Page "Cleveland Browns" Paragraph 23

The end of the Graham era, however, was also the end of the Browns ' dominant streak.

The team floundered in 1956 as it struggled to find a permanent replacement for Graham.

The season began with long-time backup George Ratterman at quarterback, but Babe Parilli took his place when the starter was injured.

After Parilli was hurt, relative unknown Tommy O ' Connell took up the position for the remainder of the season.

None of them threw more touchdowns than interceptions, and Cleveland's 5 – 7 finish was its first losing season ever.

Dante Lavelli and Frank Gatski retired at the end of the season, leaving Groza as the only original Cleveland player still on the team.