Hue Jackson and Cleveland Browns coaching debuts
By Thomas Moore
Chris Palmer: 1999 vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers
It was supposed to be a night of celebration marking the Browns return to the NFL, but it only served as a preview for what was to come over the next 16 years (and counting).
In front of a passionate fan base and a national-television audience, the Browns were held to 40 yards of total offense, nine rushing yards and two first downs in a 43-0 loss to the Steelers.
Not to be left out, the Cleveland defense was just as poor as the offense, allowing 464 yards of total offense and 33 first downs on the first of many long days to come for the expansion Browns.
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Butch Davis: 2001 vs. the Seattle Seahawks
It was a battle of field goals in the first game under head coach Butch Davis, with the Browns coming out on the wrong end of a 9-6 score.
It was a day for the defense, as both the Browns and Seahawks gave up less than 260 total yards of offense, and special teams, as Phil Dawson and Rian Lindell traded field goals.
Dawson tied the game with a 22-yard field goal with two minutes remaining in the game, only to see the Browns surrender a 49-yard return on the ensuing kickoff. The Seahawks were able to run down the clock before Lindell’s 52-yard field goal sealed the win.
Romeo Crennel: 2005 vs. the Cincinnati Bengals
The Browns hung tough, at least for a half, in head coach Romeo Crennel’s first game only to eventually fall to the Bengals, 27-13.
Cleveland tied the game at 10 just before halftime when Trent Dilfer hit Frisman Jackson for a 68-yard touchdown pass. But the Bengals answered back with touchdown passes from Carson Palmer to close out the second quarter and open the third, putting the game out of reach.
The outcome may have been different if the Browns had not an interception return for a touchdown and a punt return for a touchdown called back by penalties.
The game is probably most notable for being the only 100-yard receiving game in Jackson’s NFL career.
Eric Mangini: 2009 vs. the Minnesota Vikings
Not content with having already hired someone from the Bill Belichick coaching tree, and having had Belichick himself, the Browns went back to the well one more time with predictable results with head coach Eric Mangini.
The Browns held a 13-10 lead at halftime thanks to a 67-yard punt return for a touchdown by Josh Cribbs, only to see the Vikings dominate the second half en route to a 34-20 win.
The defense, allegedly Mangini’s strong suit, was overwhelmed by Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson, who rushed for 155 yards in the second half and scored three touchdowns, including a 64-yard run in the fourth quarter.
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