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Browns lose to Dolphins and Tyler Huntley, the quarterback they cut

Chris Easterling   Akron Beacon Journal

CLEVELAND — It's hard to believe the NFL didn't want to keep the Browns' final home game against the Miami Dolphins on "Sunday Night Football." Cleveland once again showed it's not ready for prime time with a 20-3 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday afternoon.

The game was originally scheduled for the Sunday night spot when the schedule came out in May. It was flexed to a 4:05 p.m. start two weeks ago.

Thanks to injuries and other factors, the game turned into a quarterback battle between Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Tyler Huntley. The two were training camp teammates with the Browns, before Huntley was waived on Aug. 29.

Huntley, starting for an injured Tua Tagovailoa, proved light years ahead of his former teammate. The fifth-year pro was 22-of-26 passing for 225 yards with a touchdown and a 115.5 passer rating, while also rushing six times for 53 yards and a score.

Thompson-Robinson, making his second start of the season, was 24-of-47 passing for 170 yards with an interception and a 50.8 passer rating. He also fumbled once and had three intentional grounding penalties.

The Browns (3-13) will limp into the season finale at the Baltimore Ravens — the date and time to be announced later Sunday by the NFL — on a five-game losing streak. They're assured of their worst season since going 0-16 in 2017.

Miami (8-8) remains alive in the AFC playoff race. The Dolphins need to win next week against the New York Jets and get a loss by the Denver Broncos against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Follow along here as the Browns close out their home schedule against their visitors from South Florida:

Tyler Huntley to Jonnu Smith to stick the dagger in Cleveland Browns

You can put a bow on this one. Miami quarterback Tyler Huntley found tight end Jonnu Smith for a 7-yard touchdown pass with 3:38 remaining to give the Dolphins a 20-3 lead.

Huntley is 22 of 26 for 225 yards with a touchdown and a 115.5 passer rating.

Cleveland Browns turns it over on downs for 3rd time

The Browns have given it up on downs for the third time in the game. This time, it was when Dorian Thompson-Robinson' pass to Michael Woods II gained three yards when they needed five to move the chains.

Miami takes over at the Browns 21 with 3:56 remaining.

Myles Garrett becomes 1st with 4 consecutive seasons of 14 sacks

Myles Garrett made history with 9:16 remaining when he sacked Miami's Tyler Huntley. He became the first player in NFL history to record 14 sacks in four consecutive seasons.

4th-down pass into end zone to Jerry Jeudy broken up by Jalen Ramsey

The Browns scored nothing on their trip into the red zone. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson's fourth-down pass from the Miami 3 to wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was broken up by cornerback Jalen Ramsey with 14:11 remaining.

End 3rd quarter: Miami Dolphins 13, Cleveland Browns 3

The Browns are knocking on the door of the end zone as the third quarter ends. They'll have a second-and-goal situation from the Miami 4 to open the final 15 minutes of regulation.

Browns linebacker Jordan Hicks downgraded to out with head injury

The Browns have officially ruled out linebacker Jordan Hicks. They had been evaluating him for a head injury.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson commits 2nd turnover of game with fumble

Dorian Thompson-Robinson has committed two more turnovers in his second start of the season. This time, Miami's Emmanuel Ogbah stripped Thompson-Robinson on a sack, with Da'Shawn Hand recovering it at the Cleveland 45. with 5:23 remaining in the third.

Myles Garrett sacks Tyler Huntley for his 13th sack of season

Defensive end Myles Garrett recorded his 13th sacks of the season with 8:19 remaining in the third quarter when he dropped Miami's Tyler Huntley for a 7-yard loss on third down.

That made him one of three players in NFL history to have 13 sacks in five of his first eight season. The others are the late Hall of Famer Reggie White and Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt.

Tyler Huntley's keeper gives Miami Dolphins 10-point lead

Quarterback Tyler Huntley's 13-yard keeper for a touchdown gave Miami a 13-3 lead with 11:04 remaining. Huntley took the snap and ran to the right, tip-toed down the sideline and got into the end zone for the first touchdown of the day.

