We’re only through the first quarter of the season, but it’s interesting to note the parallels between the two quarterbacks in Browns history named Brian.

Both fan favorites were largely overlooked coming out of college, barely saw the field early in their careers, and suffered season-ending injuries after becoming the starter. Neither were known for particularly outstanding physical tools, but they each earned the top job in Cleveland over first-round picks (in Hoyer’s case, over three of them).

With the help of a solid offensive line, several capable running backs, a Pro Bowl tight end, and an ensemble of sure-handed though not elite wideouts, each Brian has come into his own by leading the team to a series of fantastic finishes, winning some, losing some, but making each game plenty interesting.

And as mentioned yesterday, Brian Hoyer is on pace to throw for 4,032 yards this season, which would be just the second 4,000-yard season for a Brown, exactly 100 yards behind Sipe’s 1980 total.

Here’s a rundown of Brians of Browns past and present, in rough order of significance and/or merit.

• Brian Sipe — holds most of the Browns’ major passing records
• Brian Brennan — reliable possession receiver, 1984-91, tied for second in franchise history among WRs in receptions 
• Brian Hoyer — only one of the 20 “new” Browns starting QBs with a winning record
• Bryan Wiedmeier — Since 2010, the Executive Vice President has focused on the Browns’ business affairs and particularly the stadium renovation project. He recently earned a contract extension, less than two years after surgery for Stage Four brain cancer.
• Brian Kinchen — long-snapper who developed into a starting tight end, 1991-95
• Brian Russell — starting free safety, 2005-06, best known for this devastating hit on the Bengals’ Chad Johnson
• Brian Hansen — punter whose five teams in 15 years included Cleveland from 1991-93
• Brian Robiskie — the least productive of the eight receivers Cleveland drafted in the second round since 1999
• Brian Washington — tenth-round pick in 1988 started at safety as a rookie. Released with a broken nose, he went on to play seven more productive seasons with the Jets and Chiefs
• Brian Angelichio — current tight ends coach
• Brian Decker — in his first year as player personnel strategist after an Army career that included helping develop the Special Forces
• Brian Fleury — current assistant linebackers coach
• Brian Schaefering — undrafted d-lineman out of Lindenwood (same school as Pierre Desir), started ten of 37 games for the Browns, 2009-11
• Brian Baker — outside linebackers coach in 2013
• Brian Gross — as a membership services representative, he’ll gladly sell you some season tickets
• Brian Daboll — offensive coordinator under Eric Mangini, 2009-10. Cleveland ranked last and 29th in offense during his tenure.
• Brian Duncan — backup running back, 1976-77
• Brian Sanford — backup d-lineman who played seven games in two stints with Cleveland, 2011-12 & 2013
• Brian Tyms — two forgettable catches in seven games with 2013 Browns, now on the Patriots’ WR depth chart
• Brian Smith — linebacker whose only two NFL games were with 2011 Browns
• Brian Franco  — 1987 replacement “scab” kicker
• Brian Dudley — 1987 replacement “scab” DB
• Brian Greenfield — Pitt punter picked in 10th round of 1991 draft. The veteran Hansen won the job.
• Brian Murray — 13th-round draft pick in 1976. Offensive tackle from Arizona never made it.

Sipe steps up in the pocket as Cody Risien blocks HOF Ram Jack Youngblood.