New Orleans Saints CB sets penalties record

NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Brandon Browner has perhaps been the dimmest corner in the New Orleans' Saints' cellar of a defense.

On Monday, in a 35-27 loss to the Detroit Lions, Browner's unnecessary roughness penalty and another flag gave him an NFL record 24 on the season. 21 of Browner's flags have been accepted this season.

Browner also led the league last season with 17 penalties, as a member of the New England Patriots.

Houston Texans tackle Chester Pitts held the ominous record, with 22 penalties in 2003, according to NOLA.com.

So far this season, Browner has been flagged for defensive holding 11 times, defensive pass interference three times, facemask three times, unnecessary roughness three times, offsides, illegal contact, illegal block above the waist and illegal use of hands.

Browner, 31, has been ranked as Pro Football Focus' worst cornerback this season. Earlier this month, NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe said that the one-time Pro Bowl selection should be released by the Saints.

Browner's 21 accepted penalties are eight more than the second most flagged players in the NFL, St. Louis Rams tackle Greg Robinson and Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes.