Profootballtalk.com points out the financial realities in Brady Quinn’s contract, stating Quinn will trigger a $5 million escalator for 2010 if he plays 70 percent of this season’s snaps, and will trigger a $1.32 playing-time incentive if he is on the field for 45 percent of the snaps.
PFT continues: “… if it's truly a toss-up, the dollars and cents should be enough to tilt the competition in (Derek) Anderson's favor, and to keep him in the job for at least the first 31 percent of the season.”
Eric Mangini was asked if money would be a factor. His response: “Not one bit.”
This is the kind of question that a coach hates. If you think about it, it’s near insulting. A coach who is judged on wins and losses making a decision on money? Perish the thought.
But … the question had to be asked … if only to get Mangini’s response on the record.
Me, I don’ t believe Mangini would make any decision based on a contract. Call me naïve, but I don’t think he or the Browns operate that way. (Not with players at least.)
I also think that if Anderson plays well against Tennesee, he might just heist this job away from Quinn, who had to be the leader at the quarter pole.
And … I think Mangini might not tell us until just before the opener. Something about keeping the Vikings guessing comes to mind.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I'm not trying to be negative, but when was the last time that the quarterback on day one of the regular season played the whole docket in one piece? I'm not confident that the O-line will hold up, or that a change to the backup will be made at some point in the season because one isn't effective enough.
I don't see Lerner making the same kinds of "financial decisions" that are made elsewhere, at least not this season.
Couple things:
1) Brady's agent is a buffoon. Should've had him in camp 2 years ago, with none of this escalator-clause crap. It just scares management and gives them an excuse to not play him.
2) Didn't Mangini get this job, partly based on his declaration to Lerner that he "can win with Brady Quinn at QB" ?
3) What is the ridiculous fascination with a quarterback who has a losing record as a starter, was cut by Baltimore, a 6th-round pick known for his college & pro interceptions and poor decision-making? Please. Please tell me why the Browns need to see more of that, more of B.Q. holding a clipboard, with the unanswered question: "Hmm, I wonder if Brady could lead this team to wins? I wonder." Guess we'll never know, because the geniuses running this team don't WANT to know and will never give him the chance. 'Cause we want our future to rest on D.A.'s arm, right? Right? Little louder….RIGHT?
As a Browns fan from the early 60's I can't argue with what Elizabeth has to say, but to Mitch's point, Charlie Weis has not had a winning year since Brady left. And quite frankly, Quinn hasn't made anyone stand up and cheer…… so get a grip Mitch. Anderson has a good and bad track record… but he has a track record, and with a real clown for a coach in Crennel…. I hope the Browns keep them both and we can salvage at least a 7-9 season out of this one.
I think the 0-line is solid…and that both qb's are equally good in their own right. They fit 2 different schemes. Brady is a pro style qb while DA is a verticle offense qb. The big factor is Braylen…if he can catch the darn ball. I have to believe that this is still Brady's game to lose, but Iwould not be heart broken if DA was the leader.
Now THERE's a goal for your pro football team, MNBrownsFan…"keep them both and we can salvage a 7-9 record."
Forgive me, but…WHAT??!!
That's what you think of these QBs? W.o.w. In my view, you have TWO qbs, you have NONE. As long as both these guys are on the team, the position remains unsettled and the town is split. Why are we doing this? Get Anderson's butt out of here on the next train.