Denzel Ward out with shoulder injury; Jordan Hicks being evaluated for head injury

The Browns have sustained two major injuries to their defense. They have ruled out cornerback Denzel Ward with a shoulder injury.

Linebacker Jordan Hicks is also questionable to return as he's being evaluated for a head injury.

Jerome Ford returns to field for Cleveland Browns

Despite having a noticeable limp, running back Jerome Ford returned for the Browns on their third play of the third quarter. He was questionable to return with a right ankle injury suffered in the second quarter.

Halftime: Miami Dolphins 6, Cleveland Browns 3

The Browns trail at halftime, but will get the second-half kickoff. Miami's Tyler Huntley is 13-of-16 passing for 143 yards and a 103.3 passer rating.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson is 7 of 15 for 58 yards with an interception and a 29.3 passer rating.

Miami Dolphins beat clock, get Jason Sanders FG to end half with lead

The Dolphins were able to successfully spike the ball with one second left on the clock at the Browns 21. That allowed Jason Sanders to make a 39-yard field goal for a 6-3 halftime lead for Miami.

Browns fail on 4th down, then lose interception on pass interference

The Browns tried to go for it on fourth and 1 from the Miami 38. D'Onta Foreman was given the ball on a handoff, but was stuff a yard shy of the mark to gain to give Miami the ball back.

The Browns thought they got the ball on the Dolphins' first play. Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr., who came up with an interception, was flagged for pass interference.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson throws interception as rain starts to fall

Dorian Thompson-Robinson threw his first interception of the day with 4:33 remaining in the first half. As the rain started to fall, the second-year pro was picked off by Miami linebacker Tyrel Dodson.

Dodson was flagged for taking off his helmet after the play. That moved Miami's starting field position to its own 35.

Cleveland Browns RB Jerome Ford injures right ankle on 2nd-quarter run

Browns running back Jerome Ford suffered an injury to his right ankle after a run for no gain with 6:02 remaining in the second quarter. As Ford was being tackled, right tackle Jack Conklin fell backward onto his lower leg.

Ford tried to hop off the field, but went down by the numbers. After initially being helped to the medical tent for a moment, he went to the locker room with medical personnel with him.

The Browns ruled Ford as questionable to return.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson can't find connection with Jerry Jeudy

Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson threw three straight incompletions on Cleveland's third possession. Two of those were partially the responsibility of wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.

Jeudy couldn't get his second foot down on a first-down throw to the sideline. On second down, he couldn't hold onto what was originally ruled as a lateral before being reversed to an incomplete pass.

Thompson-Robinson is 4 of 10 for 32 yards so far.

Dustin Hopkins makes short field goal to gain some confidence, tie the game

Dustin Hopkins made the most of his first kick of the game. The embattled kicker knocked through a 25-yard field goal with 13:26 remaining in the second quarter to tie the game at 3-3 with Miami.

Hopkins had missed 6 of his last 9 field goals prior to the make. He missed his only kick, a point-after try, in last week's loss at Cincinnati after having the previous game against Kansas City off.

End of 1st quarter: Miami Dolphins 3, Cleveland Browns 0

The Browns will start the second quarter with a first and goal from the Miami 7. They have been outgained 81-65 in total yards by the Dolphins in the first quarter.

Jason Sanders bounces one off the crossbar to give Miami Dolphins lead

It wasn't pretty, but Miami kicker Jason Sanders gave his team a 3-0 lead with 5:46 remaining in the first quarter with a 54-yard field goal. The kick, going toward the Dawg Pound end, bounced off the crossbar and over.

