Derek Anderson Meltdown

30. November 2010  - Published by Dan Clasgens

As bad as he was on the field Monday night, Cardinals' QB Derek Anderson was even worse after the game...

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Game Balls: Week 2

20. September 2010  - Published by Jim Humbert

QB Game Ball - Matt Schaub, Houston - 38/52, 497 yards, 3 TD, 1 Int

Last week the Texans won a big game with a monster running performance from Arian Foster. This Sunday it was Schaub and his big wide receivers who dominated. Andre Johnson grabbed 12 balls for 158 yards and a score. Kevin Walter had 11 catches for 144 yards and a TD. It may still be early in the season but the Texans are for real and Schaub is a stub QB.

QB Honorable Mention - Shaun Hill, Detroit - 25/45, 335 yards, 2 TD, 2 Int (he's not their QB of the future but may put up some nice numbers for the next few weeks.)

 

RB Game Ball - Jahvid Best, Detroit - 17 carries, 78 yards, 2 TD, 9 catches, 154 yards, 1 TD

After totaling just 36 yards of offense last week, the rookie Best had a monster game against the Eagles on Sunday. He currently leads the league with five touchdowns and should continue to score plenty as the Lions look to have a pretty strong offense. Of course, a defense might help them win a game but that won't matter to Best who has the early edge for the top rookie of 2010.

RB Honorable Mention - Jason Snelling, Atlanta - 24 carries, 129 yards, 2 TD, 5 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD (Turner owners may want this guy on their bench.)

 

WR Game Ball - Miles Austin, Dallas - 10 catches, 142 yards

Right now the only thing that seems to be going right for the Cowboys is their wide receiver Austin. He has 10 catches in each of the first two games with a total of 288 yards. Meanwhile, rookie Dez Bryant has just 10 catches in two games, Jason Witten has eight and Roy Williams has seven. Austin is clearly the guy Tony Romo is looking for. That may change for the Cowboys to win a game but Austin should continue to produce nice numbers.

WR Honorable Mention - Johnson/Walter, Houston - 23 catches, 302 yards, 2 TD (a serious 1-2 punch for the Texans.)

 

The Game Used Sock Award - Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore - 17/39, 145 yards, 1 TD, 4 Int

So far this season Flacco has yet to match his incredible numbers from 2009. Last week against the Jets he put up 248 yards with no TDs and one interception. Sunday against the Bengals he struggled mightily. The Ravens have given his some solid weapons in Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmanzadeh and they still have a good running game. And, of course, a stellar defense. But sometimes the QB needs to step up and maybe Flacco is not the guy they were hoping he would be. I suppose it doesn't help that he has to wear a couple of nasty, beat-up, game worn socks.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Derek Anderson, QB, Arizona - 17/31, 161 yards, 2 Int (the Cardinals could have gotten that production from Matt Leinart.)

 

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Browns: QB Upgrade?

16. March 2010  - Published by Dan Clasgens

A new regime has arrived in Cleveland with Mike Holmgren taking over the control of the team. While the former Seahawks and Packers’ coach opted to retain Eric Mangini, he opted to completely turnover the depth chart at quarterback.

The team released Derek Anderson first and then opted to trade former first-round selection, Brady Quinn, to Denver for fullback Peyton Hills, the Browns’ sixth-round pick in 2011 and a conditional late-round choice in 2012.

Neither Anderson nor Quinn has performed well of late.  Since his Pro Bowl season of 2007, Anderson has managed just 12 touchdowns while throwing 18 interceptions. Likewise, Quinn has failed to deliver with his brief opportunities after a stellar college career at Notre Dame.

With both quarterbacks cleared from the roster the Browns have turned the reigns over to a pair of off-season acquisitions, Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace.

Delhomme has thrown 30 interceptions over the past two seasons and that did him in as the Panthers pulled the plug on him as a starter late in ’09. The Browns gave him a two-year, $7 million offer.

Holmgren is familiar with Wallace since his days in Seattle as he drafted him. It comes as little surprise that the Browns’ front man wasted no time in swapping a conditional late-round pick in 2012 (6th or 7th rounder) to scoop up the dual-threat signal caller.

The Browns are also believed to be strongly considering drafting a quarterback early in the draft.  Cleveland holds the No. 7 overall pick in next month’s draft.

***
FINAL TAKE: Ridding themselves of Brady Quinn is a plus. I never expected him to be successful at this level, but perhaps in a new system he could still develop. Anderson was a flash in the pan and is nothing more than an average backup. While I am not overly optimistic that either Delhomme or Wallace will suffice as a short-term replacement, I do consider the series of moves as a success for Cleveland and a definite upgrade.

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Game Balls: Week 7

25. October 2009  - Published by Jim Humbert

QB Game Ball - Carson Palmer, Cincinnati - 20/24, 233 yards, 5 TD, 0 INT
While quite a few QBs threw for more yards than Palmer on Sunday, nobody had FIVE TD passes. The Bengals have been winning thanks to an improved defense and running game. And the play from their star QB has been mediocre at best. But if Palmer has more games like he did against the Bears, this could really be a good year in Cincy.

