With the Browns 22-17 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday, Brian Hoyer joined some lofty company.
Hoyer became only the fifth quarterback in franchise history to get his eighth win in his first 11 Cleveland starts. Otto Graham, Milt Plum and Bill Nelsen were 9-2 while Hoyer joins Tommy O'Connell at 8-3.
In research conducted using the records and stats on Pro Football Reference, Hoyer is the 20th quarterback to make 11 or more starts in Browns history. Only seven have had a winning record at this juncture.
Of the 21 quarterbacks who have made a start for the Browns since they returned in 1999, nine have made 11 or more starts. The only one who came close to being near a winning record in those early stages was Derek Anderson, who was 5-6. Half had three wins or fewer.
Here are some more facts about Hoyer's first 11 starts and where they rank in team history since the AFL-NFL merger: His 2,629 yards are the second most in team history. Only Anderson threw for more (2,669). Hoyer's 15 touchdowns are the fourth most while his seven interceptions are tied for second fewest. However, Hoyer's 88.2 passer rating is the best.
Here is a look at Browns quarterbacks in their first 11 starts with the team:
Before the AFL-NFL merger: According to the Browns, Otto Graham was 9-2 in 1946 when they were in AAFC (he also was 9-2 in 1950 when Browns joined the NFL); Tommy O'Connell 8-3; Milt Plum 9-2; Jim Ninowski 5-6; Frank Ryan 7-3-1; Bill Nelsen 9-2.
Post Merger (1970-95):
Mike Phipps (7-4) - 122 of 255 for 1,721 yards, 8 TDs, 12 INTs, 60.9 rating
Brian Sipe (3-8) - 135 of 253 for 1,427 yards, 7 TDs, 6 INTs, 69.4 rating
Paul McDonald (4-7) - 192 of 391 for 2,589 yards, 9 TDs, 20 INTs, 57.0 rating
Bernie Kosar (4-7) - 137 of 272 for 1,769 yards, 9 TDs, 7 INTs, 71.5 rating
Vinny Testaverde (7-4) - 183 of 311 for 2,506 yards, 18 TDs, 13 INTs, 86.6 rating
Since Franchise Returned (1999-2014):
Tim Couch (2-9) - 179 of 323 for 1,938 yards, 12 TDs, 8 INTs, 75.3 rating
Kelly Holcomb (3-8) - 241 of 366 for 2,529 yards, 18 TDs, 13 INTs, 87.3 rating
Trent Dilfer (4-7) - 199 of 333 for 2,321 yards, 11 TDs, 12 INTs, 76.9 rating
Charlie Frye (3-8) - 216 of 353 for 2,132 yards, 10 TDs, 13 INTs, 72.3 rating
Derek Anderson (5-6) - 205 of 350 for 2,669 yards, 22 TDs, 15 INTs, 85.8 rating
Brady Quinn (2-9) - 170 of 325 for 1,782 yards, 10 TDs, 7 INTs, 69.8 rating
Colt McCoy (4-7) - 195 of 333 for 2,210 yards, 11 TDs, 11 INTs, 75.8 rating
Brandon Weeden (3-8) - 222 of 397 for 2,456 yards, 12 TDs, 13 INTs, 70.9 rating
Brian Hoyer (8-3) - 203 of 348 for 2,629 yards, 15 TDs, 7 INTs, 88.2 rating