Cleveland Browns starting offense vs. Miami Dolphins

The Browns, thanks to multiple Miami penalties, forced a Dolphins punt. Starting from their own 19, here was Cleveland's opening 11 on offense:

  • QB: Dorian Thompson-Robinson
  • RB: Jerome Ford
  • TE: Jordan Akins
  • WR: Elijah Moore
  • WR: Jerry Jeudy
  • Eligible TE: Michael Dunn
  • LT: Germain Ifedi
  • LG: Joel Bitonio
  • C: Ethan Pocic
  • RG: Wyatt Teller
  • RT: Jack Conklin

Cleveland Browns starting defense vs. Miami Dolphins

Here's the first 11 player out on defense for the Browns:

  • DE: Isaiah McGuire
  • DT: Dalvin Tomlinson
  • DT: Mike Hall Jr.
  • DE: Myles Garrett
  • LB Jordan Hicks
  • LB: Mohamoud Diabate
  • S: Rodney McLeod
  • S: Grant Delpit
  • CB: Denzel Ward
  • CB: Martin Emerson Jr.
  • S: Juan Thornhill

Cleveland Browns win toss, defers; Miami Dolphins to start with football

The Browns won the toss and deferred their choice to the second half. The Dolphins will get the ball to start the game.

WR Jaylen Waddle inactive for Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns

The Dolphins ruled out wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for Sunday's game against the Browns. He's been battling a knee injury.

Tyreek Hill, who was also questionable entering the game, will be active at wide receiver for Miami.

Jameis Winston to be Cleveland Browns No. 3 QB against Miami Dolphins

Jameis Winston was officially ruled out as the No. 3 emergency quarterback for Cleveland for the second week in a row due to a shoulder injury.

Winston was listed as questionable on Friday with the same shoulder injury that sidelined him last Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Dorian Thompson-Robinson is starting his second consecutive game, as was expected, while Bailey Zappe will be the backup for the second game in a row.

Cleveland Browns inactive list vs. Miami Dolphins features David Njoku, Ogbo Okoronkwo

Quarterback Jameis Winston was one of five inactive Browns players against Miami. Three of them — wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion), defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (knee) and tight end David Njoku (knee) — were ruled out on Friday, while cornerback Chigozie Anusieum has yet to be active since being signed by the Browns off the Washington Commanders' practice squad.

Jordan Akins will start at tight end for Njoku, while Isaiah McGuire is slated to start in place of Okoronkwo at defensive end. Rookie Mike Hall Jr. will get his second career start at defensive tackle after Shelby Harris (elbow) was placed on injured reserve earlier this week.

Tyler 'Snoop' Huntley to start at QB for Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns

Tyler "Snoop" Huntley, who was with the Browns from March until he was waived Aug. 29, will make his fourth start of the season for Miami, which is still alive for the No. 7 seed in the AFC playoffs. Skylar Thompson, called up from practice squad, will back up Huntley.

Starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who missed four games early in the season after another significant concussion, was downgraded from questionable to doubtful by the Dolphins on Saturday afternoon. The hip injury first flared up significantly a week ago, but he played through it in a Week 16 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

When do the Cleveland Browns play today?

Kickoff is at 4:05 p.m.

Who is announcing the Dolphins vs. Browns game?

  • Play-by-play: Andrew Catalon
  • Analysts: Tiki Barber and Jason McCourty
  • Sideline: A.J. Ross

What channel is Browns vs. Dolphins on: How to watch the Cleveland-Miami game on TV, streaming

  • TV channel: WOIO-TV (Channel 19)
  • Stream: Paramount+ and NFL+
  • Announcers: Andrew Catalon (play-by-play), Tiki Barber (analyst), Jason McCourty (analyst), A.J. Ross (sideline reporter)

How to listen to the Cleveland Browns vs. Miami Dolphins game on the radio, stream

  • The Cleveland Browns Radio Network will carry the game, with Andrew Siciliano (play-by-play), Nathan Zegura (analyst) and Je'Rod Cherry (sideline reporter) on the call. Among the affiliates in the Akron-Canton area are WAKR-AM 1590, WONE-FM 97.5, WHBC-AM 1480, WQKT-FM 104.5, WKRK-FM 92.3, WKNR-AM 850 and WNCX-FM 98.5.
  • The Cleveland Browns Radio Network's call can also be streamed at Cleveland Browns.com, as well as the Browns mobile app. It's also available on Sirius XM radio, with channels 85 or 225 carrying the Browns feed.
  • Compass Media Network will be broadcasting the game nationally on select affiliates. Ted Emrich (play-by-play) and Brian Baldinger (analyst) will be on the call.
  • The Browns also have a Spanish-language broadcast, with Rafael “Rafa” Hernández-Brito (play-by-play) and Octavio Sequera (analyst) on the call. Games will be streamed on La Mega Cleveland, as well as heard on WNZN-FM 89.1 in Lorain and WVKO-FM 103.1 in Columbus.

