 Browns began the season 1–7 with McDonald at quarterback, and fans' frustration with the team and Rutigliano boiled over.The breaking point came in an October 7 game against the New England Patriots that bore an eerie resemblance to Cleveland's 1980 playoff loss to the Raiders.The Browns were down 17–16 in the fourth quarter, and lost on an interception in New England's end zone as time expired.