The QB Competition Will Only Help The Cleveland Browns

Erin McLaughlin by Senior Analyst Written on June 19, 2009
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 23:  Quarterbacks Brady Quinn #10, Ken Dorsey #11 and Derek Anderson #3 of the Cleveland Browns discuss strategy on the sideline during a 26-24 loss to the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum on September 23, 2007 in Oakand, California.  (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images)

This article is a reply to this article by Bleacher Report's Casey Drottar. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/202010-why-the-browns-quarterback-competition-may-have-ended-before-it-began

Drottar's article suggests that the competition really isn't a competition and that Brady Quinn will be the guy. I speculate that he is right but I will never assume anything with Eric Mangini. The part of the article I really want to focus on is the end where he was wondering why doesn't he just let the plan known.

I absolutely agree with Drottar's position and do feel that Quinn is the plan. However, I also believe in sharing things on a need to know basis. At this point, why does the rest of the league need to know?

The larger issue to me is that although Quinn does look like the guy going forward, it is still important to make sure both guys are getting reps with the starters. It isn't so much about the two competing for the job, but the likely reality that the Browns will need both guys at some point during the season.

Even though Quinn will in all likelihood be the guy, the Browns need Derek Anderson. He will be the backup and will likely be needed for two to four games. The Browns can't just mail it in for those games, they need to win. Therefore, give both guys work now because the backup won't get much work when the season starts.

The positive thing about it is that Quinn will have to be at the top of his game during training camp and that will only make him better. He will be ready for week one because he would have already been competing for a few weeks.

The only negative is that it does take reps away from Quinn in practice. During OTA's both guys struggled. That is not that surprising though since many new players were getting reps at all positions and a new system is being implemented.

Then in mini camp, there were gradual improvements by both guys. The last two practices Anderson sat out with a leg injury. Quinn got all the reps with the starters and had his best practices so far.

All in all, I think the positives outweigh the negatives. Quinn looks to be the guy but you still need to prepare both quarterbacks.

Vote Now! - Author Poll

Do you think having a QB competition is the right thing to do?

  • Yes
  • No, Just name Quinn
  • No, Just name Anderson
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

Do you think having a QB competition is the right thing to do?

  • Yes

    41.7%
  • No, Just name Quinn

    55.6%
  • No, Just name Anderson

    2.8%
  • Total votes: 36
(0)
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written on June 19, 2009 Opinion

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