QB Honorable Mention - Tony Romo, Dallas - 21/29, 311, 3 TD (just needed to find a guy open.)


RB Game Ball - Shonn Green, NY Jets - 19 carries, 144 yards, 2 TD
What's the best way for a team with a rookie QB to win a game? Run the football. And that's just what the Jets did versus the Raiders. Thomas Jones had a nice day with 126 yards and a score. But it was the rookie Green who stole the show with a breakout performance. The Jets have assembled a nice young offense with Green, Mark Sanchez and Braylon Edwards. You may be hearing a lot about them for years to come.

RB Honorable Mention - Cedric Benson, Cincinnati - 37 carries, 189 yards, TD (humiliated the team that drafted and later cut him

WR Game Ball - Miles Austin, Dallas - 6 catches, 171 yards, 2 TD
Miles Austin is not a fluke. Two weeks ago against the Chiefs he had 10 catches for 250 yards and scored twice. So, with some quick math, that is two games 16 receptions 421 yards and 4 TDs. He has clearly become the top WR for Romo and the Cowboys.

WR Honorable Mention - Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati - 10 catches, 118 yards, 2 TD (yes, another Bengal, but 45 points against the Bears earns a few mentions.)


TE Game Ball - Owen Daniels, Houston - 7 catches, 123 yards, 1 TD
Daniels has clearly become one of the top TEs in the game. He leads all TEs with 497 yards and his five scores tie him with Visanthe Shiancoe. And, depending on the injury to Andre Johnson, his workload could increase in the Texans offense.

TE Honorable Mention - Vernon Davis, San Francisco - 7 catches, 93 yards, 3 TD (all the scores came from Alex Smith.)


The Game Used Sock Award - Matt Cassel, Kansas City - 10/25, 97 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
I am not sure who it was, but someone on one of the pre-game shows this morning picked the Chiefs to upset the Chargers. It really wasn't a bad call for the upset. San Diego has looked shaky this season and it's an intra-division game - anything could happen. Plus, the Chiefs showed some promise with their win against the Redskins last week (okay, they stink too.) But Cassel hasn't been too bad in recent weeks and he hadn't thrown an interception in the last four games. But that all changed against the Chargers. Cassel looked like the guy that most people thought he would look like outside of the Patriots offense. And so he gets to go home wearing his stinky socks. And if you can tell me who it was that picked the Chiefs to win that game, I'll send him one of the socks I wore today.

Stinky Sock Honorable Mention - Derek Anderson, Cleveland - 12/29, 99 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT (gets a sock every week until Quinn takes over - then he gets it.) 

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Browns Turn To Anderson

30. September 2009  - Published by Dan Clasgens

I'm not surprised to see it, but the Cleveland Browns have pulled the plug on Brady Quinn three games into the season and named Derek Anderson their starting quarterback for Week Four's tilt with the Bengals.

Head coach Eric Mangini told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer that "giving Derek the opportunity is something I think will help us offensively.'' He said Anderson's performance on third down Sunday in Baltimore -- including 3-of-4 on a field goal drive -- helped him clinch the job. He said he needs to improve on throwing interceptions, after throwing three in Baltimore.

He also said he expects Quinn to continue to work hard. "I'm not saying it's all Brady,'' said Mangini. "Derek did some things that were positive and that's what it's based on.

Quinn has completed 45 of 74 passes for 400 yards and 1 TD, but has been picked off three times and fumbled twice in three games.

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Browns: Anderson or Quinn?

8. September 2009  - Published by Dan Clasgens

Eric Mangini is not showing his hand as of yet to which of his two quarterbacks will get the starting nod in Week One against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Browns' head coach is expected to make his decision and let it be known to the team today, but according to ProFootballTalk.com "there's a sense among the players that Quinn will get the job.

Quinn seems to be the favorite to win the job. He is a former first round pick and has a better pedigree than Anderson. Howver, Anderson has a better deep ball, more rapport with No. 1 wideout and a Pro Bowl appearance under his belt.

I would be surprised if Quinn isn't the starter out of the gate, but regardless of who wins the job they will be on a short leash.

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Around the NFL

6. August 2009  - Published by Rick Broering

Let's take a look at some of the latest headlines from around the NFL...

