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NFL
Browns quiet tumult, end two teams' bad seasons
Associated Press
Published January 2, 2006
CLEVELAND - Sudden turmoil and rumors twisting around the Browns led to something factual: their first division win.
Dennis Northcutt's 62-yard punt return for a touchdown helped the Browns close a tumultuous final weekend by beating Baltimore, which finished 0-8 on the road.
This season, Northcutt twice brought back punts for touchdowns only to have them nullified by penalties. But after his third-quarter jaunt, when he reversed field and picked up some blocks, Northcutt checked to be certain there were no penalty flags and waved his arms like an official.
Cleveland safety Brian Russell's second interception of Kyle Boller with 58 seconds left gave the Browns, embarrassed 41-0 by Pittsburgh on Christmas Eve, their first win in the AFC North.
Charlie Frye survived a first-half pounding and finished 22-of-38 for 199 yards with a 6-yard touchdown to Antonio Bryant.
The Browns' home finale took place two days after a report the club was planning to fire general manager Phil Savage, who has been with Cleveland less than a year. Team president John Collins denied the move was even considered.
NOTABLE: Cleveland's Reuben Droughns gained 40 yards and broke Hall of Famer Jim Brown's club record for rushing attempts in a season at 309.
[Last modified January 2, 2006, 03:55:07]
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