Brady Quinn's Play Must Improve to Secure His Future with Browns

Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn has yet to seal the deal on his position as the Browns' starting quarterback for 2010 and beyond.

In the 10 games that Quinn has started in 2009, he has had a quarterback rating over 75 twice and a completion percentage over 60 three times.

Quinn shows great command running the no-huddle offense and has the ability to recognize defensive formations and make the proper adjustments. But he still cannot throw a consistent pass week-in and week-out.

Yes, there are issues with all the new and/or inexperienced wide receivers and tight ends that are on the Browns' roster, but they still need a quarterback who can get them the ball.

Quinn has shown the abilities to be a starter in the NFL, especially during games against the Lions and Chargers.

He was 21 of 33 for 304 yards and four touchdowns against the Lions.

He was 25 of 45 for 271 yards and three touchdowns against the Chargers.

There used to be the question of Quinn's arm strength, but over the past five games he has shown he can heave the ball down the field.

The real question now comes with his accuracy and consistency of play.

Can he improve his accuracy? Can put the ball in better spots for the receivers to catch it and make a play?

He can improve, but he needs to do more than the "managing the game" part that he has been effectively doing for weeks now.

With the Browns' victory over the Chiefs, running back Jerome Harrison ran all over the Chiefs' defense, nearly breaking the 300-yard mark. With a running game like that, one would think the passing game would open wide up.

It did not.

Quinn's two interceptions were both passes that were down the field and were off target. One of the interceptions was thrown directly to a Chiefs defensive back.

This is not a case to throw Quinn aside after 2010 and go out and draft another quarterback in the first round. The team needs more help on the defensive side of the ball.

The Browns need to really look at quarterbacks who are not a first-round player, but more of a second-, third-, or even fourth-round quarterback selection.

Guys like Tony Pike or Jevan Snead should be looked at because even though Quinn should, and most likely will be, the starting quarterback in 2010, if he continues his hot and cold streaks, then there had better be a suitable young prospect ready to pick the team up.

Quinn is a very likable guy and player, but if he cannot show the same level of play in each game, then perhaps the problem does not lie with the players who are running routes and catching the passes.

The problem might be Quinn himself, but he still may need more time.

(Article also posted on Dawg Scooper)