My, how one month changes everything. It was one month ago that the Browns were a competing team for the AFC North crown. One month ago, playoff football and late-January pro football seemed inevitable, and one month ago that Derek Anderson and the rest of the high-flying offense witnessed last year, were considered the saviors of Browns football.
Now, after four games of inconsistent and "pitiful" play Derek Anderson is considered a bum and now many fans and media are calling for his head. Is he really to blame though? I mean is he doing the blocking? Is he catching the balls? Does he have to give Kellen Winslow duct tape too, so when he gets popped he doesn't give up the ball?
Granted, Anderson hasn't been the best this season, but neither has Schaeffer, Hadnot, Edwards and a lot of offensive players which were integral to the success of the Browns last year.
Has Derek Anderson thrown bad interceptions this year? Yes, but are all of his seven interceptions his fault? No, and has Braylon Edwards played like he is capable of doing? Hell no. In the first three games this season the fourth year receiver had five catches and five drops along with other passes thrown his way which could have been caught if he had been more aggressive.
I would also like to know, how having Brady Quinn out there will make things 100 times better then the quarterback that lead us to 10 wins last year 2.5 times the amount of wins of the 2006 season. If Quinn were to be the starter he would go through the normal "rookie" syndrome of missing receivers and depending heavily on Kellen Winslow and other slot receivers.
Braylon Edwards would again be unhappy because he wouldn't be getting the amount of touches he was getting under the tutelage of Derek Anderson, who can make the deep throw.
Now, does Anderson need to get better in the pocket, on decision making, and shorter routes such as screens and dump offs? Of course, but he already has a big enough base to get the ball out there to the playmakers. When he has time, unlike when the O-line had injuries and he looked terrible in the Baltimore game, he is one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the game.
The Cincinnati game this week was really a turning point as D.A. got his confidence back in the second half. Sure, he only had about 150 yards and the game wasn't pretty, but every little step helps.
If every little bump in the world scared everyone in Professional football some of the NFL's greatest dynasty's would not have occurred like the '90s Cowboys and '60s Packers. Living in Cleveland, you should know that not everything is going to go your way all the time.
So, I really question the fandom of some who call for the head of a man that gave you so much joy as he beat the Seahawks last year, or the pain of losing to the Bengals, or gave you the knowledge that every game the Browns played in could be won last year.
I know that for me, Derek Anderson will never die in my mind for the year he had last year and even though he's had a few bumps he could bring it back to us if we give him the chance.
-Jordan Basenback
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2 months ago
While I feel that Anderson does deserve the right to turn things around, you are missing that his quality of play started to deteriorate in the last half of 2007, and this has to factor into his evaluation.
The injuries have a little to do with it, but all teams have to deal with them, they are a fact of life in the NFL. He has had four weeks of practice to get into rhythm with the plays the Browns have and has look bad each week.
He has yet to beat a quality team in the NFL minus the Seahawks (they 2007 Ravens don't count). To be an elite QB you have to do this. If he can not, then you have to see if Quinn can.
I don;t care who ends up the QB, I just want whoever does to win games.
2 months ago
Jordan, DA had a decent year last season. We have to figure out if that was the real Anderson or what we're watching this year is indicative of his skill level. Each game is making it look like last year was a gift. Now that teams are aware of the Brown's strengths, they're taking them away. Double Braylon and key on Winslow in passing situation.....8 in the box on first and 10. Stallworth's return will be a big help but Anderson has been inaccurate. He has stared the secondary to his receivers. He has been blind to corners ready to jump routes. This week he's the starter. If he plays like he has, you'll be hard-pressed to continue in his defense.
2 months ago
We need Stallworth to get into the games. It will be much more difficult to cover BE, Dante Stallworth and Kellen in passing situations instead of having Steptoe and Cribbs playing in roles that are over their heads. How did Dante Stallworth manage to pull his groin so bad in pregame warmaups to warrant a 5 week rest!! Bernie kosar played 3 quarters of a game with a broken ankle!! Get your pulled ass groin out there and catch some passes.
from 2 months ago
I agree. I'm not a doctor, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express, and my opinion is that Stallworth is milking this. If DA can complete some passes, defenses will back the safety up and get a linebacker trailing Winslow. THEN Jamaal Lewis can start running like the 1000 yard rusher he is. With good decisions by Anderson they'll run on the nickel and pass against a crowded line. Until then, teams don't think Anderson can beat them.
2 months ago
I mentioned in the article, that he hasn't been perfect, but he still warrants a chance after winning 10 games last year. What's the point of scrapping it all when someone goes through a bad spot. Tim Couch was given 4 years as a starter before a decision was made. When someone who is only about 25 years old is your quarterback he should still be given more of a chance to show what he can do. Last week was a confidence booster and I believe he will be better.
about 1 month ago
I just want to take this oppurtunity to say, I told you so.
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