Browns QB decision is a mistake

Filed in archive on August 26, 2007

Courtesy Notredame.rivals.com

As much as Cleveland Browns fans want rookie Brady Quinn to be the starting quarterback, it just isn't happening.

In spite of holding out 11 days, Quinn has been nearly flawless in two preseason appearances. He's completed 20 of 31 passes for 236 yards and 3 touchdowns. A picture-perfect 39-yard pass into the outstretched hands of Joe Jurevicious should have been a 4th TD, but referees ruled the receiver out of bounds.

Quinn looks like everything his college coach has said he'd be - the most NFL-ready rookie quarterback to come into the league in many years.

Regardless of his poise and remarkable performances, thus far, the Browns are saying Quinn won't start in September.

This is a terrible decision, all things considered.

The Browns have a very solid offensive line (Quinn hasn't been sacked), a veteran running back in Jamal Lewis and a couple of burgeoning stars in Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow as receivers.

What Cleveland doesn't have is a solid veteran quarterback to play ahead of Quinn.

It will be either Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson against the ferocious pittsburgh steelers on September 9th. This is sort of like facing Pedro Martinez with a whiffle bat.

The Browns have absolutely nothing to lose by playing Quinn immediately. No one is going to say Frye or Anderson should be playing, even if Quinn struggles. And, if Quinn plays well, Browns management will look that much better.

I say, let the rookie play.