Browns are battered on both sides of the ball

Pittsburgh gained 457 yards and scored on seven of its 11 possessions.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CLEVELAND -- Early in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game, the CBS telecast showed a Browns fan holding a sign that read, "Hey guys, the game started at 1."
Maybe the Saturday schedule threw them off.
"We just didn't show up," said Browns tight end Steve Heiden. "I can't explain why, it's just one of those things you can't put your finger on."
If you're a Browns fan, you might want to skip to a different story. This one's going to seem more fitting for Halloween than Christmas.
The Browns gained just 1 net yard in the first quarter (Pittsburgh had 196) on Saturday, and didn't pick up their initial first down until Reuben Droughns broke free for a 29-yard gain with 8:15 left in the second quarter. Their next four plays looked like this: minus-8, minus-8, minus-5, blocked punt.
"We got embarrassed," said linebacker Ben Taylor. "We thought we had a chance but we didn't come through in any phase of the game.
"They played harder and made more plays."
Browns' defense porous
Cleveland's defense surrendered 457 yards and allowed Pittsburgh to score on seven of its 11 possessions.
The Browns' offense, meanwhile, had its own version of the Twelve Drives of Christmas: Punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, turnover on downs, fumble, turnover on downs, end of game.
"It is disappointing because we set our expectations high," said Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel. "On no day of the year do we expect to lose like that. A loss like this is embarrassing."
Added linebacker Andra Davis: "You saw the game. I have nothing to say."
Still, there were a few minor highlights. Running back Reuben Droughns -- who two weeks ago became the first Browns RB to run for more than 1,000 yards since 1985 -- needs just 49 yards to pass his career-high of 1,240 rushing yards, set last year in Denver. And with five receptions on Saturday, wideout Antonio Bryant set a career high with 60 receptions this season, surpassing last year's total of 58.
Final next Sunday
The Browns (5-11), who have been competitive in most of their non-Steeler games this year, already have won one more game than they did last year. They have a chance to finish on a high note next Sunday at home against Baltimore.
But no matter what happens, today won't be a merry Christmas.
And if things don't start to change, it won't be a happy New Year either.
"We have one week left," said Taylor. "Coach [Crennel] talked about going back to the drawing board on Monday to try to figure out what we are going to do next Sunday and next year.
"We want to have a good game and close out on a good note."
scalzo@vindy.com