How to buy Dolphins vs. Browns tickets

Tickets for Sunday's game on StubHub can be purchased on StubHub from $9 before fees.

Browns vs. Dolphins weather

It's a rainy but mild December afternoon in Cleveland, with the temperature at kickoff expected to be a high near 60, according to the National Weather Service. Rain before 3pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly after 3pm. East wind 9 to 18 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Browns vs. Dolphins injury report

  • Browns: WR Cedric Tillman (concussion), out; TE David Njoku (knee), out; QB Jameis Winston (shoulder), questionable; DE Ogbo Okoronkwo (knee), out.
  • Dolphins: CB Kendall Fuller (knee), out; linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. (knee), out; OT Terron Armstead (knee), questionable; WR Dee Eskridge (knee), questionable; WR Tyreek Hill (wrist), questionable; S Jordan Poyer (knee/finger), questionable; QB Tua Tagovailoa (hip), doubtful; WR Jaylen Waddle (knee), questionable.

Cleveland Browns result in Week 16

Cleveland fell to 3-12 on the season with a 24-6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday afternoon in Cincinnati. The Browns turned the football over three times in the game, including two interceptions by Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

Miami Dolphins result in Week 16

The Dolphins improved to 7-8 by beating the San Francisco 49ers 29-17 last Sunday in Miami Gardens. The Dolphins scored the final 10 points to pull away from the 49ers, with De'Von Achane's 50-yard touchdown run the final nail in the coffin.

Gameday traffic for Cleveland Browns game vs. Miami Dolphins impacted by sinkhole

A sink hole on East 9th Street at North Marginal Road will be limiting vehicular traffic before Sunday's game.

According to Kelsey Russo of ClevelandBrowns.com, here's what fans need to know:

"Due to emergency city road and sidewalk repairs, major changes have been made to Browns gameday traffic patterns, particularly affecting official parking passholders for Sunday's game against the Dolphins. Fans should plan for an early arrival and extended travel times to Huntington Bank Field on Sunday."

The exit ramps at East 9th Street at Route 2 will close at 9 a.m. Sunday. The release said additional road closures "will be in effect as early as three hours prior to kickoff."

Kickoff for Sunday's game against the Dolphins is scheduled for 4:05 p.m.

How should parking passholders get to the Browns vs Dolphins game?

Per the Browns, parking passholders must access parking lots via East 9th Street and are being told not to use N. Marginal Road.

Fans are being told to access East 9th Street from I-90 E/W using Exit 173-C (Superior), with Exit 174A (Lakeside Ave) as an alternative option.

Reminder that East 9th exit ramps at Route 2 will close at 9 a.m.

How should Browns non-passholders park for the Dolphins game?

Fans without parking passes are being told to avoid East 9th Street and to expect heavy congestion.

Fans planning to use the Muni Lot are being told to plan for a longer walking commute to the stadium because foot traffic patterns will also be adjusted.

For more details, head to the Cleveland Browns website.

Cleveland Browns predictions vs. Miami Dolphins

So what should we expect from the Browns this afternoon against the Dolphins? Click here to see what our writers project as the score of today's game.

Browns vs. Dolphins betting odds

  • Provided by BetMGM.com; access Paste BN Sports Scores ad Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:30 a.m. ET Sunday.
  • Moneyline (ML): Browns +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Dolphins -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Browns +3.5 (+100) | Dolphins -3.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 33 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Miami Dolphins scores in all-time series vs. Cleveland Browns

Today is the 22nd all-time regular-season or playoff meeting between the Browns and the Dolphins, which dates back to 1970, and the10th since the rebirth of the Cleveland franchise in 1999. Here's a look at the series between the Browns and Dolphins.

