On Sunday, the Browns beat the Houston Texans to the score of 27-17. Afterwards, on such Cleveland sports programs like “Browns Redzone,” fans called in to voice their anxiety about the quarterback situation.
Derek Anderson, just 24 years old, is having a sensational season for a man who lost the
starting quarterback job to Charlie Frye in August. A former sixth round draft pick, Anderson’s Browns are fast becoming the Cinderella story of the NFL. A significant reason for the team’s success rests on the shoulders of the 6’6” signal caller. Anderson’s stats are great, as he has thrown for 2,758 yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His quarterback rating is 89.5, better than Peyton Manning.
So why are fans unhappy?
A big issue is that the Cleveland fans are not used to winning. They have suffered through a team move and on-field mediocrity since returning to the league in 1999. Browns’ fans’ expectations are through the roof. Another issue, though, is Anderson himself. While his numbers are incredible, Anderson does seem to sometimes have accuracy issues. For every incredible throw, a few passes will sail out of his hand that will give one reason to pause and rewind their Tivo in confusion.
The bigger issue, though, is the Brady Quinn factor.
Not only are fans curious to see what they have in Quinn, the Browns also are not a complete team yet.
Cleveland is playing very good football right now. Their defense has progressed the past three weeks, but the fact remains that the Browns’ defensive unit still ranks near the bottom of the league in almost all categories. This April, the Browns will be devoid of a first round draft pick--a selection they surrendered to the Dallas Cowboys for the opportunity to draft Brady Quinn.
The question surrounding Cleveland isn’t just what can the Browns do this year, but what can be accomplished for next year?
It is evident the Browns have the talent to compete at a high level this season. What will, though, it take to be even better next year?
Many fans would like to trade Anderson and hope to acquire at least a first round pick so that they can improve the team. The hope is not so far-fetched. Just last season, the Atlanta Falcons traded away Matt Schaub for two second round picks. Schaub only started a handful of games and was relatively an unknown. Derek Anderson, though, is statistically one of the best quarterbacks in the league right now.
There is also the issue of Anderson’s contract. Anderson is a restricted free agent this season. The Browns could offer Anderson the highest contract tender in the off-season. If so, a team wanting to sign the quarterback would have to sacrifice a first and third round draft pick. With some of the quarterback play in the league today, one would have to believe that this off-season will be a seller’s market.
Another issue is that if the Browns keep Anderson next season, he will become a free agent in 2009. At that point, the team would either need to sign him long term or let him walk for free. If that situation arises, it’s both good and bad. If Anderson plays well in 2008 to be worthy of a new contract in 2009, the Browns have found their quarterback of the future. However, the team would have wasted a first round pick on Brady Quinn. If Anderson does not pan out in 2008, the Browns will have to see him walk out the front door with zero compensation in 2009.
It’s truly a gamble. Ironically, a bigger gamble could be the attempt to strike while the iron’s hot. This season has proved that teams’ need more than one competent quarterback. And while the Cleveland offensive line is playing at an incredibly high level, it is comforting to know that the team believes they truly have a quality quarterback able to step in should anything happen to Anderson.
If the Browns truly believe they have the ability to go deep into the playoffs next season, it would be wise to keep both quarterbacks on the roster. If not, then the team would be one hit away from quarterback Ken Dorsey becoming the starter.
Ken Dorsey.
Browns' fans need to sit back and enjoy the ride this team is embarking on. If anything, the quarterback dilemma is a problem that half the league would kill for.
Keywords: Brady Quinn, Cleveland Browns, Derek Anderson, Houston Texans, Quarterback
