Brady Quinn and the Browns: Is the QB Progressing?

Is Brady Quinn Progressing? That is the burning question. It is one that will definitely have an impact on how the Cleveland Browns approach the NFL draft. Drafting another quarterback early is really what most Browns fans don't want to have to do. That would only set the team back more, instead of looking towards improvement.

However, in order for the Browns to approach the draft without looking for another quarterback, Brady Quinn needs to show improvement each week. Then there's a chance he could still be the quarterback for the foreseeable future.

Let's look at the issue of whether or not Quinn is indeed making progress.

Two weeks ago, it looked not only like progress, but a quantum leap. For the first time, he threw for four touchdowns and for over 300 yards. In that game, Quinn went downfield early and often. His touchdowns were to four different receivers.

However, there were still some questions as to just how impressive it was, since the game was against the Detroit Lions who are just slightly better than the Browns. My stance is that it does show he can play in this league when his offense isn't completely outmatched by the defense.

That game in no way says he has arrived, but it was a nice step in the right direction for Quinn and the rest of the offense.

Then last week, the Browns played their interstate rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. In many ways reality set in for the Browns offense as they were shut out in the first half. Quinn faced many of the same issues that he and Derek Anderson have faced all year: poor line play, dropped passes, and no help from the running game.

The result was more hurried throws and once again accuracy was affected by it.

Then the second half started. We saw something we don't usually see from a Brian Daboll-coached offense: a trick play. Quinn actually caught a pass from Joshua Cribbs. The good thing about plays like that is that the players can have a little fun. That can take a little pressure off Quinn and the rest of the offense.

The offense went on to finish that drive with a touchdown. That was a positive sign. Quinn ran a draw from nine yards out and stretched to get the score. The ball came loose after he scored, and believe it or not that is also a positive sign. Early in the year Quinn looked afraid to take chances. This play shows that he is starting to come out of the shell.

Unfortunately, during the rest of the game, the Browns offense was shut down. However, I still think that drive shows positive signs because it was against the first unit of the division-leading Bengals.

Compared to how Quinn looked early in the year, I would say there has been some gains. He also appears to look more relaxed out there. The fact that he hasn't turned the ball over the last two weeks is important too.

This shows up off the field as well. Early on, he seemed afraid to say the wrong thing in interviews. This week he seemed more relaxed and even joked about catching more passes. He also made a joke when asked who will be the new coach at Notre Dame. He replied, "Derek Anderson."

Now Quinn does still have to do a much better job on completion percentage. He also still needs to find a way to get his teammates to believe in him. That can come with game experience.

I did notice that after his touchdown last Sunday, Rob Ryan and some of the defensive players were patting him on the back. That is a sign that team is starting to gravitate toward him.

With five games left, the development of Quinn is of utmost importance for the Browns in determining what to do. These next two games are against San Diego and Pittsburgh. That won't be easy but then it does soften a bit to end the year with Oakland, Kansas City, and Jacksonville.

Personally, I think Quinn needs to play decent in these next two games, which are four days apart, by not turning the ball over and generating a couple scoring drives.

This is actually a good time to work on the running game with Chris Jennings and newly signed Dede Dorsey. San Diego's one weakness is their run defense. Also establishing a running game will take pressure off Quinn.

If the Browns do that in the next two weeks, then they can let Quinn just air it out those last three games and really cement his place as the team's starting quarterback. To me that should be more important than wins at this point.