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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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PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 5: Brent Alexander #27 and Tommy Maddox #8 of Pittsburgh Steelers console Kelly Holcomb #10 of the Cleveland Browns after the Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns 36-33 during the AFC Playoffs on January 5, 2003 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 5: Brent Alexander #27 and Tommy Maddox #8 of Pittsburgh Steelers console Kelly Holcomb #10 of the Cleveland Browns after the Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns 36-33 during the AFC Playoffs on January 5, 2003 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

53. . Browns at Steelers. Jan. 5, 2003. Kelly Holcomb. 2. player

Final Score: Pittsburgh 36, Cleveland 33 (AFC Wild Card Game)

It’s hard to put a game on the list that results in a Browns loss, but it’s the only playoff game on the list and Holcomb had a game to remember. The Browns had clinched a playoff spot on the last day of the season with a win over the Atlanta Falcons.

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Their reward was a trip to Pittsburgh to face their arch-rivals. 2002 was a year that saw a back-and-forth competition between Holcomb and Tim Couch. Couch seemed to have the spot locked down, but got injured in the season finale and Holcomb was pressed into service for the playoff game. Holcomb gave Browns fans a game to remember completing 26 of 43 passes for 429 yards and three touchdowns for a 107.6 passer rating.

Browns fans have had their share of disappointments and this game is frequently overlooked. The Browns led 33-21 with just over 10 minutes left in the game. Holcomb had been spectacular in getting the Browns the lead and it looked like it might just hold.

The Steelers had cut the Browns lead to 33-28 with just over three minutes left. With the Browns just needing a couple of first downs to ice the game, a dropped pass by Dennis Northcutt on a third and 12, sealed the Browns fate by forcing a punt. The Steelers got the ball with about 2:45 seconds remaining and all the momentum in the world. Browns fans could see it coming but didn’t want to admit it.

With just under a minute to go, the Steelers took the lead and the Browns one-and-only playoff season since 1999 was over. But Holcomb had delivered a game to remember. There were other Holcomb performances that could have received honorable mentions, but this was a playoff game and for that reason, it rises to the head of my list of Holcomb highlights.

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