  • Series record (regular season and playoffs): Dolphins lead 12--9
  • Series record (regular season): Dolphins lead 10-9
  • Playoff record: Dolphins lead 2-0
  • Series in Cleveland (regular season and playoffs): Browns lead 7-5
  • Series record in Cleveland (regular season): Browns lead 7-5
  • Series record in Cleveland (playoffs): N/A
  • Series record in Miami: Dolphins lead 7-2
  • Series record in Miami (regular season): Dolphins lead 5-2
  • Series record in Miami (playoffs): Dolphins lead 2-0
  • Last meeting: Dolphins won 39-17 in Miami Gardens on Nov. 13, 2022
  • Series streak: Bengals won the last two meetings

Cleveland Browns 2024 active roster

  • QUARTERBACKS (3): Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Jameis Winston, Bailey Zappe
  • RUNNING BACK (4): Jerome Ford, D'Onta Foreman, Pierre Strong Jr.
  • WIDE RECEIVER (6): Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, Jamari Thrash, Cedric Tillman, Michael Woods II, James Proche II
  • TIGHT ENDS (4): Jordan Akins, David Njoku, Blake Whiteheart, Brenden Bates
  • OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (8): Joel Bitonio, Jack Conklin, Michael Dunn, Germain Ifedi, Geron Christian, Ethan Pocic, Zak Zinter, Wyatt Teller
  • DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): Myles Garrett, Isaiah McGuire, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Dalvin Tomlinson, Sam Kamara, James Houston, Cameron Thomas, Jowon Briggs, Mike Hall Jr.
  • LINEBACKERS (6): Devin Bush, Khaleke Hudson, Winston Reid, Jordan Hicks, Nathaniel Watson, Mohamoud Diabate
  • DEFENSIVE BACKS (11): D’Anthony Bell, Grant Delpit, Martin Emerson Jr., Ronnie Hickman, Rodney McLeod, Cameron Mitchell, Myles Harden, Mike Ford Jr., Denzel Ward, Juan Thornhill, Chigozie Anusiem
  • SPECIALISTS (3): Corey Bojorquez, Dustin Hopkins, Rex Sunahara

Cleveland Browns 2024 schedule, results (3-12, 2-3 AFC North)

  • Sunday, Sept. 8: Home vs. Dallas Cowboys, L, 33-17
  • Sunday, Sept. 15: At Jacksonville Jaguars, W, 18-13
  • Sunday, Sept. 22: Home vs. New York Giants, L, 21-15
  • Sunday, Sept. 29: At Las Vegas Raiders, L, 20-16
  • Sunday, Oct. 6: At Washington Commanders, L, 34-13
  • Sunday, Oct. 13: At Philadelphia Eagles, L, 20-16
  • Sunday, Oct. 20: Home vs. Cincinnati Bengals, L, 21-14
  • Sunday, Oct. 27: Home vs. Baltimore Ravens, W, 29-24
  • Sunday, Nov. 3: Home vs. Los Angeles Chargers, L, 27-10
  • Sunday, Nov. 10: BYE WEEK
  • Sunday, Nov. 17: At New Orleans Saints, L, 35-14
  • Thursday, Nov. 21: Home vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, W, 24-19
  • Monday, Dec. 2: At Denver Broncos, L, 41-32
  • Sunday, Dec. 8: At Pittsburgh Steelers, L, 27-14
  • Sunday, Dec. 15: Home vs. Kansas City Chiefs, L, 21-7
  • Sunday, Dec. 22: At Cincinnati Bengals, L, 24-6
  • Sunday, Dec. 29: Home vs. Miami Dolphins 4:05 p.m., CBS
  • Saturday, Jan. 4 OR Sunday, Jan. 5: At Baltimore Ravens, TBA, TV TBA

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ

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