First of the season … regular production begins the week of the opener.
1) I think if Saturday was a regular season game the Browns get whacked pretty good. Kerry Collins and the Titans offense moved the ball pretty easily, and they did it with short throws and the running game. The Browns made a good play blocking a field goal, but the way Tennessee held the ball the Browns defense would have been worn down by the end of the third quarter and that would have been that. The quarterbacks garner a lot of attention, but the defense has to be a concern right now.
2) But … it wasn’t a regular season game, it was a preseason game. And the Browns won. They forced a goal-line fumble and a fumble on a kickoff return and got a nice touchdown pass from Brady Quinn to Braylon Edwards. The Browns beat a good team, and it’s been a long time since they beat a good team. After a disastrous first game, the Browns have done enough the next two games to have me intrigued about the opener.
3) Bless the Titans for running the ball and keeping the game moving. That preseason game took less than three hours to play. Can we bring them in every year?
4) There hasn’t been much to separate the two quarterbacks in the games. This decision might come down to practice reps. Or the dreaded “gut feeling.”
5) That being said, Quinn has done absolutely nothing to lose the job. His play has been consistently solid, which it was the other night. One of his nicer plays came on a check down to Jamal Lewis for 14 yards. That set up the touchdown to Edwards. He’s also avoided mistakes.
6) I think Derek Anderson has been very solid as well. He could have had a touchdown had Braylon Edwards not turned out on one throw, but that’s a woulda, coulda, shoulda. And in quarterback competitions every one of those counts.
7) Here’s one difference between Quinn and Anderson. The Browns called a rollout and throw back to the tight end across the field. Silly call, but they called it. Robert Royal was covered and Anderson pumped once, then threw. By the time he threw the coverage had moved to Royal and the pass easily could have been intercepted for a touchdown. He was fortunate it wasn’t. Later, Anderson thought Mike Furrey would keep crossing on a route, but he stopped. The ball went right into the guts of a Titans defender, then bounced high and down to Furrey. Those could have been two interceptions. Anderson will give you the big play, but his propensity to always try for the play also can lead to mistakes.
8) That’s a significant factor, significant enough in my book to feel like Quinn should be the starter. If it were me, I’d name Quinn.
9) But I don’t expect Mangini to name Quinn, because he wants to keep the Vikings guessing right up until kickoff of the opener.
10) James Davis continues to impress at running back. He’s quick, nimble, aggressive and fast earning more playing time. Jamal Lewis will remain the starter, but Davis is going to get his plays. What this means for Jerome Harrison is anyone’s guess.
How about if we use Davis most of the game, then trot out Jamal on 3-and-1, or inside the 5-yard line, etc..He's a straight-ahead back, so why expect him to be anything different. Harrison can be the guy who goes out as an outlet for the QB, the third and long RB, taking pitches, screen passes, etc. Can we carry 3 backs, I don't know, somebody tell me why not?
Anybody in their right mind knows that Quinn is going to get the job, and I presume the guys who run the Vikings are in their right mind. Who does Mangini think he's fooling? I mean, other than himself. I don't get this senseless cloak and dagger crapola.
Robert Royal. Can I call him "R-Squared?" Or "R2" for short? The man gives a 1999 feeling to the tight end position. They'd be better off luring a 135-year-old Milt Morin out of retirement.
Does Mangina actually think the Vikings care or prepare differently for either one of our quarterbacks? It's not like the choice is between John Elway and Fran Tarkenton. Or Steve Grogran and Jim Hart. Do the *Browns* actually get confused by having the Vikings not *officially* name Farve the starter? That's pretty laughable, actually. Someone should tell Mangina how stupid he's looking.
Well, I think we've all figured out that Coach isn't going to name a starter till 11:00 a.m. on Sept. 13, so let's move on. I don't have a preference either way and I'm not completely convinced that there won't be a switch at some point this season, whether its due to injury or futility. This is the Browns…
And for everyone who wants to trade Anderson, (A) do you have a solid back up in Bartel or Ratliff; (B) who would take him and his contract and (C) what do you think you'd get in return?
This decision isn't going to determine a Super Bowl season… its more than just a quarterback. He's got to have a line to block for him, some receivers who can make the receptions, and the defense has to show up too.
What! No news about Adriana Lima?
I think it is a given that Quinn is the starter. Anderson sealed his fate when the dope got ran over by the ref,and you could tell Mangini was not a happy camper when talking about it.
As soon as Quinn is named the starter teams will be calling the Browns wanting a trade. There a few teams out there really hurting for a QB, If someone dangles a good running back in their face they might take it,who knows ? I definitely like Bartel over Ratliff ,he showed a lot of composure and accuracy Sat. night., Ratliff throws too many int. to even be considered.
Still think the Browns would have been "whacked pretty good" if Shaun Rogers had been playing in the game?