THUMBS UP

Derek Anderson, Browns quarterback

He silenced the “Brady, Brady” chants before they could get started. Anderson, right, had his best outing of the season — by far — as the Browns showed the nation they’re not ready to give up on the season. Anderson was 18-for-29 for two touchdowns, no interceptions and a 121.3 rating.
He earned himself a week without anyone calling for him to lose the starting job to Brady Quinn.

THUMBS DOWN

Aaron Ross, Giants cornerback

When Braylon Edwards got open for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, Ross was a few yards away lying on the ground with cramps. He probably wishes he had gotten hurt sooner.
Ross was victimized by Edwards from the game’s first pass until that touchdown. Edwards finished with five catches for 154 yards and a touchdown. The vultures in New York were already circling Ross before the clock struck midnight.

PLAY OF THE GAME

The fans were afraid.
Afraid to be disappointed again. Afraid the seemingly insurmountable lead was about to vanish. Afraid to breathe.
Then cornerback Eric Wright stepped in front of Amani Toomer, snatched the Eli Manning pass and returned it 94 yards for a touchdown. After a 2-point conversion, the score was 35-14 and the fear had turned to joy.

STAT OF THE GAME

21:35

The possession time for the Browns in the first and third quarters combined. The Browns led 3-0 after a first quarter in which they held the ball for 10:31. They held it for 11:04 in the third quarter, getting a Phil Dawson field goal and setting up a touchdown five seconds into the fourth quarter.
The Browns ended the game with a 32:25-27:35 edge in time of possession.

QUOTE OF THE GAME

“We are the Cleveland Browns, and we showed we’re a pretty good football team.” — Coach Romeo Crennel.

MATCHUPS

Offense

The Browns season high in yards had been 261. They gained 454 Monday night.
Derek Anderson was sharp and interception-free, Braylon Edwards played like the star he wants to be and the offensive line was surprisingly effective. Rob Chudzinski’s game plan was balanced and effective, and the team was able to overcome the absence of Kellen Winslow.
EDGE: Browns

Defense

When the Browns needed a big play, they got one.
Brodney Pool, Brandon McDonald and Eric Wright all made interceptions, with Wright returning his 94 yards for the game-sealing touchdown. The Browns only sacked Eli Manning once, but they pressured him enough to cause some bad throws.
The Giants’ vaunted front four never bothered Anderson, and Aaron Ross couldn’t handle Braylon Edwards.
EDGE: Browns

Special teams

These units had little impact on the game.
Phil Dawson missed his first field goal of the year — a 51-yarder — but he had three touchbacks on kickoffs. Punter Dave Zastudil only left the bench to hold on kicks.
Giants punter Jeff Feagles showed he can still kick despite almost being ready for Social Security. He netted 41.0 yards on two kicks.
EDGE: Even

Coaching

All the Romeo Crennel haters must take a step back. He improved to 3-1 after byes in his career and clearly had his team ready for its most important game of the season.
The game plans on both sides of the ball were aggressive, and Crennel must get some credit for sticking with quarterback Derek Anderson, who finally rewarded the faith.
EDGE: Browns

 

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