Mangini Handling Quarterback Situation Correctly

If there’s one message that Browns head coach Eric Mangini is sending his players, it’s this: No one will be handed a starting job, even at quarterback.

Mangini and general manager George Kokinis have improved the depth at a number of positions, including the offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive line. 

This new regime is hoping that more competition for starting positions in training camp will make the players hungrier to prove that they belong on an NFL team.

The competition topic brings me to the Browns’ quarterback position.

Derek Anderson struggled last season due to a number of factors, including a preseason concussion and injuries to the offensive line and skill-position players. He also made a number of mental errors himself, resulting in a forgettable 4-12 season.

Brady Quinn stepped in midway through the season and started three games before being pulled out of the Houston game due to a broken right index finger.  He did not put up staggering numbers, completing 50 percent of his passes and throwing only two touchdowns.

Now put yourself in Mangini’s shoes.  You inherit a football team with two quarterbacks who have failed to prove that they can perform at a high level on a consistent basis.

Granted, Quinn was never given an adequate chance to start until last year, but he never gave coaches a reason to put him in ahead of Anderson. 

Mangini didn’t tell Kokinis to pick Anderson off the waiver wire, and he didn’t draft Quinn in 2007, so why would he just hand the position to either player?  He has no favorites and is not emotionally attached to either Quinn or Anderson like the fans are.

In 2006, do you remember when the Browns had Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson on the roster, and Romeo Crennel named Frye the starter before training camp even began?

I’m not saying that Quinn or Anderson will perform as poorly as Frye did that season, but he had no reason to look over his shoulder and knew he would only be replaced because of injury.

Mangini’s decision to declare an open competition at quarterback will also increase the trade value of either quarterback.

Any team can lose a quarterback for an extended period of time during training camp and preseason. 

Michael Vick was injured in a preseason game in 2003. He missed the first 11 games to a fractured right fibula, and their season was virtually lost. 

If a team loses a quarterback and is searching for a possible replacement, the Browns could be one of the first teams they call. 

If Mangini named Quinn the starter, teams will know that they have no intention of starting Anderson, and the Browns won't be able to get a mid-round draft pick in return for him. 

By giving each quarterback a chance to claim the starting job, it gives the Browns more leverage in trade talks if another team comes knocking on their door.

I will say this: Whoever wins the quarterback job will have earned it because you can count on Mangini to scrutinize every decision that each quarterback makes. 

I’m not saying Quinn will be the starter, but the new offense is going to feature short, intermediate passes with the ability to manage longer drives.  It may be an easier transition for Quinn to make and could be more difficult for Anderson because he's better suited for Rob Chudzinski’s offense. 

I also believe Mangini is going to utilize running backs Jamal Lewis and Jerome Harrison, with James Davis possibly contributing as well.

As much as Browns fans would like Quinn to be named the starter right now, Mangini is going to make Quinn prove that he can indeed handle the offense, which will make the team better off when the season begins.