Coming up Shorts

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

His eyes filled with tears, Joe Haden’s voice cracked as his emotions alternated between disgust and disbelief.

Of all the losses, this one hit Haden hardest.

Cleveland’s hopeful season is shattered.

Haden was beaten by Jacksonville wide receiver Cecil Shorts (Mount Union) for a 20-yard TD pass from Chad Henne with 40 seconds left as the rejuvenated Jaguars rallied for a 32-28 win on Sunday over the Browns, who dropped their third straight, sixth in seven games and seen their playoff hopes disappear.

It was an unforgettable moment for Shorts, the Cleveland native who last week said “I’m all Cleveland” and talked about the excitement of returning to play in front of family and friends.

“For that play to happen in this game, in that situation, and the hometown,” he said. “It’s a dream come true.”

It was a nightmare for the Browns.

Afterward, Haden struggled to stay composed.

“I don’t know, man,” Haden said, trying to figure what has happened to a promising season. “I don’t know. We can’t stand losing, it hurts. I go out there and put my heart out there every time. Every time. And we end up coming up short.”

The Browns (4-8) had taken a 28-25 lead with 3:55 left on Brandon Weeden’s stunning 95-yard touchdown pass to Josh Gordon, who caught 10 passes for 261 yards and became the first player in NFL history to record 200 receiving yards in consecutive games.

But Cleveland’s defense couldn’t stop Henne, who drove the Jaguars (3-9) for the go-ahead score.

Haden, who has had a Pro Bowl-caliber season, took responsibility for the TD.

“It was my fault,” Haden said. “He ran a good route, a good play. Don’t take anything from our D, we’re out there every time grinding, fighting. This hurts. Every time we start losing, we’re tired of it and there’s nothing we can say.”

Three weeks ago, the Browns seemed on the verge of finally turning the corner. At 4-5, they were in the playoff chase. But losses to Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and now Jacksonville, has not only dropped them from contention, but the Browns are staring at another likely double-digit loss season.

The beleaguered Weeden, back in the starting lineup because Jason Campbell has a concussion, suffered a head injury after a mixed performance. He threw three touchdown passes, two interceptions and had to kick a ball snapped high over his head out of the end zone for a safety.

After passing for 370 yards, Weeden complained of feeling poorly and was diagnosed with a concussion.

With Campbell also not yet cleared to play, the Browns may be forced to start recently signed Alex Tanney next week at New England.