Are We Making Too Much of the Cleveland Browns' Quarterback Competition?

The heart of one of the most interesting offseasons in Cleveland Brown history has been the arguments over the upcoming quarterback competition.

While most fans favor Brady Quinn to take the snaps, there are still some Derek Anderson supporters out there. Now there are those who think Brett Ratliff will be behind center.

There has been much speculation that Eric Mangini and George Kokinis aka Mankok don't really like either Quinn or Anderson. That is why some believe that Ratliff will be the guy.

Well let's just look at it practically. In all likelihood Quinn will be the starter. The real battle will be between Anderson and Ratliff for the backup job.

Why do I think that? It is because it is the only practical thing to do. In spite of all the rumors that Mankok aren't really sold with him, they never traded him on draft day. From what I understand they turned down at least three trade offers for Quinn. I even hear that first round picks were offered. 

On top of all that, the Browns didn't select Mark Sanchez. Instead they pulled off a blockbuster deal with the pick.

The Browns also drafted Alex Mack with their first pick. Taking a center to me makes it clear what Mankok's intentions are. It was Hank Fraley who spoke up for Anderson when Quinn first took over last year.

Also the new offensive coordinator is Brian Daboll. From what I understand, he was hired because he worked with Charlie Weis. Of the quarterbacks there, who has run a Charlie Weis offense before? We all know that is Quinn. Not only did he run it but he excelled in it.

Looking at the other two guys, neither one is a practical choice. Ratliff is a promising prospect but has no regular season stats at this point. He may get a chance eventually, but it will come either due to injury or poor performance by the starter. In which case, he can establish himself as an NFL QB.

Anderson to me just doesn't seem to fit the mold that Mankok wants. They want a guy who will manage the game and not kill them with turnovers. Anderson is the guy who flings it down field and if your guy catches it, great. However, turnovers and dropped passes come with a guy like that. Also Mankok wants a leader.

With all those factors, why doesn't Mankok just name Quinn the starter? Let me answer that question with a couple of questions. Why haven't they named Joe Thomas starting left tackle? Why haven't they named Braylon Edwards the starting wide receiver?

It is because everybody is on a clean slate with the new coaches. Everybody has to earn their starting positions on the field again. They won't be handed out. Having said that, does anybody believe that either Edwards or Thomas won't be starting next year? Yeah right!

Therefore unless Brady really has a horrible preseason (in which case he doesn't deserve to start), he will most likely be the starter. Looking at other sports websites, such as FOX Sports, CBS Sportsline, etc., they all have Edwards and Thomas penciled in as starters. They also have Quinn penciled in as well. What does that tell you?