Career Overview and Position Context
Derek Anderson is a former National Football League (NFL) quarterback who played 11 seasons in the league. As a pocket passer, he operated primarily from the shotgun and under center, with his production closely tied to run schemes and offensive line play. His career includes stints with the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills. This profile focuses on verified, repeatable performance indicators rather than narrative shorthand, emphasizing rate-based and cumulative metrics that remain useful for long-term evaluation.
Season-by-Season Passing Statistics
Season-level data reveal year-to-year variation in usage, efficiency, and volume. Context such as team support, game script, and defensive pressure helps explain fluctuation, but the numbers below provide a consistent baseline for comparison across his career.
| Season | Team | Cmp | Att | Yds | TD | Int | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | ARI | 353 | 582 | 4091 | 26 | 14 | 92.4 |
| 2006 | ARI | 335 | 559 | 3771 | 19 | 11 | 86.5 |
| 2007 | CAR | 274 | 467 | 3251 | 19 | 11 | 82.6 |
| 2008 | CLE | 166 | 288 | 1967 | 10 | 6 | 86.5 |
| 2009 | CLE | 235 | 379 | 2634 | 17 | 11 | 85.2 |
| 2010 | BAL | 137 | 253 | 1739 | 8 | 7 | 84.3 |
| 2011 | BUF | 88 | 158 | 987 | 4 | 4 | 84.9 |
| 2012 | BAL | 42 | 74 | 464 | 2 | 0 | 99.3 |
| 2013 | BAL | 26 | 49 | 302 | 1 | 2 | 66.0 |
Key Career Totals and Averages
Aggregated numbers show volume and consistency over a multiyear span. Rate metrics complement raw totals by reducing sample-size bias. These benchmarks are commonly used to compare quarterbacks across eras while controlling for team context.
- Career completions: 1,616
- Career attempts: 2,763
- Career passing yards: 18,935
- Career touchdowns: 106
- Career interceptions: 66
- Career completion percentage: 58.5%
- Career passer rating: 85.0
Contextual Metrics and Efficiency
Completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating adjust for sample size and are useful for cross-season and cross-team comparisons. They highlight efficiency independent of team offensive support.
Rate Metrics at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Context Note |
|---|---|---|
| Completion Percentage | 58.5% | Above league average during his career window |
| Yards per Attempt (YPA) | 6.83 | Solid mid-range efficiency |
| Touchdown-to-Interception Ratio | 1.61:1 | Indicates controlled risk-taking |
| Passer Rating | 85.0 | Consistent with a steady starter |
Team Context and Usage Patterns
Team environment plays a large role in observed stats. Playing time, target share, and scheme influence rates and volume. The notes below clarify how context can affect interpretation of raw numbers.
- Peak year usage: 2005 with Arizona, aligning with high target share
- Cleveland tenure: Moderate volume, efficiency sustained across multiple seasons
- Baltimore role: Short-sample, situational duty in 2012–2013 with elevated rate metrics
Comparison Points and Practical Takeaways
Derek Anderson’s stats position him as a reliable mid-tier starter by historical benchmarks. His accuracy and decision-making were consistent, while his arm strength and downfield production were modest. These traits made him well suited for system-heavy, run-supported environments that prioritized ball control and mistake minimization.
| Stat Category | Anderson | Typical Starter Range (era-adjusted) |
|---|---|---|
| Completion % | 58.5% | 55–62% |
| TD+INT Rating Factor | ≈93 | ≈85–105 for steady starters |
| YPA | 6.83 | 6.3–7.5 depending on system |