The Top 5 Browns QB’s Since 99

5^th Best

Kelly Holcomb

Starts 12

Record 4 – 9

Record vs Pittsburgh 0-2

Playoff appearances 1

Summary – Before everyone starts screaming and moaning over this selection, take a step back and look at a couple of very key things.  He looked amazing in his first two starts of the 2002 season in relief of the injured Tim Couch.

Against KC in the opener, he threw for 326 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.  He did everything perfectly and if it wasn’t for a Dwayne Rudd helmet toss, would have led the Browns to an opening week victory.

The next week versus Cincinnati, he was just as good.  This time tossing 2 more touchdowns passes while compiling 198 yards.  While once again, not throwing a single pick.  He was efficient and could have led the Browns the rest of the way if chosen to do so.

The following week Tim Couch came back healthy and that was it for Holcomb, as he wouldn’t start another game until the playoffs against Pittsburgh.  In that game he threw for an incredible 429 yards and three more touchdowns.  Had it not been for a defensive collapse, he would have led the browns to their only NFL playoff win since their return to the league.

Twice in the season he came into a game in relief of a banged-up Tim Couch.  The first time Cleveland was down 23-0 upon entry against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football.  He came in and tossed two fourth quarter touchdown passes as the Browns posted a crazy rally that came up just shy at 26-21.

The last week of the regular season saw Holcomb come in again for Couch, and lead the Browns to a wild fourth quarter comeback, throwing a touchdown pass in the 24-16 playoff berth clinching win.

Sadly, for Holcomb, he never got a full shake and spent 2003 banged up in and out of the lineup.  He only started in 8 games and underwhelmed as the Browns cracked under the hype.  When Cleveland spent big money to get Jeff Garcia following the 2003 season, that was it for Holcomb as he would spend the next season as a backup.