Derek Anderson (American football)
Encyclopedia
Derek Matthew Anderson is an American football
quarterback
for the Carolina Panthers
of the National Football League
. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens
in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft
. He played college football
at Oregon State
.
Anderson has previously played for the Cleveland Browns
and Arizona Cardinals
.
, where he led the Scappoose Indians to one of their record three consecutive state football championships in Class 3A football. He excelled at basketball
and was named state player of the year in both football and basketball his senior year. He participated in the first ever U.S. Army All-American Bowl
game in 2000.
-
He was a childhood friend and schoolmate of Playboy Playmate Sara Jean Underwood
.
most of his life and his decision to play for the university was celebrated by fans.
At 6'6" Anderson was not the prototypical quarterback. In fact, many believed he would play basketball in college instead of football. Still, he was recruited nationally for football and his dominating high school performance as quarterback led him to stay with football.
His early entry into the starting role came on the heels of Oregon State's most successful period to date. Capped by a Fiesta Bowl
win over Notre Dame
, the team went 11-1 in 2000 and ranked 4th in the nation under head coach
Dennis Erickson
. Following such a successful season, expectations were exceptionally high in 2002 for both Anderson and the OSU program.
Despite this, Anderson helped the Beavers record an 8-5 season. His work was good enough to give them entry into the 2002 Insight Bowl, against the University of Pittsburgh
. Anderson's team lost 38-13 and coach Erickson left for a National Football League
head coaching position with the San Francisco 49ers
.
from the NFL meant learning an entirely new system. With help from teammate and star running back Steven Jackson
, Anderson again rose to the occasion and played a leading role in propelling the team to an 8-5 record, this time ending the 2003 season with a 55-14 Las Vegas Bowl
win over a then up-and-coming New Mexico program.
through the 2004 season (Jackson was drafted into the NFL at the end of the 2003 season). Even without the star running back, Anderson led his team back into the Insight Bowl where they again faced Notre Dame (led by future Browns teammate Brady Quinn
). The Beavers never trailed in the game and defeated the Irish 38-21. Anderson unleashed 359 yards and four touchdown passes, with no interceptions.
Anderson is the fourth player in Pac-10
history to throw for over 4,000 yards in a single season, setting an Oregon State Beavers football
record at 4,058 yards in the 2003 season. He ranks second in the Pac-10
for career touchdown passes, at 79 (also an Oregon State record). He is the 6th person to ever throw for 10,000 yards in a career in the Pac-10, and holds the Oregon State record for career passing yards at 11,249.
by the Baltimore Ravens
in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft
(213th overall), but never played for them and was waived on September 20, 2005. The next day he was claimed off waivers
by the Cleveland Browns
.
and Charlie Frye
.
. He made his first appearance in an NFL regular season game against the Denver Broncos
at Cleveland Browns Stadium
, October 22, 2006, taking one snap after Frye was briefly shaken up. His second NFL appearance was more noteworthy. After Frye injured his wrist during the first half of Cleveland's December 3 game against the Kansas City Chiefs
, Anderson played the entire second half. He threw his first two NFL touchdown
passes in that game, connecting with tight end
Steve Heiden
twice in the fourth quarter. Anderson scrambled for 33 yards in overtime, moving the ball from the Kansas City 45-yard line to the 12-yard line, after which the Browns were in field goal
range. Anderson's play was instrumental in leading the Browns back from a 28–14 deficit to a 31–28 overtime victory.
in mini camp, Anderson was not as productive in the pre-season games and Frye was named the starter for the 2007 season
. Head Coach Romeo Crennel
earlier said that the two were so close in effectiveness that he would use a coin toss to decide which QB would start the first preseason game. Anderson would take over for Frye in the 2007 opener after Frye was ineffective in the first quarter against the arch rival
Pittsburgh Steelers
. The game was Frye's last in a Browns uniform, as he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks
for a sixth round draft pick two days later. Named the starting quarterback by Crennel for Week 2, Anderson threw for 328 yards and five touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals
in his first start. His passer rating
for the game was 121.0 as the Browns defeated the Bengals 51-45, solidifying Anderson's role. In the same game, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer
threw for six touchdown passes. It was only the third time in NFL history that two quarterbacks had thrown at least five touchdown passes in the same game.
