Browns head coach Romeo Crennel probably rehearses his talking points after every loss, and by now, they're sure to be burned on his brain come the Monday press conference.
When asked if [Derek] Anderson was still Crennel's starting quarterback, the Browns coach replied, "Yes, as of right now."
Muttered with all the conviction of someone who must wonder why the club decided to give Anderson a multi-year deal last offseason. Whatever, the Browns have a short week as they prepare to face the almost-as-hapless Broncos on Thursday night.
No idea if Anderson is unofficially on the Brad Johnson one-more-crappy-half-and-your-out short leash, but that doesn't mean people don't continue to call for Brady Quinn. Like, say, this handsome chap:
They have to start Brady Quinn at quarterback. They have to use the second half of this once-highly anticipated but ultimately disappointing 2008 season to find out what they have in their 2007 first-round pick. ...
The collapse against the Ravens was hardly Anderson's fault alone, but he certainly can't be absolved of blame. Anderson finished 17 of 33 for 219 yards passing, with a pair of touchdowns. But when Cleveland needed him most, he was at his absolute worst.
That's Don Banks, by the way (just in case you're too lazy to click the link). Not sure why the Browns HAVE to see what they have in Quinn with half a season to go; the Jets with Chad Pennington, and the Chargers with Philip Rivers both survived without the first-round quarterbacks during their first two NFL seasons. I think Cleveland can make it two more months.
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As for Anderson being "at his absolute worst" when his team "needed him most," um, really? Did he make Braylon Edwards drop a likely touchdown in the fourth quarter with the score tied 27-27? Would guys try harder to catch Brady balls?
I'm not convinced Anderson should keep his job, but he wasn't the reason the Browns lost to the Ravens. That's on the defense.
Derek Anderson Is Still the Browns' Starter, at Least for Today originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
