Finally, after five games of mediocrity, the Cleveland Browns took a big step forward on Monday night.
The Browns defeated the reigning Super Bowl champion New York Giants 35-14 on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football.”
This comes at a time when quarterback Derek Anderson desperately needed a big win to come off the bench.
He got one. The Browns racked up their highest point total of the season as they played exceptionally well against one of the most elite and deepest teams in the NFC.
This game just goes to show how solid Cleveland could be if it stays healthy.
Quarterback Derek Anderson, in every possible way, cemented his place as Cleveland’s starter, humbly saying, “That’s the guys I’ve been telling you about,” speaking of his team. “I never doubted them, never.”
Anderson threw for 310 yards and 2 touchdowns, earning him a 121.3 passer rating. It was one of the best starts of his career.
Anderson’s success was due, in large part, to receiver Braylon Edwards’ skill set. The wide-out had the best game of his season with receptions of 49 and 70 yards. Edward’s final yard count included an 11-yard touchdown. He finished the game with five catches for 154 yards and a touchdown.
The Browns’ defense also held their own against the Giants’ solid offensive attack. Cleveland intercepted Eli Manning three times, in one of which cornerback Eric Wright ran 94 yards home, a pick-six that sealed the Giant’s fate.
However, the Browns’ defense buckled a bit, allowing nearly 180 rushing yards.
Don’t tell Corey Williams that stat, though.
Williams, a member of Cleveland’s great defensive line, stated after the game, “We played 4 solid quarters.”
All in all, if the Browns can stay consistent, don’t be too quick to write them off in the AFC North.
The Ravens lost their third straight game on Sunday, putting them up 2-3. The Browns also gained some ground on the inactive Steelers 4-1.
Of course, lowly Cincinnati sits winless at 0-6.