Derek Anderson will start

Pat McManamon — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:01:07 +0000

Item: Romeo Crennel announced that Derek Anderson will start Sunday in Cincinnati.

I tried to make this clear yesterday (cough, cough). Anderson has always been the choice of the coach and his staff.

If nothing else, Crennel is loyal. In this case, I think he made the right decision. Anderson has been working with the starters since the beginning of camp, and there still is a (slim) chance to salvage the season. Going to Quinn might help, but it's more likely to lead to the usual struggles inexperience brings. No, Anderson is not a grizzled veteran. No, he's not played well. But he's had a lot of company in that regard. And if the entire team improves and plays like it can, then Anderson's play will not be such a big, red, sore thumb. However, the goal is winning on Sunday, not making sure all feelings are soothed. This leash should be short, and the Browns should not hesitate to make a change if it seems a change will help win the game. But starting Anderson is the right thing to do.

Said Crennel of Anderson:“He said he needs to play better and that is the thing that we are focusing on going into this game is trying to get him to play better.”

OK then. Evidently the straight-talk express now resides in Berea.

Item: I don't get Jim Brown.

Well I do. Brown is a man who will always say what he thinks, whether people like it or not. He will not be cowed, slowed or influenced by anyone. When he's asked a question, he answers. And that really is a good thing.

But I don't get how his comments Tuesday help anything.

Brown spoke on an internet radio show and pretty much ridiculed Anderson.

"Ive been in meetings all day," Brown said. "I've met with coach, the president of the organizatino, team captains, individual players — we all seem to be in one accord. But it's up to the coach to make the final decision on his lineup this week, but if he makes the right decision on the lineup I think we can be out of this terrible slump we're in."

Brown clearly thought the right decision was going to Quinn.

"We don't have a superstar quarterback," he said. "We have two quarterbacks with tremendous potential. One has played a lot more than the other has, successfully, and also had some failure. If we try Brady this week, it's a change of pace. Why not have a change of pace that might bring you a spark? And if he doesn't cut it, we can bring the other guy back, and we can bring Brady back."

Usually I agree with Brown, and in this case he's got a point. It might have provided a spark, and if there are two quarterbacks the Browns might be able to use both or either depending on how they are playing. I just think I'd have started Anderson. There's nothing stopping the Browns from going to Quinn if Anderson struggles, and there's nothing stopping them from going back to Anderson if need be.

Doesn't it make you wonder this, though: If everyone was in accord, as Brown said, what exactly is the feeling now that Crennel has gone with Anderson? Does this sound like accord, or discord? And did Brown going public with these facts help the situation?

Crennel's comment:"Jim has been speaking out ever since I got here and Jim has an opinion, just like everybody else has an opinion, so he voices his opinion. I have sat down with Jim and he told me the same thing before it came out in the paper, so there is no surprise because that is the way he feels. I am not saying its right or wrong, it is what it is. My decision is my decision.”

Item: Now Shaun Rogers missed practice with a shoulder problem.

But he's expected to play Sunday. Othes who missed include LB Kris Griffin, S Sean Jones, LB Willie McGinest, Rogers, TE Martin Rucker and G Eric Steinbach. WRs Braylon Edwards and Donte Stallworth were limited.

Beside the Point: The Blog by Patrick McManamon » Jim Brown

Derek Anderson will start