Crabtree Prepared to Sit Out Season - Unsigned first-round pick Michael Crabtree's cousin and adviser, David Wells, confirmed Profootballtalk.com's report that Crabtree is prepared to sit out all of 2009 if the 49ers don't meet his contract demands. It was under different circumstances, but this idea worked out terribly for Mike Williams in 2004-05. "We are prepared to do it," Wells said.  CONTINUE READING

Robiskie Impressing in Camp - After observing Browns camp this week, NFL.com's Pat Kirwan predicts that rookie receiver Brian Robiskie will "make a major contribution this season."
Robiskie is effective against zone defense with soft hands, good route running skills, and his understanding of the soft spots in coverage. CONTINUE READING

Anderson Making Bid for Starting Job - According to one Browns front office personnel person, Brady Quinn entered camp as the favorite to be the opening day starter, but Derek Anderson has come on strong in the past three days. On Wednesday, Quinn used a short passing attack to move the ball down the field, while Anderson used the more vertical variety and was just as effective. Quinn doesn't have it sewn up just yet. CONTINUE READING

Stallworth Meets with Goodell - Donte' Stallworth has issued a statement after meeting with Roger Goodell on Wednesday. "I exercised poor judgment and have caused irreparable harm to Mario Reyes, his family, and the NFL," said Stallworth. "Whatever he (Goodell) ultimately decides is the appropriate discipline...I am truly sorry." CONTINUE READING

Jones/Jennings Battling it Out - Coach Jack Del Rio confirmed that Greg Jones will not be handed the Jaguars' No. 2 ball-carrying duties. "He's got to fight to be the best guy," Del Rio said. "We're not going to hand anything to anybody." The coach has long been a fan of Jones' hard charging running style, but rookie Rashad Jennings was more impressive this spring. CONTINUE READING

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Browns Declare QB Race Wide Open

25. March 2009  - Published by Dan Clasgens

Conventional wisdom suggests that Brady Quinn is sitting atop the Browns' depth chart at quarterback heading into 2009, but not so fast...conventional wisdom and Eric Mangini don't necessarily go hand in hand.

Don't rule out a trade of either Quinn or Derek Anderson, but after watching game tape Mangini is not ready to commit to either player.

Mangini said after reviewing tapes of both players, holding conversations with them and talking to others, he is "excited" about the prospect of having both compete for the job.

"Without knowing exactly what they were being asked to do on each of the plays, I thought both seemed to have a good presence, a good command of the situation. They each do different things in the passing game and running game that I like," the coach told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer on Tuesday.

Quinn only played in three games last year before submitting to injury. The former first round pick completed 53 of his 90 passes for five touchdowns and was intercepted four times.

Anderson came out of nowhere to throw 29 touchdowns on his way to the Pro Bowl in 2007, but only passed for 158 yards per game and six touchdowns against eight picks in five starts in ’08.

I would be shocked if both quarterbacks are on this team following the draft next month. However, if they are it will be an interesting summer in Browns’ camp.

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Anderson's Season Over

2. December 2008  - Published by Dan Clasgens

First it was starting quarterback Brady Quinn headed to I.R., and now former starter Derek Anderson is going to join him after learning that he suffered a MCL sprain in Sunday's loss to the Colts. The Browns said he will wear a brace and is expected to recover in four to six weeks, but that will do Cleveland no good.

The injury leaves Ken Dorsey as the team's starter for the remainder of the season. He hasn't completed a pass in the NFL since 2005. He did have a run as the 49ers' starter in 2004-05, but after a 2-8 mark he's been relegated to holding the clipboard since.

To further worsen matters Dorsey will be without one of his top targets and former University of Miami teammate Kellen Winslow as the Browns prepare for their Week 14 match-up vs. the Tennessee Titans. An MRI showed Winslow suffered a high left ankle sprain against the Colts and will miss the Titans game. He'll wear a boot for up to a week. 

Signed to a three-year, $24 million contract on Feb. 29, Anderson now carries a 13-14 record for Cleveland over three seasons. This year, he completed 50.2 percent of his passes for 1,165 yards and nine touchdowns with eight interceptions and a 66.5 rating. He was sacked 14 times, his same total for 16 games a year ago.

It will be interesting to see how all of this unfolds in the off-season, but it is highly unlikely that Anderson will return to the Browns. If the team can not trade him, don't be surprised to see them release him. 

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Week 13: Injury Wrap

1. December 2008  - Published by Dan Clasgens

Here are some injuries from Sunday to keep your eyes on:

QUARTERBACKS
Derek Anderson, Cleveland Browns - knee - Likely out for the season
Trent Edwards, Buffalo Bills - groin - Status unknown

RUNNING BACKS
Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers - thumb - Status unknown

WIDE RECEIVERS
Malcom Floyd, San Diego Chargers - shoulder - Status unknown
Wes Welker, New England Patriots - undisclosed - Status unknown

TIGHT ENDS
Kellen Winslow, Cleveland Browns - ankle - Status unknown

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Richie Incognito, St. Louis Rams - illness - Status unknown
Justin Smiley, Miami Dolphins - ankle - Undergoing an MRI Monday, Dec. 1

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Dusty Dvoracek, Chicago Bears - arm - Status unknown
Jovan Haye, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - knee - Status unknown

LINEBACKERS
Patrick Willis, San Francisco 39ers - hand - Status unknown
Marques Harris, San Diego Chargers - hamstring - Status unknown
Gary Brackett, Indianapolis Colts - leg - Status unknown

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Steve Gregory, San Diego Chargers - stinger - Status unknown
Clinton Hart, San Diego Chargers - stinger - Status unknown

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