Interviewing 101: Another reason to go with Brady Quinn

Two years ago, I was watching the Pro Bowl. This was really the first time Derek Anderson was on a nationally televised game. Right before the start of the third quarter, a reporter asked him his thoughts about going into his first Pro Bowl. He replied, "I am just going to make plays." With the way he said it, he did not sound like the sharpest tool in the shed.

Last preseason, the difference between Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson in post-game interviews was comical. If you knew nothing about the team, you would think that Quinn was the starting quarterback.

Then, when Quinn got his first start, he had a great game against Denver. As impressive as he was during the game, he was more impressive after it. We all know that Kellen Winslow should have caught the pass at the end. However, Quinn said, "It's all on me. I am the quarterback. I am supposed to lead them to victory. Blame me, nobody else."

Imagine how Winslow and the other players felt. Winslow probably would never want to mess up again because his quarterback will take the heat.

At Notre Dame, Quinn never took credit for a win. He gave it to his teammates. Who wouldn't want to play for a leader like that?

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Going forward to last week's minicamp, I watched interviews for both Anderson and Quinn. Anderson was asked what went wrong last year. He replied, "A lot of things and a lot of people played poorly."

The problem with that statement is it's the truth. The truth will likely cause finger pointing in this case.

Quinn was asked about his reaction when he found out they acquired a new quarterback on draft day. He replied, "I didn't know, I was at Eric Steinbach's wedding."

The reporter then asks, "But how did you feel about it?" Quinn replied, "How did I feel about Eric getting married? I was happy for him."

That right there shows he knows how to divert questions. He didn't want to make a comment about Brett Ratliff that he may regret, so he diverted it.

I know there are readers out there who would think who cares who interviews better? Give me the guy who produces on the field.

That is true. However, your quarterback has to be a spokesperson for the team. It is part of being a leader. Anderson has never made a comment where you would think, "Wow! what a great leader!" He has done just the opposite.

Besides, Quinn is outperforming him on the field and it definitely shows.