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Top 5 single game performances by a Cleveland Browns quarterback since 1999

By Christopher Markoch

PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Tim Couch #2 of the Cleveland Browns points during the game on September 29, 2002 against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers kicked an overtime field goal, thus winning the game, 16-13. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Tim Couch #2 of the Cleveland Browns points during the game on September 29, 2002 against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers kicked an overtime field goal, thus winning the game, 16-13. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Jeff Garcia Cleveland Browns
PITTSBURGH – OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Jeff Garcia #5 of the Cleveland Browns is pressured by linebacker James Farrior #51 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter October 10, 2004 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images) /

Jeff Garcia. 5. player. 53. . Ravens at Browns. Sep. 12, 2004

Final score: Cleveland 20, Baltimore 3

Garcia had far from an overwhelming statistical game. Efficient would be a better word. He completed 15-of-24 passes for 180 yards with one touchdown pass to Quincy Morgan and no interceptions. He added a rushing touchdown. His quarterback rating for the day was 99.3. What makes this game so significant then? It marks the last time the Browns have won a home opener.

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For a little historical context, the Browns had made the playoffs after the 2002 season (our only appearance in the playoff since returning in 1999). However, the 2003 season ended in a 5-11 disappointment mostly because there would emerge no clear quarterback between Tim Couch and Kelly Holcomb.

The Browns aggressively pursued Garcia in free agency and this season-opening performance against the Ravens looked like their investment would pay off.

However, in a season that would see head coach Butch Davis resign for “personal” reasons, this performance was not indicative of what the rest of the season would hold.

It’s hard to imagine that Garcia would follow up this performance with one of the all-time worst performances by a Browns quarterback by completing just 8-of-27 passes with no touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 0.0 (that’s not a misprint) quarterback rating. Although he would have some flashes of future success, Garcia was a one-hit wonder for the Browns.

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