Cleveland Browns: Ranking every starting QB since 1999
Kelly Holcomb, 2001-2004
One of the longest standing playoff droughts in football today is currently occupied by the Cleveland Browns, who have failed to compete in the postseason for 13 consecutive seasons. In fact, the Browns haven’t won a playoff game since returning in 1999, and have only had one opportunity.
The 2002 Browns team who last made the postseason was led by a combination of Kelly Holcomb and Tim Couch. Both quarterbacks had a lot to do with the team’s success, but it was Holcomb who took the snaps in the Wild Card playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
For this reason alone, Holcomb will always be one of the most storied Cleveland quarterbacks of since 1999. In a 36-33 loss at the hands of Pittsburgh, Holcomb put up some of the best statistics a Browns quarterback has in any game ever, passing for 429 yards and three touchdowns.
Holcomb went on to start eight more games for Cleveland the following season, winning just two of them with a poor team surrounding him. But for Browns fans so desperate for a title, Holcomb’s herculean effort in their last postseason game with all odds stacked against him will always be remembered.
He also provided a solid couple of years behind Tim Couch, helping him grow into one of the better Cleveland quarterbacks. For these reasons, Holcomb is one of the better Cleveland quarterbacks since 1999.
Next: No. 2: Tim Couch