The Browns had a one-game lead over the Giants after eight weeks, but then had two costly losses that likely ended up costing them any chance at winning the Eastern Conference. First, they lost 9-7 at Pittsburgh, where their offense was non-existent in the second half. The following week at home against St. Louis, Blanton Collier started Jim Ninowski at QB, but after scoring on the first series, the offense again died until a late touchdown chopped the lead to 20-14, and a final drive died at the Cardinal 30. The Browns blew a golden chance to take a 14-13 lead late in the third when they picked off a pass and had first down at the St. Louis, but they lost one yard on four plays. Finally, two other blown chances: in the first quarter, Pat Fischer somehow outjumped Gary Collins for the ball at the Cardinal five to stop a drive, and in the third, Ray Renfro was wide open at the St. Louis 25--and dropped the ball.SixtiesFan wrote:And this doesn't count the Browns' 1963 second place finish.BD Sullivan wrote:1958: Baltimore at ClevelandSixtiesFan wrote:1960 NFL Championship: Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland did gain a tie for first the next week with the Giants and Cardinals, then knocked off St. Louis to stay tied with the Giants. Then, their season collapsed by getting blown out by the Lions, who were 4-7-1 entering the game and hadn't won for over a month. The Browns only trailed 14-10 at the half, but again did nothing after the break, getting outscored 24-0.
