Cleveland Browns: 10 greatest quarterbacks in team history

Aug 22, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Derek Anderson (3) looks on during the second half of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina wins 31-30. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

9. Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson showed glimpses of promise with the Browns. He was big, and had a rocket for an arm. But ultimately, he left fans disappointed. Regardless, that doesn’t change the fact that the Oregon State product had one of the most prolific seasons in team history.

In his memorable 2007 season, Anderson threw for 328 yards and five touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals in his first start. Fans will remember that the Browns opened the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers that year, and Charlie Frye played so poorly, that then-GM traded him after the game.

The 2007 season left an empty feeling among Browns fans, because the team went 10-6 and didn’t qualify for the playoffs.

Still, Anderson was 10-5 as a starter, and he threw for 29 touchdown passes, which earned him alternate status for the Pro Bowl. Tom Brady eventually announced he wouldn’t play in the game, and Anderson traveled to Hawaii in his place.

“DA’s” 29 touchdown passes are tied for the second-most in a single season. Otto Graham holds the record with 30.

Anderson played with the Browns from 2006-2009. He threw 46 touchdowns, a figure that ranks ninth all-time in team history. His 7,083 yards as a Brown are good enough for 10th-place among Cleveland quarterbacks.

Anderson was prone to interceptions during his Browns’ career, but he did average 12.1 yards per completion, indicating his ability to connect on the long ball.

Following the 2009 season, Anderson moved on to Arizona, and then Carolina from there. He lifted Browns’ fans hopes, only to let those dreams come crashing down. However he’s still deserving of being on this list.

Anderson’s inclusion among Cleveland’s top 10 franchise quarterbacks says a lot about the state of Browns’ quarterbacks, especially since 1999. Even though Anderson won’t be inducted into the Ring of Honor anytime soon, it’s important not to overlook his 2007 season. Those types of seasons have been rare with the “new” Browns.

Next: Tim Couch