On September 30, Anderson beat the team that had originally drafted him, the Baltimore Ravens. He threw for two touchdowns and 204 yards, completing 10 of 18 pass attempts with just one interception. The Browns would later beat the Ravens again, making it the first time since 2001 that the Browns were able to sweep the Ravens.
In Week 13 of the 2007 season the Browns faced the Arizona Cardinals. Down 27–21 late in the 4th, the Browns drove down to the Cardinals 34-yard line. On fourth down, Anderson threw a pass to the end zone which was caught by Kellen Winslow. The pass was ruled out of bounds and held up through review. Anderson argued that Winslow was forced out, but the force-out rule was not reviewable. The game was notable for the referee's missed call of a Braylon Edwards catch and tackle by contact, but mistakenly ruled a touchdown as Edwards got up and ran to the endzone.
Another close game that could have put the Browns in the playoffs was December 23 against the Cincinnati Bengals, in which the Browns went scoreless in the first half, but held the Bengals scoreless in the second half. Anderson had four interceptions, two of them in consecutive plays, and one more in the Cincy end zone as Cleveland appeared to be heading for a scoring drive. The Browns had two turnover-on-downs possession. Anderson threw two touchdown passes to Braylon Edwards
, Cleveland's only scores in the game. The game ended in a 19–14 loss.
Anderson led the Browns to a 10-6 overall record, 10-5 in games in which he started. Anderson finished with 29 touchdowns to 19 interceptions. During the week of December 12–18, Anderson was named as a first alternate for the 2008 Pro Bowl
at quarterback. On February 4, Tom Brady
of the New England Patriots
announced he would not be attending the Pro Bowl due to injury. This paved the way for Anderson to make his first appearance in the Pro Bowl.
jersey as a kid was shown at the 2007 NFL Draft
), many were speculating if the Browns were in a similar position the San Diego Chargers
were in a few years back with Drew Brees
and their first-round pick Philip Rivers
.
The 2008 season was a tough one for the Browns and Anderson. In the preseason he suffered a concussion when he was sacked by Osi Umenyiora
of the New York Giants. This would prevent him from practicing for the majority of the preseason. In the regular season opener against the Dallas Cowboys
, he was 11 of 24 for 110 yards and 1 touchdown. On November 3, after starting out the season the Browns announced that Anderson would be benched in favor of Quinn. On November 23, during a game against the Houston Texans, Quinn was benched by Crennel in favor of Anderson. On November 25, Quinn was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a broken finger and Anderson was renamed the starting quarterback. On November 30, Anderson was injured during a game versus the Indianapolis Colts
. It was later revealed to be a MCL injury, which put Anderson out for the season. The Browns lost the last 4 games to finish with a 4-12 record.
coach Eric Mangini
as the new head coach. Throughout the 2009 training and preseason Anderson competed against Quinn for the starting quarterback position. Quinn ended up winning the job, but after 10 quarters of poor play by the Browns, he was benched. Anderson took over in the second half of Game 3 against the Baltimore Ravens. Though the Browns would still end up losing the game, Mangini decided to name Anderson the starter for the next game. His first start of the 2009 season was against the Cincinnati Bengals, the same team that he faced after replacing Frye in 2007. Anderson was 26 of 48 for 269 yards with one touchdown, and was able to the finally produce some offensive momentum for the Browns. However, Cleveland lost 23-20 in the final seconds of overtime. In the ensuing games, Anderson's quarterback rating deteriorated to the NFL's worst. On November 11, 2009, coach Mangini named Brady Quinn the starting quarterback for the Browns' next game on November 16, against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football. Derek did not see any action on the field again until Week 16, when he was named starter after Quinn was put on Injured Reserve. Anderson and the Browns won their last two games of the season, ending with a record of 5-11.
Despite finishing strong, Anderson was released by the Browns on March 9, 2010. Upon leaving Cleveland, Anderson told The News-Herald
, "The fans are ruthless and don't deserve a winner. I will never forget getting cheered when I was injured. I know at times I wasn't great. I hope and pray I'm playing when my team comes to town and (we) roll them." He later apologized for his remarks.
