Eric Mangini Declares Open Quarterback Competition in Cleveland

Since the days of Brian Sipe and Bernie Kosar, Cleveland Browns fans have seemingly had a love-hate relationship with their starting quarterbacks ... and by "love-hate," I obviously mean they love to hate them. After suffering an Aaron Rodgers-like slide on draft day, 2007, Brady Quinn was supposed to change all of that and become the franchise quarterback Dawg Pounders have longed for since, well, Otto Graham.

On Tuesday, new head coach Eric Mangini made the announcement that Quinn will be competing for the starting job in 2009 with five-year veteran Derek Anderson.

From Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

While the prospect of trading one still exists, Mangini said he met with both quarterbacks prior to coming here and explained they will have an open competition for the starting job in 2009. "I talked to both of them about that and was very clear," Mangini said. "I said if they have any questions they can come and see me. In terms of the competition and their opportunities. That's what I told them. They understand that."

Quinn started three games in 2008, leading the Browns to a 1-1 record before breaking his finger and being placed on injured reserve following a 16-6 loss to Houston in Week 12. He completed just 50 percent of his passes, throwing for 518 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Meanwhile, Anderson burst onto the scene in 2007 and helped lead the Browns to a surprising 10-6 record. He took over the starting job following an opening week loss to Pittsburgh that saw Charlie Frye aimlessly scrambling for his life.

Through the first eight weeks, Anderson torched opposing defenses, including a five-touchdown performance in his first start against the Cincinnati Bengals. Since then? It's been all down hill. He regressed significantly in the second-half of the '07 season and was brutal during the '08 campaign, finishing with the worst passer rating in the NFL. If the Browns are going to return to being a competitive team in the near future, it's probably going to be with Quinn lining up under center.

Of course, Kellen Winslow departure this offseason, combined with Donte Stallworth's legal problems and the rumors surrounding Braylon Edwards, it's not known whom the winner of the great Browns quarterback derby will be throwing to in '09. That is, assuming either Anderson or Quinn is still a Brown on opening day. Yes, that's right, the possibility of a trade still exists.

Both Quinn and Anderson have been mentioned in trade rumors, including the on-going text message drama between Denver quarterback Jay Cutler and head coach Josh McDaniels.