Cleveland Browns: 5 best MNF games of all-time
By Thomas Moore
Mike Phipps had a less than stellar career during his seven years in Cleveland after being drafted in the first round out of Purdue University.
But for one year, in 1972, he did lead the Browns to a 10-3 in 13 starts and a playoff berth. And on one Monday night in San Diego, his career hit what was probably the high point.
Needing a win to keep pace with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Browns headed to San Diego to take on the Chargers on Nov. 13, 1972.
The Browns took a 7-3 halftime lead and still held the advantage in the fourth quarter after a two-yard touchdown run by Ron Brown. But Chargers came back and grabbed a 17-14 lead after Mike Garrett’s three-yard touchdown run with just a minute remaining in the game.
Phipps and the Browns offense took over on their own 36-yard line with 1:01 left on the clock. Phipps hit wide receiver Ken Brown for passes of 7 and 19 yards to move the Browns pass midfield. He then lofted a pass down the right sideline that wide receiver Frank Pitts pulled in for a 38-yard touchdown.
The Browns defense held the Chargers on the ensuing possession to seal the 21-17 win for the Browns, pushing Cleveland’s record to 6-3 and setting up a showdown the following week with the Steelers.
Phipps finished the day 13-of-21 for 186 yards and the game-winning touchdown pass.
Next: No. 4: Michael Jackson strikes gold against the 49ers