. After Kurt Warner
retired and Matt Leinart
was released, Anderson became the starting quarterback for the Cardinals. After struggling in his first few games, Anderson was benched in favor of rookie Max Hall
on October 6. Anderson was named the starting quarterback again for the November 7 game against the Minnesota Vikings
after Hall struggled. However in week 14 he was benched again after suffering a concussion and was replaced with Hall, whose season ended with a separated shoulder later in the game. Rookie John Skelton
finished the game and succeeded Anderson as the Cardinals' starting quarterback. Anderson also created a notable soundbite after being caught on national TV laughing with teammate Deuce Lutui while he and his team were playing poorly. His subsequent anger toward the reporter who asked why he was laughing made national news and was featured on several sports shows.
Anderson was released by the Cardinals on July 28, 2011.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
for the Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft
2005 NFL Draft
The 2005 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 23–24, 2005. The league also held an supplemental draft that year, which was held after...
. He played college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
at Oregon State
Oregon State Beavers football
The Oregon State Beavers football team represents Oregon State University in NCAA Division I-A college football. The team first fielded an organized football team in 1893 and is currently a member of the Pacific-12 Conference. The head coach is Mike Riley, with Danny Langsdorf as the offensive...
.
Anderson has previously played for the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
Early years
Anderson grew up in Scappoose, OregonScappoose, Oregon
Scappoose is a city in Columbia County, Oregon, United States. It was named for a nearby stream, which drains the southern part of the county...
, where he led the Scappoose Indians to one of their record three consecutive state football championships in Class 3A football. He excelled at basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
and was named state player of the year in both football and basketball his senior year. He participated in the first ever U.S. Army All-American Bowl
U.S. Army All-American Bowl
The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is a high school football all-star game held in early January in San Antonio, Texas. Currently played in the Alamodome, the game brings 90 of the nation's top high school football players in an East versus West matchup. In addition to the Bowl game, there is the U.S...
game in 2000.
-
He was a childhood friend and schoolmate of Playboy Playmate Sara Jean Underwood
Sara Jean Underwood
Sara Jean Underwood is an American model and actress who was chosen as the Playmate of the Month for the July 2006 issue of Playboy magazine and later became Playmate of the Year in 2007. She is a presenter on Attack of the Show!....
.
College career
A Beaver fan growing up, he wanted to play for Oregon StateOregon State Beavers
The Oregon State Beavers is a name shared by all sports teams at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. The Beavers are part of the Pacific-12 Conference . Oregon State's mascot is Benny the Beaver...
most of his life and his decision to play for the university was celebrated by fans.
At 6'6" Anderson was not the prototypical quarterback. In fact, many believed he would play basketball in college instead of football. Still, he was recruited nationally for football and his dominating high school performance as quarterback led him to stay with football.
Sophomore (2002)
At the start of his sophomore year (2002), Anderson was thrust into the starting role as QB and handed the reins of a rapidly improving program. Despite an early string of losses, Oregon State had no serious competition for quarterback in 2002 and his job was secure.His early entry into the starting role came on the heels of Oregon State's most successful period to date. Capped by a Fiesta Bowl
Fiesta Bowl
The Fiesta Bowl, now sponsored by Frito-Lay and named with their Tostitos brand, is a United States college football bowl game played annually at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Between its origination in 1971 and 2006, the game was hosted in Tempe, Arizona at Sun Devil...
win over Notre Dame
Notre Dame Fighting Irish football
Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team is the football team of the University of Notre Dame. The team is currently coached by Brian Kelly.Notre Dame competes as an Independent at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level, and is a founding member of the Bowl Championship Series coalition. It is an...
, the team went 11-1 in 2000 and ranked 4th in the nation under head coach
Head coach
A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
Dennis Erickson
Dennis Erickson
Dennis Erickson is an American football coach and former player. He was the head football coach at Arizona State University until November 28, 2011, a position he had held since the 2007 season. In 2008 the Arizona Board of Regents had approved a contract extension to keep Erickson at Arizona...
. Following such a successful season, expectations were exceptionally high in 2002 for both Anderson and the OSU program.
Despite this, Anderson helped the Beavers record an 8-5 season. His work was good enough to give them entry into the 2002 Insight Bowl, against the University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Panthers football
Pittsburgh Panthers football is the intercollegiate football team of the University of Pittsburgh, often referred to as "Pitt", located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Traditionally the most popular sport at the university, Pitt football has played at the highest level of American college football...
