that. I put my arms up. He didn’t catch it, that’s all I know and all that
matters.”

Del Rio was asked why he didn’t hand the ball to Jones-Drew on the last play.

“You can make a case for doing that,” Del Rio said. “You can guess any number of plays when you don’t connect. We had two
guys with the ball in the air in the vicinity – missed opportunities.”

McCoy completed 17 of 24 passes for 199 yards. And while his numbers were efficient, the second-year QB again showed he’s
a gamer by staying in despite hurting his right shoulder. Afterward, McCoy said his shoulder was “OK” but didn’t know if he
would need an MRI.

Shurmur doesn’t need any proof that McCoy, who was down on himself following a key interception near Jacksonville’s end zone
in the third, can handle himself physically.

“Colt has taken some licks this year,” Shurmur said. “He bounced back well. He is learning to forget a bad play and move on.”

Gabbert was 22 of 41 for 210 yards, and Jones-Drew rushed for 87 yards on 21 carries.

Josh Scobee
kicked a 42-yard field goal to bring the Jaguars within 14-10 with 5:39 left.

The Browns finally found their way into the end zone in the second quarter, when Ogbonnaya’s first career TD, a 1-yard run,
tied it at 7.

It was Cleveland’s first touchdown at home since Oct. 2, a drought of 158 minutes, 15 seconds – or 2 hours, 38 minutes and
15 seconds, nearly the length of time it takes to play an entire NFL game.

“We’re starting to do things right,” McCoy said.

Jones-Drew powered up the middle for a 6-yard TD run, capping Jacksonville’s 92-yard scoring drive that devoured 9:32 off
the clock. Jones-Drew dragged two defenders into the end zone and followed with a celebration designed to irk Cleveland fans
by imitating the powder toss NBA superstar LeBron James started while he played for the Cavaliers.

Notes: Browns rookie WR
Greg Little
had 5 catches for 59 yards. … Browns WR
Mohamed Massaquoi
had 2 catches after missing the previous two games with a concussion. … Jaguars LBs
Clint Session
,
Matt Roth
and RB
Kevin Rutland
left with head injuries. Del Rio provided no details on the injuries.

© 2011 STATS LLC

Browns kicker Phil Dawson emerged from the trainer’s room following one of the most memorable games of his career clutching an ice bag.
He was sore.
“Old age,” Dawson cracked, using a joke to brush off discussing a possible injury. “When you get to be my age, everything hurts.”
Luckily for the Browns, his right foot was more than fine.
Dawson kicked field goals of 52 and 53 yards between having two batted down by Seattle defensive end Red Bryant and Cleveland’s defense kept the Seahawks under wraps and out of the end zone Sunday during a 6-3 win, moving the Browns to .500 in coach Pat Shurmur’s first season.
It wasn’t a work of art, but Dawson, the sole survivor from the Browns’ 1999 expansion team, knows any win is a good win.
“That’s the prettiest 2-for-4 day we’ll ever have,” he said.
The Seahawks (2-4) gained just 137 yards of offense and had the ball for only 17 minutes, but came away feeling they should have won.
“I don’t want to disrespect Cleveland or anything,” said Seattle wide receiver Mike Williams. “They played a good game, but we are better.”
The Browns (3-3) failed to score a touchdown and only got inside Seattle’s 20 once, but Dawson bailed them out by making two field goals beyond 50 yards for the first time.
“In an NFL game,” Dawson quickly pointed out. “We’ll take this one. We’re probably not going to brag about it in 15 years, but we’ll take the win.”
Seattle came in without starting quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and then lost running back Marshawn Lynch in pregame warmups to back spasms.
Making matters worse, Seattle was penalized eight times, and its biggest play was called back by a penalty as Leon Washington’s 81-yard punt return for a TD in the third quarter was nullified by a blocking-in-the-back infraction — one of several mistakes that annoyed coach Pete Carroll.
“It was a very difficult loss,” said Carroll, who also had some issues with referee Mike’s Carey’s crew. “The guys took it hard. It was really close. The margin of error became a factor that amplified every call and every play. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get enough going to get the win.”
Carroll didn’t blame the officials, but he wants to take a closer look at a few calls.
“When a game is this close, a call can make a difference,” Carroll said. “Whether they did or not, we’ll see the film and take a look. In this game, those calls are magnified. I kind of hope they’re right, to tell you the truth. I hope they made the right choices because it’s pretty hard to live with if they didn’t.”
Dawson’s 53-yard field goal with 11:18 left gave the Browns a 6-3 lead, and the 36-year-old was set to give Cleveland a six-point lead before his 24-yarder with 3:05 left was knocked down by Bryant, who stormed through the line to get his hand on the attempt. In the first quarter, Bryant blocked Dawson’s 48-yarder.
As bad as they had played, the Seahawks had one last chance, but couldn’t move the ball as Charlie Whitehurst had four incompletions and had a pass dropped on the Seahawks’ final possession.
In the final minute, a frustrated Bryant was ejected for head-butting Cleveland tight end Alex Smith.
“Dumb move on my part,” Bryant said. “I take full responsibility for it. I’m supposed to be a leader. I lost my composure. You never know what could have happened if we got the ball back on offense. He (Smith) was talking the whole game. He was taking cheap shots at me. That’s what guys do when they can’t block you.”
The Seahawks’ only points came on a 20-yard field goal by Steven Hauschka in the third quarter. Other than that, their offense was abysmal.
“We never got going,” Carroll said.
The victory was forgettable on so many levels, but the Browns will gladly take it.
Earlier in the week, team president Mike Holmgren, who took over in Cleveland after 10 seasons in Seattle, defended Shurmur’s early performance and pleaded patience from Browns fans. Shurmur’s West Coast offense remains a work in progress, but quarterback Colt McCoy managed the game, made a few plays with his feet and protected Cleveland’s slim lead in the final minutes.
The Browns also had to overcome injuries. Peyton Hillis didn’t play because of a strained hamstring and wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi and tight Benjamin Watson sustained concussions. Also, right guard Shawn Lauvao injured his knee in the second half and will undergo an MRI on Monday.
“It’s about winning,” said Shurmur. “Our guys found a way. I’d like to think that’s going to be the mark of the team we have.”
Seattle’s chances took a big hit before kickoff, when Lynch, the team’s leading rusher and top offensive weapon, had his back tighten. He remained on the sideline and at one point appeared ready to enter the game.
“He’s had an ongoing thing with his back since he arrived with us,” Carroll said. “It came up right before game time and he couldn’t get loose. We tried to work with him the whole game and keep him going. He was about ready to take a shot at going after it, but he had sat too long.”
NOTES: Browns RB Montario Hardesty started for Hillis and had 33 carries for 95 yards. Newly signed Chris Ogbonnaya had a team-leading five catches, three for first downs. … Carroll said Seahawks starting CB Walter Thurmond broke his leg and is done for the season. S Kam Chancellor injured his knee. … The 137 yards were the fewest given up by the Browns since 1993. … Cleveland’s time of possession was its most since 1976.