Those that missed Monday night’s game between the Giants and Browns again missed out on another primetime delight.

It was underdog Cleveland that handed New York its first loss this year, a 35-14 statement that not only knocked out the champs but also hopes to kick-start the Browns season.

In an unexpected finish, it was a strange reversal of roles between the two teams. The Giants looked flat on both sides of the ball, much like the Browns in their first four games. Meanwhile, Cleveland resembled the 2008 Giants with an explosive offense and a stiff defense that held its own against tough teams.

The case was similar individually for both quarterbacks: Eli Manning put up Derek Anderson-like numbers while Anderson himself looked much like New York’s Super Bowl MVP.

While you may not have called a win for the ‘Dawg Pound’, here’s something you couldn’t miss- our weekly fantasy segment:

The U’s Primetime Players:

Quarterbacks:

Derek Anderson
Would anyone have predicted Anderson to outshine Manning on national television? The Browns QB hit eight different receivers and finished 18-for-29 on the night. Even more impressive: Anderson accounted for 310 of the team’s 454 total offensive yards. The good news for Browns fans is the rekindling of the relationship between two of the team’s Pro Bowl players in Anderson and WR Braylon Edwards. The duo easily outperformed the Manning-Burress connection and posted huge numbers in the win. MNF Grade: A

Eli Manning
The night was much worse for the Giants quarterback. Although Manning kept New York in the game until the second half, he had problems with turnovers for the first time this season. He completed 18-of-28 passes for just under 200 yards and even found his favorite target Plaxico Burress on a fade route just before halftime. It was a much different ball game in the third and fourth quarters: the Giants scored zero points due in large part to two interceptions, including one that was returned for a Browns touchdown. This was Manning’s worst game since early December 2007. MNF Grade: C -

Running backs:

Jamal Lewis
While the Browns were successful in being primarily one-dimensional, their running game was moderately effective against a stout Giants rushing defense. Lewis averaged over four yards per carry, and totaled 88 yards on his 21 carries. His best play was a hard four-yard touchdown run punched in during the second quarter to put Cleveland in front for good. Also notable were his three big first down runs on the final drive late in the game to run out the clock. All in all, a good night for the big back. MNF Grade: A –

Derrick Ward/Brandon Jacobs
It was New York’s second-string running back that seemed to be the answer for an otherwise sluggish offense. Ward appeared as the team’s only bright spot, churning out 101 yards on only 10 carries and keeping several Giants drives alive with key runs. New York’s starting back was also quietly successful against Cleveland, as Jacobs collected 67 yards on his 14 rushes. Although they combined seven yards per carry, both backs were largely ignored in the latter stages when the team was playing from behind. MNF Grade: B+

Wide receivers:

Braylon Edwards
As mentioned above, Edwards finally looked like the Pro Bowler he was last season. Anderson found the Browns weapon early and often, including a 49-yard reception on only the third play of the game. Edwards also caught passes of 70, 10, 14, and 11 yards, with the last being a huge touchdown to put Cleveland up by two scores with a quarter to play. No. 17 posted his best game in receptions and yards, finishing with 154 yards and the lone touchdown. Edwards also caught the two-point conversion pass on Cleveland’s final score. MNF Grade: A

Plaxico Burress/Steve Smith
Plax was back on the field after serving his suspension, and was again a force for the Giants. Although he caught New York’s only receiving touchdown, Steve Smith led the team in catches and yards on this night. With nine receptions for just under 100 yards, Smith showed the world his skills with a primetime breakout game. Burress will still be Manning’s favorite target, but look for the underrated Smith to get more touches each week if he continues these strong performances. MNF Grade: B +

Tight Ends:

Steve Heiden
What more could you ask for from a guy who was trying to replace former Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow? Heiden hauled in five passes for 59 yards and was the second-leading receiver for Cleveland on a night when Anderson threw for more than 300 yards. Not bad for a backup that wasn’t expected to make much of an impact. Although he played well and fits into Cleveland’s offense, it is not likely the Browns will sit Winslow another week; Heiden may not see the field as much as he did Monday night. MNF Grade: A –

Kevin Boss
Former Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey, now with the Saints, used to live for primetime games to show off his talent. These standards certainly were not met by the current Giants tight end Boss, who made New Yorkers forget all about Shockey last postseason. While this is only one game without much production, one catch for 24 yards, Boss is still not an integral part of the offense like Burress or Jacobs. His numbers aren’t bad, but they won’t likely get any better. MNF Grade: C

Defense/Special Teams:

Cleveland
The Browns saved all their defensive fireworks for a Monday night statement game against the defending world champions. Cleveland took advantage of three Manning interceptions, returning one 94 yards for a touchdown to seal the game late in the fourth quarter. They did give up a good amount of yards (373) and KR Josh Cribbs was a non-factor, but otherwise holding New York to 14 points was a strong performance the Browns needed to spark their season. MNF Grade: A

NY Giants
The usually nasty defensive line failed to get any pressure on Anderson all night. Cleveland’s running backs didn’t have a monster night, but their aerial attack seemingly passed at will all over the Giants. They allowed Edwards to shred the secondary for 150+ yards and gave up 454 total yards in a woeful display for a team that hadn’t lost on the road since the first week of the 2007 season. No sacks, interceptions, or forced fumbles: showings like these will spell doom for the Giants if they can’t get their act together. MNF Grade: C –

Kickers:

Phil Dawson
Dawson missed a long field goal in the first quarter, but hit from distances of 26 and 28. Three extra points later and the Cleveland kicker had a decent evening under the lights. Dawson should be considered a solid fantasy option: the early missed field goal was his first in nine attempts this season. MNF Grade: B+

John Carney
No action for the Giants place kicker, as he was forced to keep the bench warm with a lifeless offense struggling just to gain yards. Carney was only on the field for a few kickoffs and two meager extra points. MNF Grade: C+

Join us next Monday night from frosty Foxboro when the Denver Broncos (4-2) take on the New England Patriots (3-2) in an AFC showdown.