. Anderson's team lost 38-13 and coach Erickson left for a National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
head coaching position with the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
.
Junior (2003)
Pressures on the entire team to keep the program on-track were compounded by the coaching change. The return of previous head coach Mike RileyMike Riley
Michael Joseph "Mike" Riley is an American football coach, currently the head coach of the Oregon State Beavers of the Pacific-12 Conference...
from the NFL meant learning an entirely new system. With help from teammate and star running back Steven Jackson
Steven Jackson
Steven Rashad Jackson is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Rams 24th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State University....
, Anderson again rose to the occasion and played a leading role in propelling the team to an 8-5 record, this time ending the 2003 season with a 55-14 Las Vegas Bowl
Las Vegas Bowl
The Maaco Bowl Las Vegas is an NCAA-sanctioned Division I-A post-season college football bowl game that has been played annually at 40,000-seat Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. since 1992. From 1992 to 1996, matchups featured the champion teams from the Big West and Mid-American...
win over a then up-and-coming New Mexico program.
Senior (2004)
Throughout the 2004 season, Anderson successfully branched out and surprised many defenses with his ability to escape the tackle and run the ball effectively. Although the team's 7-5 performance was far from spectacular, Anderson became nationally recognized as a dangerous offensive weapon who could strike long gains at will. The Beavers went without Steven JacksonSteven Jackson
Steven Rashad Jackson is an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Rams 24th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State University....
through the 2004 season (Jackson was drafted into the NFL at the end of the 2003 season). Even without the star running back, Anderson led his team back into the Insight Bowl where they again faced Notre Dame (led by future Browns teammate Brady Quinn
Brady Quinn
Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn is an American football quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Quinn was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.-Early Years:Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn was born on...
). The Beavers never trailed in the game and defeated the Irish 38-21. Anderson unleashed 359 yards and four touchdown passes, with no interceptions.
Anderson is the fourth player in Pac-10
Pacific Ten Conference
The Pacific-12 Conference is a college athletic conference that operates in the Western United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division I; its football teams compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision , the higher of two levels of NCAA Division I football competition...
history to throw for over 4,000 yards in a single season, setting an Oregon State Beavers football
Oregon State Beavers football
The Oregon State Beavers football team represents Oregon State University in NCAA Division I-A college football. The team first fielded an organized football team in 1893 and is currently a member of the Pacific-12 Conference. The head coach is Mike Riley, with Danny Langsdorf as the offensive...
record at 4,058 yards in the 2003 season. He ranks second in the Pac-10
Pacific Ten Conference
The Pacific-12 Conference is a college athletic conference that operates in the Western United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division I; its football teams compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision , the higher of two levels of NCAA Division I football competition...
for career touchdown passes, at 79 (also an Oregon State record). He is the 6th person to ever throw for 10,000 yards in a career in the Pac-10, and holds the Oregon State record for career passing yards at 11,249.
Baltimore Ravens
Anderson was selected out of Oregon State UniversityOregon State University
Oregon State University is a coeducational, public research university located in Corvallis, Oregon, United States. The university offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees and a multitude of research opportunities. There are more than 200 academic degree programs offered through the...
by the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft
2005 NFL Draft
The 2005 NFL Draft was the procedure by which National Football League teams selected amateur college football players. It is officially known as the NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting. The draft was held April 23–24, 2005. The league also held an supplemental draft that year, which was held after...
(213th overall), but never played for them and was waived on September 20, 2005. The next day he was claimed off waivers
Waivers (American football)
Waivers is a National Football League labor management procedure by which a team makes an American football player contract or NFL rights available to all other teams...
by the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
2005
Anderson joined the Browns in 2005. He did not see any action, being third on the depth chart behind Trent DilferTrent Dilfer
Trent Farris Dilfer is a former football quarterback in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sixth overall in the 1994 NFL Draft and went on to play for the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers. He played college football...
and Charlie Frye
Charlie Frye
Charles Frye, , is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Akron.-Early years:...
.
