Dawson sets Browns' career field goal record

By Stephanie Storm, Marla Ridenour and Nate Ulrich

October 18, 2010

PITTSBURGH: This was not the way the record should have come.

For a guy who cares as much about his teammates and is as committed to his profession as Browns kicker Phil Dawson, he should have passed hall of famer Lou Groza on the Browns' all-time field-goal list with a memorable kick. A kick like his improbable one a few years ago against the Buffalo Bills in blinding snow at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Or for that matter, any one of his many game-winning kicks would have been more appropriate.

Instead, Dawson had to settle for No. 235 coming on an otherwise meaningless first-quarter 39-yard field goal in the Browns' 28-10 loss Sunday at rival Pittsburgh. It's a game that will probably be remembered more for wide receivers Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi suffering injuries after hits by Steelers linebacker James Harrison than Dawson's milestone.

''As I said last week, I would've gladly traded [the record] for a win, and that was against an opponent that's not a division rival,'' Dawson said. ''I've been around here long enough to understand what this rivalry is about. As I stand right now, that's all that really matters to me — we just got beat by the Steelers. That's about as tough as it gets.''

Last week, Dawson tied Groza on the Browns' list in a loss against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. Afterward, he spent time with his family as a reward.

''I don't know what I'll do after this one,'' Dawson said. ''I don't want to do the record a disservice. It was something that I set out a long time ago to do. But we just lost to the Steelers, and it's not the best night to throw a party.''