There was hope in Cleveland that first week of November, 2010.
Their long-suffering Browns, it appeared, had something cooking despite a slow start. A win over defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans closed October with a great opportunity next.
A visit from the New England Patriots was a particular challenge for Cleveland's second-year offensive coordinator. Brian Daboll, Alabama's new offensive coordinator hired Feb. 20, built his reputation as an assistant under Bill Belichick. Now, he was tasked with game planning with a rookie quarterback facing the league power.
There was also the undercurrent of controversy surrounding Cleveland head coach Eric Mangini, who like Daboll, was a Belichick disciple.