2006
Anderson served as Frye's backup for the Cleveland Browns in the 2006 season2006 Cleveland Browns season
The 2006 Cleveland Browns season marked the 60th anniversary of the Browns franchise. It began with the team attempting to improve upon their win-loss record from 2005, where the team ended the year at 6–10. They were one of the most active teams during the free agency period, and looked to be one...
. He made his first appearance in an NFL regular season game against the Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
at Cleveland Browns Stadium
Cleveland Browns Stadium
-See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity...
, October 22, 2006, taking one snap after Frye was briefly shaken up. His second NFL appearance was more noteworthy. After Frye injured his wrist during the first half of Cleveland's December 3 game against the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
, Anderson played the entire second half. He threw his first two NFL touchdown
Touchdown
A touchdown is a means of scoring in American and Canadian football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.-Description:...
passes in that game, connecting with tight end
Tight end
The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
Steve Heiden
Steve Heiden
Steve Allen Heiden is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent in the National Football League.-College career:...
twice in the fourth quarter. Anderson scrambled for 33 yards in overtime, moving the ball from the Kansas City 45-yard line to the 12-yard line, after which the Browns were in field goal
Field goal (football)
A field goal in American football and Canadian football is a goal that may be scored during general play . Field goals may be scored by a placekick or the now practically extinct drop kick.The drop kick fell out of favor in 1934 when the shape of the ball was changed...
range. Anderson's play was instrumental in leading the Browns back from a 28–14 deficit to a 31–28 overtime victory.
2007
Although some reports said he outplayed incumbent starter Frye and rookie Brady QuinnBrady Quinn
Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn is an American football quarterback for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. Quinn was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame.-Early Years:Brayden Tyler "Brady" Quinn was born on...
in mini camp, Anderson was not as productive in the pre-season games and Frye was named the starter for the 2007 season
2007 NFL season
The 2007 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League.Regular-season play was held from September 6 to December 30....
. Head Coach Romeo Crennel
Romeo Crennel
Romeo Crennel is the former head coach of the Cleveland Browns and current defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. Before becoming the head coach of the Browns, Crennel won three Super Bowls in four seasons as the defensive coordinator of the New England...
earlier said that the two were so close in effectiveness that he would use a coin toss to decide which QB would start the first preseason game. Anderson would take over for Frye in the 2007 opener after Frye was ineffective in the first quarter against the arch rival
Browns-Steelers rivalry
The Browns–Steelers rivalry is one of the most storied rivalries in the NFL. With 117 meetings and counting, it is the oldest rivalry and the most storied in the American Football Conference , surpassing any other rivalry in the conference by at least 5 contests. The two divisional foes have a...
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
. The game was Frye's last in a Browns uniform, as he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team...
for a sixth round draft pick two days later. Named the starting quarterback by Crennel for Week 2, Anderson threw for 328 yards and five touchdowns against the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
in his first start. His passer rating
Passer rating
Passer rating is a measure of the performance of quarterbacks or any other passers in American football and Canadian football. There are at least two formulae currently in use: one officially used by the National Football League and the Canadian Football League, and one used in college football...
for the game was 121.0 as the Browns defeated the Bengals 51-45, solidifying Anderson's role. In the same game, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
threw for six touchdown passes. It was only the third time in NFL history that two quarterbacks had thrown at least five touchdown passes in the same game.
On September 30, Anderson beat the team that had originally drafted him, the Baltimore Ravens. He threw for two touchdowns and 204 yards, completing 10 of 18 pass attempts with just one interception. The Browns would later beat the Ravens again, making it the first time since 2001 that the Browns were able to sweep the Ravens.
In Week 13 of the 2007 season the Browns faced the Arizona Cardinals. Down 27–21 late in the 4th, the Browns drove down to the Cardinals 34-yard line. On fourth down, Anderson threw a pass to the end zone which was caught by Kellen Winslow. The pass was ruled out of bounds and held up through review. Anderson argued that Winslow was forced out, but the force-out rule was not reviewable. The game was notable for the referee's missed call of a Braylon Edwards catch and tackle by contact, but mistakenly ruled a touchdown as Edwards got up and ran to the endzone.
