What Derek Anderson Under Center Means for the Browns

With reports of Derek Anderson being named the starting quarterback for Cleveland, a lot of talk and debate surfaced in Cleveland.

After a mediocre first game from Brady Quinn (21-of-35, 205 yards, a touchdown, and a pick), the Brady Quinn Checkdown began, as he proceeded to go 24-of-39, with an astounding 195 yards, no touchdowns, and two picks. 

What went wrong with Quinn?

When Quinn was drafted, the move was thought to be genius by everyone. Cleveland now had its offensive line vastly improved and had added the face of its franchise in Quinn. In a couple years, the Browns were supposed to contend.

In stepped Anderson, leading the Browns to a magical 10-6 record. Talk of "Quinn Who?" dominated Browns town as the gunslinging Anderson was now cemented in the starting job.

Then disaster struck, as Anderson barely passed for over 50 percent, throwing for 161.5 yards a game, nine touchdowns, and eight picks. He had seemingly lost his touch.

Browns fans now got to see Quinn, and he played alright for a rookie, passing a little over 50 percent, 172.7 yards a game, two touchdowns, and two picks. Yes, those numbers were similar to Anderson's, but Quinn was the future of the franchise, and he was supposed to develop into a Pro Bowler.

Quinn got injured, and Anderson stepped in for two games, playing very poorly. Anderson was then injured, as if the season weren't enough of a catastrophe.

With a change in regime, we thought we might see improvements at the quarterback position, as Quinn won the job out of camp. He played well in the Minnesota game, but then was awful the next two weeks.

Mangini then announced that Anderson would start for the Browns against Cincinnati, Week Four. Anderson had won the job with his performance of going 11-of-19 passing for 92 yards and three picks. 

Is this the end of Quinn in Cleveland? We all wanted to see him succeed so badly, yet sometimes you have to move on. 

Quinn certainly has more upside than Anderson, but Anderson stretches the field, moves the chains, and takes more chances. Yes, he throws more picks, but he throws the picks when taking chances, something Quinn didn't do very often. 

Anderson will probably win a game or two more than Quinn would have at this stage in Quinn's career simply because of his arm. Quinn still can develop into a good quarterback, but I can't answer what will happen to Quinn the rest of the season. Only time will tell with Quinn.

Anderson, however, poses a big question: Which side of him will we see more often? The 2007-08 Pro Bowl version, or the 2008-09 backup? It's his job to lose now, and he needs to make the most of it.

You have to think that Braylon Edwards will benefit from the change under center. In Quinn's six starts, Edwards has 24 catches for 343 yards and no touchdowns. That's an average of four catches for 51 yards per game.

In Anderson's 24 starts dating back to the 2007-08 season, Edwards has amassed 105 receptions for 1733 yards and 19 touchdowns. That's an average of four catches for 72 yards. Not a huge change, but Edwards did have that amazing 2007-08 season of 1,240 yards and 16 touchdowns when Anderson started. Just saying...is all.

After an emotional game for the Bengals, the Browns are in a prime position to surprise some people. No, I don't think the Browns will win more than four games the rest of the way, but they'll be in more, and will be easier to watch, regardless of how many interceptions Anderson throws. If he plays poorly enough, Quinn will get one more shot to protect the job for the draft. 

Forecast for Anderson, Week Four: 250 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions.