Dawg Pound Daily
FanSided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next
CLEVELAND – OCTOBER 04: Derek Anderson #3 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during their game at Cleveland Browns Stadium on October 4, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Bengals defeated the Browns 23-20 in overtime. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND – OCTOBER 04: Derek Anderson #3 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during their game at Cleveland Browns Stadium on October 4, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Bengals defeated the Browns 23-20 in overtime. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

player. 53. . Bengals at Browns. Sep. 16, 2007. Derek Anderson. 4

Final score: Cleveland 51, Cincinnati 43

After a season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers to start the season, the 2007 Cleveland Browns were already facing a “must win” game with their division rival. The 2007 Bengals had a high-powered offense with Carson Palmer throwing to weapons like Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Palmer would have a sensational game, completing 33-of-50 passes for 401 yards and six touchdowns for a 113.4 quarterback rating.

The Browns, however, had weapons of their own with rookie, first-round draft choice Braylon Edwards and the oft-injured but healthy (for now) Kellen Winslow Jr. The quarterback for the Browns was Derek Anderson who would make this game a virtuoso performance. On this sunny Sunday, Anderson threw the ball 33 times, completing 20 for 328 yards and 5 touchdowns.

For Anderson, one of the best parts of this stat line was that he only threw one interception. His quarterback rating was an eye-popping 121.0. Most importantly, the Browns outdueled the Bengals in a 51-45 shootout. This was the beginning of a season that would see the Browns finish at 10-6 and yet miss the playoffs.

As depressing as that was, this game stands out as a highlight. Unfortunately, the Browns and Anderson couldn’t bottle this formula for success, and Anderson would lose his starting job the following year and the quarterback carousel would continue.

Home/Browns All-Time Lists