Cleveland Browns Don't Need A Hero at Quarterback

The Browns picked Tim Couch over Donavon McNabb; Kellen Winslow over Ben Roethlisberger. 

This weekend marks possibly the largest competition in the history of Browns' quarterbacking lore. From Bernie's diminished skills to Kelly Holcomb's rise to fan-favorite fame, for years coaching and front office personnel have yet to get it right.

Enter Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson, and yes, my favorite Brett Ratliff.

Quinn is the gamer, only he does not possess the power skills needed to light up a score board. Methodical in his approach, coupled with his limited experience, Brady's success will ultimately be determined by what supporting cast is placed around him.

Memo: The Browns don't have a supporting cast to place around him.

With DA, you have an individual with a cannon of an arm. He is fearless yet stubborn at the same time. Obsessed with the deep ball, DA tends to telegraph deep throws by holding on too long. His vice is one that an be fixed; realize it is OK to settle for the check down. The 2007 season was filled with big plays, big catches, and a lot of touchdowns. 2008 was filled with no plays, no catches ("Braylon drops another one"), and of course no touchdowns.

Although Quinn is the fan favorite, he will only be as good as his defense. Where as with Anderson, the threat of the big arm mixed with just a little coaching gives you a chance to put two or three touchdowns on the board a game.

Then there is Brett Ratliff. It should be noted that by Week 4 of this coming season, this gentlemen will be the No. 2 quarterback if not the starter. He and Brady Quinn have shown to this point the same thing: nothing. 

Although the Cleveland Brown offense will contain a vast amount of systems and formations, the coaching will spin it different, but the base will contain what the Jets ran last year.  Ratliff's performance in the preseason against the Browns' last year was no fluke. His asset lies in the known expectations of what Eric Mangini demands on the offensive side of the football.

One can argue that his learning curve will be the shortest given the history. The decision on the starter should be a joint decision, more importantly a decision based on strictly performance on the field and in the locker room.

Not about the contract status or endorsement clauses and all the other crap that goes with being a starting quarterback in the NFL. For once, whoever wins the job, let the franchise sink or swim on his shoulders.