Browns head coach Romeo Crennel probably rehearses his talking points after every loss, and by now, they're sure to be burned on his brain come the Monday press conference. When asked if [Derek] Anderson was still Crennel's starting quarterback, the Browns coach replied, "Yes, as of right now."Muttered with all the conviction of someone who must wonder why the club decided to give Anderson a multi-year deal last offseason. Whatever, the Browns have a short week as they prepare to face the almost-as-hapless Broncos on Thursday night.
No idea if Anderson is unofficially on the Brad Johnson one-more-crappy-half-and-your-out short leash, but that doesn't mean people don't continue to call for Brady Quinn. Like, say, this handsome chap:
They have to start Brady Quinn at quarterback. They have to use the second half of this once-highly anticipated but ultimately disappointing 2008 season to find out what they have in their 2007 first-round pick. ...That's Don Banks, by the way (just in case you're too lazy to click the link). Not sure why the Browns HAVE to see what they have in Quinn with half a season to go; the Jets with Chad Pennington, and the Chargers with Philip Rivers both survived without the first-round quarterbacks during their first two NFL seasons. I think Cleveland can make it two more months.
The collapse against the Ravens was hardly Anderson's fault alone, but he certainly can't be absolved of blame. Anderson finished 17 of 33 for 219 yards passing, with a pair of touchdowns. But when Cleveland needed him most, he was at his absolute worst.
As for Anderson being "at his absolute worst" when his team "needed him most," um, really? Did he make Braylon Edwards drop a likely touchdown in the fourth quarter with the score tied 27-27? Would guys try harder to catch Brady balls?
I'm not convinced Anderson should keep his job, but he wasn't the reason the Browns lost to the Ravens. That's on the defense.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-03-2008 @ 5:45PM
Chris said...
Uh...on the defense? They were one the field forever. You're only gonna hold an NFL team for so long, even an average NFL team like the Ravens. Did he make Braylon drop that ball? No...but look at 90% of this throws, guys are catching them below the waist and behind them. If he could lead a receiver above the waist, they'd be dangerous, but he can't, even on little two yard dink and dunks. All he has is the long ball and that was taken away from him this year. Defenses play for it and force him to throw short. Give Brady a shot, this season is a loss anyways. No point in going into next year still wondering what you have sitting on the bench.
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