Cornerback Daven Holly nearly intercepted a third-down pass from Kurt Warner in the first quarter yesterday. He missed, but the pass was incomplete. Facing fourth-and-4 at the Browns 37, the Cardinals would have surely punted rather than risk a field goal try from 54 yards.

As it turned out, the Cardinals did not have to make a decision. Bodden kicked the ball in frustration after Holly dropped it. He was penalized 5 yards for delay of game. The Cardinals got another chance and scored a touchdown four plays later for a 14-0 lead.

''I didn't know it was like spiking the ball or throwing the ball,'' Bodden said. ''I was unaware and it cost us.''

It did not take Bodden long to realize how foolish his show of emotion was. He walked slowly to the sideline after the Cardinals scored a touchdown and temporarily sat alone on the bench. Teammates eventually joined him. Some patted him on the back as a sign of encouragement, but many ignored him. Coach Romeo Crennel walked over and spoke briefly Bodden. He was not pleased.

Crennel also wasn't pleased near the end of the game when Simon Fraser head-butted an Arizona player. The personal foul cost the Browns 15 yards.

''They always see the second head butt,'' Crennel said.

Earlier in the fourth quarter, Brodney Pool drew a personal foul for shoving the Cardinals' Steve Breaston out of bounds.

''We didn't do a good enough job coaching or playing,'' Crennel said about the lack of discipline. ''That's the only explanation I could give you.''

After further review

Two close plays reviewed by officials went the Browns' way.

Sean Jones intercepted a pass with 30 seconds left in the first half. As he fell the ball appeared to hit the ground. Since it was within the last two minutes the play was reviewed without a challenge from the Cardinals' sideline.

Braylon Edwards caught the ball around the Arizona 31 in the fourth quarter, fell, and bounced up before an Arizona player could touch him. He sprinted to the end zone for the touchdown. The Cardinals challenged the call, claiming he had been touched, but the call was upheld.

The last and most critical, on the pass to Kellen Winslow at the end of the game, did not go in the Browns' favor.

Playing it smart

It took 12 games, but a coach finally figured out kicking off to Josh Cribbs is risky business. Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, a special teams coach with the Browns in 1999, had Neil Rackers kick high and short to open the game and after Arizona's first touchdown. Darnell Dinkins returned the first 7 yards to the 34 and the second 8 yards to the 34.

Rackers kicked deep after Arizona took a 14-0 lead and Cribbs returned the kick 33 yards to the 34. He was close to breaking a long return, but it did not matter because Leon Williams was flagged for holding on the return. The Browns started the drive on their 17

In the second quarter with the score 14-3, Cribbs took the ball on an end-around after Derek Anderson faked a handoff to Jamal Lewis. Cardinals safety Terrance Holt was waiting as Cribbs turned the corner and tackled him for a 1-yard gain.

Cribbs returned three kicks for a total of 31 yards. Dinkins returned two kicks for 15 yards and Jason Wright returned one for 10 yards. The Browns ended up with good field position each time, but one of their best weapons was taken away.

Roye forced to sit

Left defensive end Orpheus Roye was put on the inactive list because of his chronically sore right knee. Fraser started in his place.

Nose tackle Ethan Kelly missed the game with a knee injury. Shaun Smith started in his place.

The injuries left the Browns with only four defensive linemen in uniform -- Smith, Fraser, right end Robaire Smith and Louis Leonard. Leonard could play end or nose tackle.

The lack of rested defensive linemen cost the Browns in the end. The Cardinals put together an 11-play drive lasting 4:29 to kick a field goal for a 27-21 lead with 1:52 left