Anderson Continues to Thrive for Cleveland
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by Behbigben15
HOUSTON 17
CLEVELAND 27
Earlier today the Cleveland Browns improved their record to 7-4, after defeating the Houston Texans (5-6) 27-17. Young Gun, Derek Anderson, threw for 2 TD's in their win. Anderson, 24, is a first-time starter this year, and has been a big surprise to just about everyone this year. He may end up going to Hawaii this year along with Brady, and Manning. Anderson has a very strong arm, and has a few great targets (Winslow, and Edwards) to throw to. Anderson has 22 TD passes this year compared to just 11 INT's.
Jamal Lewis, the Browns acquisition this offseason at RB, has been a big reason for Anderson's success this year. Lewis, who looked washed up after his injury-ridden '06 season in Baltimore, has 741 rushing yards thus far, including his 134 on 29 carries today versus Houston. Lewis added a TD against Houston, which was his 8th TD on the ground this year. Lewis has looked like the Lewis of old in a few games this year, including the game against Cincy's 30th ranked defense (as of last week) during Cleveland's 51-45 win during week 2. That game Lewis ran through countless guys on his way to a 216-yard, 1 TD game. Anderson's TE, Kellen Winslow may earn himself a spot on AFC's Pro Bowl roster, if he can keep up his fantastic year. Winslow III, caught 10 balls for 107 receiving yards, and caught 1 of Anderson's 2 TD passes today, which now gives him 62 Receptions, for 874 Yards, and 5 TD on the year, and he has done all of this after people started talking about him being a waste of time, he sure has done alot to get the respect he lost from fans everywhere after his motorcycle accident. Winslow is on pace for 83 receptions, 1,227 Yards (would be a career-high), and 6 TD's (another career-high). I will be voting for Winslow to get into the Pro Bowl this year, even if I do hate the Browns, he'll get my vote, because, unlike some people, I vote for the best players to go to the Pro Bowl, not just the guys that I like, or who play for my team, the Steelers.
Did I forget to mention Braylon Edwards??? Well, he is another target that Anderson loves to throw to, especially since he's tall (6 foot 3), and weighs 212 pounds. Edwards is having a great year, as well, he's caught 54 balls for 885 yards, and 11 TD's. Edwards is on pace for a monster year: 82 Receptions, 1,339 Yards, and 17 TD's. Edwards has been over-looked by guys like Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson, Steve Smith, Reggie Wayne, and every single Pats WR. But, Edwards is a pretty underrated receiver, and I would love to have him on the Steelers roster to accompany Hines Ward, and Santonio Holmes.
Anderson, who is a very big guy (6 foot 6, 229 pounds), has a strong arm, and can easily pick apart opposing defenses. Cleveland won't beat out my Steelers for the Division title (we already beat 'em twice), but they could easily win the rest of their games, and get into the playoffs with a Wild Card spot. Cleneland's remaining schedule is quite easy, @ARI, @NYJ, BUF, @CIN, SF (combined record: 18-35). Anderson should lead Cleveland to the playoffs, but I don't see them going very far, especially with their weak Defense. The Browns D was 32nd in the NFL in total Defense (before this week), 31st in Passing Defense, and 28th in Rushing Defense. Cleveland won't go far if they are going to be playing teams like NE, and Indy in the playoffs. So. if your one of those few Browns fans, enjoy the winning while you can, 'cause it won't last long.
Unfortunately, the Browns will be tied with the Steelers if we lose to the winless Dolphins on MNF (which better not happen). But, good news for Steelers: we win the tiebreaker, because of our two wins over Cleveland.
Anderson's Stats This Year
212 for 365, 58.1 %, 2,758 Passing Yards, 22 TD, 11 INT, 88.8 Rating, 7.6 YPA, 10 Sacks