Another close game that could have put the Browns in the playoffs was December 23 against the Cincinnati Bengals, in which the Browns went scoreless in the first half, but held the Bengals scoreless in the second half. Anderson had four interceptions, two of them in consecutive plays, and one more in the Cincy end zone as Cleveland appeared to be heading for a scoring drive. The Browns had two turnover-on-downs possession. Anderson threw two touchdown passes to Braylon Edwards
Braylon Edwards
-Cleveland Browns:-2005:Edwards began his rookie season as Cleveland's third wide receiver – he would have started higher, but a hold-out caused him to miss the beginning of training camp. Early in the season Edwards revealed that he had a staph infection, and missed a few weeks as a result of it....
, Cleveland's only scores in the game. The game ended in a 19–14 loss.
Anderson led the Browns to a 10-6 overall record, 10-5 in games in which he started. Anderson finished with 29 touchdowns to 19 interceptions. During the week of December 12–18, Anderson was named as a first alternate for the 2008 Pro Bowl
2008 Pro Bowl
The 2008 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl was the NFL's all-star game for the 2007 season. It was played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 10, 2008. The game was televised in the United States by Fox and began shortly after 11:40am local time . The NFC won, 42–30, despite a 17-point first half AFC...
at quarterback. On February 4, Tom Brady
Tom Brady
Thomas Edward Patrick "Tom" Brady, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . After playing college football at Michigan, Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.He has played in four Super Bowls,...
of the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
announced he would not be attending the Pro Bowl due to injury. This paved the way for Anderson to make his first appearance in the Pro Bowl.
2008
On February 29, 2008, the first day of free agency, after speculation that Anderson would leave Cleveland to pursue a bigger contract, Anderson agreed to a three-year contract to stay with the Browns through the 2010 season. With fans split between the proven Anderson and the locally-homegrown Quinn (an image of Quinn wearing a Bernie KosarBernie Kosar
Bernard Joseph "Bernie" Kosar, Jr. is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League. Kosar played for the Cleveland Browns from 1985 to 1993 and then finished his career with the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins.-Early life and high school career:A Hungarian-American...
jersey as a kid was shown at the 2007 NFL Draft
2007 NFL Draft
The 2007 National Football League Draft took place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 28 and April 29, 2007. The draft was televised for the 28th consecutive year on ESPN and ESPN2. The NFL Network also broadcast coverage of the event, its second year doing so...
), many were speculating if the Browns were in a similar position the San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
were in a few years back with Drew Brees
Drew Brees
Drew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
and their first-round pick Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers is an American football quarterback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League . He was one half of the Manning-Rivers draft trade which sent him to San Diego and the 1st overall pick, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, to the New York Giants. Rivers played college...
.
The 2008 season was a tough one for the Browns and Anderson. In the preseason he suffered a concussion when he was sacked by Osi Umenyiora
Osi Umenyiora
-2003:Umenyiora was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the New York Giants out of Troy State University, now Troy University. He was number 72. As a rookie in 2003, he played in 13 games with one start.-2005:...
of the New York Giants. This would prevent him from practicing for the majority of the preseason. In the regular season opener against the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
, he was 11 of 24 for 110 yards and 1 touchdown. On November 3, after starting out the season the Browns announced that Anderson would be benched in favor of Quinn. On November 23, during a game against the Houston Texans, Quinn was benched by Crennel in favor of Anderson. On November 25, Quinn was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a broken finger and Anderson was renamed the starting quarterback. On November 30, Anderson was injured during a game versus the Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
. It was later revealed to be a MCL injury, which put Anderson out for the season. The Browns lost the last 4 games to finish with a 4-12 record.
2009
The Browns' poor season in 2008 resulted in the firing of Crennel and the installation of former New York JetsNew York Jets
The New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
coach Eric Mangini
Eric Mangini
Eric Mangini is the former head coach of the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets of the National Football League and current NFL analyst for ESPN.-College:...
as the new head coach. Throughout the 2009 training and preseason Anderson competed against Quinn for the starting quarterback position. Quinn ended up winning the job, but after 10 quarters of poor play by the Browns, he was benched. Anderson took over in the second half of Game 3 against the Baltimore Ravens. Though the Browns would still end up losing the game, Mangini decided to name Anderson the starter for the next game. His first start of the 2009 season was against the Cincinnati Bengals, the same team that he faced after replacing Frye in 2007. Anderson was 26 of 48 for 269 yards with one touchdown, and was able to the finally produce some offensive momentum for the Browns. However, Cleveland lost 23-20 in the final seconds of overtime. In the ensuing games, Anderson's quarterback rating deteriorated to the NFL's worst. On November 11, 2009, coach Mangini named Brady Quinn the starting quarterback for the Browns' next game on November 16, against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football. Derek did not see any action on the field again until Week 16, when he was named starter after Quinn was put on Injured Reserve. Anderson and the Browns won their last two games of the season, ending with a record of 5-11.
