Browns trump reigning Super Bowl champs on "Monday Night Football"

Finally, after five games of mediocrity, the Cleveland Browns stepped up in a big way Monday night.

The Browns destroyed the reigning Super Bowl champion New York Giants, 35-14, on "Monday Night Football," televised on ESPN.

This comes at a time when quarterback Derek Anderson was in dire need of a big win to get out of the hot seat.

He got one.

The Browns racked up their highest point total of the season, as they played exceptionally well against one of the NFC's most elite and deepest teams.

This game just goes to show how solid Cleveland could be if they stay healthy.

Quarterback Derek Anderson, in every way possible, solidified his spot as Cleveland's starter, humbly saying, "It's the guys I've been telling you about," speaking of his team. "I never doubted them, ever."

Anderson threw for 310 yards, and 2 touchdowns, earning him a 121.3 passer rating. It was one of the best outings of his career.

Anderson's success was due, in large part, to the skill set of receiver Braylon Edwards. The wide-out had the best game of his season as he made catches of 49 and 70 yards. Edward's final yards tally included an 11 yard touchdown grab. He ended the game with five catches for 154 yards and a touchdown.

The Browns defense also held its own against the solid, Giants offensive attack. Cleveland intercepted Eli Manning three times, one of which cornerback Eric Wright took 94 yards back to the house, a pick-six that sealed the Giant's fate.

The Browns' defense did bend a little though, allowing nearly 180 yards rushing.

However, don't tell that statistic to Corey Williams.

Williams, a member of Cleveland's big defensive line, stated after the game, "We played a solid 4 quarters."

All in all, if the Browns can stay consistent, don't be too fast count them out in the AFC North.

The Ravens lost their 3rd straight game on Sunday, making them 2-3. The Browns also gained a little ground on the idle 4-1 Steelers.

Of course, lowly Cincinnati sits winless at 0-6.

-Martin Lewis (with a special thanks to The Associated Press, especially to the writers at ESPN.)