Considering that Cleveland and Buffalo entered Sunday a combined 1-7 on the year, no one could have been expecting the two teams to wage an all-time classic. But what resulted instead was so far at the opposite end of the spectrum that it may go down as one of the worst NFL games in recent memory.How bad was it? Well, Browns quarterback Derek Anderson completed 2-of-17 passes for 23 yards, threw an interception -- and won.
Cleveland took advantage of a fumbled punt by Buffalo's Roscoe Parrish with three minutes left to boot a game-winning field goal and claim a 6-3 win.
If you want to play devil's advocate for a minute, and argue that the Cleveland and Buffalo defenses were simply that good, go ahead, we'll wait.
Done? Ok, now back to the actual facts ...
Buffalo committed three turnovers -- two fumbles and one Trent Edwards interception -- and ran two plays inside Cleveland's red zone. On the first, they committed a false start, backed up to the 22, lost three yards on the next snap, and wound up throwing an interception on 4th-and-24. The second, from the Cleveland 19, came on a Rian Lindell field goal.
The Browns, meanwhile, only got inside the Buffalo 40 on two occasions -- with both trips ending in Billy Cundiff field goals.
And that was enough to win!
Back to Anderson for a minute. His unbelievable miserable stats were good for a mighty 18.2 passer rating. Compare that to Eli Manning's Week 5 effort -- a perfect 158.3 -- and you can about estimate the gap between the Giants and Browns squads in this 2009 season.
Eric Mangini may never forget this contest, his first win as Cleveland's head coach, but everyone else would probably prefer to never think about it again.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
10-11-2009 @ 4:55PM
Melvin said...
Boy can that Dick Jauron coach, eh?
Loaded with a talented team, Jauron just gets the most out of his roster, doesn't he?
I even heard that he once opened his mouth while on the sidelines. When was that- 2004?
Dump this idiot before it's too late.
The young players are learning NOTHING from this coaching staff.
The quality veteran talent- like Stroud for example- are getting older.
Dump Jauron now.
Hire someobody- ANYBODY - else.
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10-11-2009 @ 7:44PM
mailguy2723 said...
You said dump Jauron before its to late i'm sorry its too late already. It's now time for Ralph to start acting like a hall of fame owner and not a carpetbagger. Sure he kept the team here for 50 yrs and he was rewarded handsomely. The franchise he payed $50,000 is worth 200 million thats his reward what does he do goes cheap and rehire Jauron sorry Ralph we deserve better
10-11-2009 @ 7:58PM
James LeCroy said...
You can hire Jim Zorn after the Redskins hire Mike Holmgren
10-11-2009 @ 10:21PM
ted said...
what makes you think the redskins will get holmgren...I dont know where you heard this but....GOD I HOPE ITS TRUE!!!
10-11-2009 @ 5:44PM
Tazduhbomb02 said...
I don't know what Jauron is thinking and not using Fiztpatrick in any of these games he hasn't played since pre season.
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10-11-2009 @ 5:46PM
user514890 said...
who says you cant play like crap and still be favored,huh?! lol
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10-11-2009 @ 7:08PM
BECKY said...
OH MY. I AM SPEECHLESS.
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10-11-2009 @ 7:10PM
Caveny Family said...
I THINK NOW IS THE TIME EPALCE THE COACHING STAFF,ANDSOME OF THE UPPER MANAGEMENT. HOW MUCH LONGER IS MR.N GOING TO LET THE BUFFALO FANS DOWN?HOW MUCH RE ARE THE FANS GOING TO PUT WITH ALL THIS CRAP. WONDERING WHERE MY BILLS WNT IN THE LONGEST YERS OF BEING A FAN.
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10-11-2009 @ 7:19PM
PAPI said...
put brady quinn back in the other QB is garbage
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10-11-2009 @ 10:18PM
Dark Alley Demon said...
Are you kidding? San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Shaun Hill, is worse!
10-11-2009 @ 7:38PM
scopedoper said...
The Browns are bad. The bengals are not any better. I remember the years the bungals were playing and they were just as bad as the Browns are now. Kiss my ...
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10-11-2009 @ 7:52PM
mailguy2723 said...
Ralph do us all a big favor sell the team even if they move it to Toronto at least you won't be embarrasing Buffalo and WNY we already have problems with the nations perception of us we don't need another reason to put us down
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10-11-2009 @ 7:58PM
punkkdaddy said...
WHO DEY
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10-11-2009 @ 8:29PM
Rick said...
Cleveland Clowns Fever..............I recommend rest & relaxation to help. Pity the poor Pittsburgh Steelers........After facing the Lions Sunday, they get the Clowns next week! What was the NFL thinking scheduling these two teams back to back? Maybe it be a cakewalk for the burgh........... Hey, but we showed 'em Sunday. Awesome Game Of The Weak, with a win under our belt, means we won't face 0-16. Thank You!
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10-11-2009 @ 8:43PM
Jay said...
how many trophies are in your case bungles. #O thats right #O empty! and the browns #8 thats right #8 world championships'not including are other NFL teams! we'll be back.
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10-11-2009 @ 8:57PM
matt said...
Yes, the browns will be back someday, but that will not be until Learner sells the team first, then someone who buys the Browns has to be interested in making some common sense decisions, unlike Learner. Who hires the Jets total useless MAN-GINA. MAN-GINA and his staff.....YOU SUCK!!!!!!!
Watching you clowns at the end of the game with your joy and happiness and all smiles because if nothing else you wont go 0-16, WOW, what an accomplishment, and those 2-17 23 passing yards and only 1 int., amazing stats, ESPN was totally speechless with that accomplishment....Learner, FIRE MAN-GINA and his staff, its only going to get worse, seasons going to be a flop, get some in there who can coach!!!!
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10-12-2009 @ 1:10PM
Rockman X said...
Umm.. Al Lerner's dead.. He passed away a few years ago. The Browns have "Al" on their jerseys to this day as a tribute.
10-12-2009 @ 1:35PM
rchulick said...
To RockmanX, Al Lerner Now is a better coach than Man_gina is at this time in his career! GO STEELERS!!!!
10-11-2009 @ 9:40PM
kmccarthy said...
Bring on the Domer, Brady Quinn!!!!!!!!!
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10-11-2009 @ 9:43PM
klrav6 said...
Without a doubt, that was the worst game I have ever seen two NFL teams play at one time. I have seen the Browns play almost as bad many times , but to have the opponent play just as bad for 58 minutes was crazy. If only the Bills could have played even with the Browns for 60 minutes, they would have tied, but no, they had to try to out stink the Browns, now what did that get you?
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