Quinn Signs…Civic Nightmare Over

 

He’s here, he’s here!  You can almost imagine the Browns fans running through the streets of Cleveland much like Paul Revere, screaming about 1st round draft pick Brady Quinn’s signing and his appearance at training camp.  After a lot of public hand wringing about Quinn’s agent, Tom Condon, not having the QB’s best interests at heart, or Phil Savage’s lack of committment in getting the former Notre Dame star in camp, Quinn is in, but probably because it was the right time for the Cleveland Browns.

 

There is no doubt in my mind that the Browns waiting to bring the rookie in later rather than sooner because it provides them with a built in excuse for sitting him on the bench.  Something that will do nothing but help Quinn’s chances to be a very good NFL signal caller.  Since Quinn didn’t show up until three days before the team’s first pre-season game, it is doubtful he will get a chance to play Saturday night against the Chiefs. 

 

Imagine what would happen if veteran QB’s Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson struggled in their first appearance, and then the former Irish QB came in and played well against KC’s second and third teamers.  The outcry to give Quinn more playing time would be enormous.  Every mistake one of the veteran’s made would result in a cascade of boos at Cleveland Browns Stadium, and screams to put the rookie in the game.  Playing right away is the worst thing that can happen in the development of Brady Quinn.

 

Two of the better young quarterbacks in league are Carson Palmer and Philip Rivers, both high draft picks who basically sat their entire rookie years.  After sitting and watching for a season, both were able to step in and be very productive players right away.  This should be the blueprint the Browns should follow to maximize Quinn’s potential.  The 2007 Cleveland Browns are not a team ready to make the playoffs, in fact they will be fortunate to be 8-8 this season.  They are starting a rookie left tackle, and have only one running back they can realistically rely on.

 

Now the Browns have a great reason for not throwing Quinn in the fire.  He missed two valuable weeks of training camp when the team put in their new offensive system.  He can’t possibly be ready to face the sophisticated NFL defenses without these extra weeks of preparation.  That’s what they will tell the fans.  The fact that it’s also the best case scenario for the rookie doesn’t hurt.  Quinn would be best served by watching and learning, and most importantly not getting hit.

 

The difference reported in the media on the money involved wasn’t large enough to merit a hold out on this length.  The Browns didn’t get the deal done, because it was in their best interest to not have Brady Quinn in camp until now.  I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but it certainly seems very plausible than Quinn wasn’t signed to protect him and to avoid a quarterback derby in which he would be the fan favorite.

 

JD