Despite finishing strong, Anderson was released by the Browns on March 9, 2010. Upon leaving Cleveland, Anderson told The News-Herald
The News-Herald (Ohio)
The News-Herald is a newspaper distributed in the northeastern portion of Northeast Ohio, serving Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula Counties as well as a section of eastern Cuyahoga County.-History:...
, "The fans are ruthless and don't deserve a winner. I will never forget getting cheered when I was injured. I know at times I wasn't great. I hope and pray I'm playing when my team comes to town and (we) roll them." He later apologized for his remarks.
Arizona Cardinals
On March 17, 2010 Anderson signed a two-year deal worth $7.25 million with the Arizona CardinalsArizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. After Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner
Kurtis Eugene "Kurt" Warner is a retired American football player. He played quarterback for three National Football League teams: the St. Louis Rams, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals. He was originally signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 1994 after playing...
retired and Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Matthew Stephen Leinart , is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League...
was released, Anderson became the starting quarterback for the Cardinals. After struggling in his first few games, Anderson was benched in favor of rookie Max Hall
Max Hall
Max Hall is an American football quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played college football at BYU.-Early years:...
on October 6. Anderson was named the starting quarterback again for the November 7 game against the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
after Hall struggled. However in week 14 he was benched again after suffering a concussion and was replaced with Hall, whose season ended with a separated shoulder later in the game. Rookie John Skelton
John Skelton (American football)
-2010 season:Skelton was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He was signed on July 14. After Matt Leinart was released, he was named the 3rd-string quarterback for the Cardinals....
finished the game and succeeded Anderson as the Cardinals' starting quarterback. Anderson also created a notable soundbite after being caught on national TV laughing with teammate Deuce Lutui while he and his team were playing poorly. His subsequent anger toward the reporter who asked why he was laughing made national news and was featured on several sports shows.
Anderson was released by the Cardinals on July 28, 2011.
Statistics
| Passing | Rushing | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | GP | GS | Comp | Att | Pct | Yds | Rating | TD | INT | Att | Yds | TD | ||
| 2006 2006 NFL season The 2006 NFL season was the 87th regular season of the National Football League.Regular season play was held from September 7 to December 31, 2006... |
Cleveland Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
5 | 3 | 66 | 117 | 56.4 | 793 | 63.1 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 47 | 0 | ||
| 2007 2007 NFL season The 2007 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League.Regular-season play was held from September 6 to December 30.... |
Cleveland Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
16 | 15 | 298 | 527 | 56.5 | 3787 | 82.5 | 29 | 19 | 32 | 70 | 3 | ||
| 2008 2008 NFL season The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League, themed with the slogan "Believe in Now."Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the... |
Cleveland Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
10 | 9 | 142 | 283 | 50.2 | 1615 | 66.5 | 9 | 8 | 25 | 55 | 0 | ||
| 2009 2009 NFL season The 2009 NFL season was the 90th regular season of the National Football League.The preseason started with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 9, 2009, and the regular season began September 10. The season ended with Super Bowl XLIV, the league's championship game, on February 7, 2010 at... |
Cleveland Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... |
8 | 7 | 81 | 182 | 44.5 | 888 | 42.1 | 3 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 2 | ||
| 2010 2010 NFL season The 2010 NFL season was the 91st regular season of the National Football League.The regular season began with the NFL Kickoff game on NBC on Thursday, September 9, at the Louisiana Superdome as the New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl XLIV champions, defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14–9.Tom Brady,... |
Arizona Arizona Cardinals The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... |
12 | 9 | 169 | 327 | 51.7 | 2,065 | 65.9 | 7 | 10 | 5 | 25 | 0 | ||