After the Browns dropped their pre-season opener to Green Bay, they could hardly look worse in their next game against the Detroit Lions, who were 0-16 last season. They looked like an actual professional football team in defeating the Lions 27-10 at Cleveland Browns Stadium, but you have to remember who the opponent is before getting too excited about the victory.
Derek Anderson played well, going 8 for 13 for 130 yards in his time at quarterback, but the more I think about Anderson’s performance, the more I still think Brady Quinn should be the team’s starter.
His supporters will say he put 20 points on the board, but really it was 10. Josh Cribbs showed he is one of the premier return men in the NFL by taking back a punt 84 yards for a touchdown, and an interception of Lions’ rookie QB Matthew Stafford gave the offense the ball on the Detroit 20. Cleveland converted that into a field goal. That’s 10 points really supplied by the defense and special teams.
Anderson was responsible for putting the other ten points on the scoreboard, but in analyzing his throws, the same old problems were back in his arsenal. He made a terrible pass to Braylon Edwards on the first drive, throwing the ball over the wrong shoulder and Edwards couldn’t keep his feet in bounds. Edwards was wide open so it wasn’t a matter of throwing the ball in a spot so a defender couldn’t get to it.
The former Oregon State QB also threw behind Edwards on a pass over the middle later in the game, turning a long gainer into a moderate one.
Anderson did throw strikes to Mohammed Massaquoi and Cribbs for good gains, so it wasn’t all a matter of not putting the ball where it needed to be. He did make some good throws. However, the fact Anderson played so well is a reason he shouldn’t start. He’s either very good or very bad.
The Browns need some consistency at the position, and they need to find out if Brady Quinn can supply it. Hopefully, Eric Mangini will make a decision sooner than later on who the starter should be. It would benefit the entire team to know who the starting quarterback and leader is right away.
Rookie running back James Davis looked like a guy who will be able to contribute to the offense this year, catching several passes out of the backfield and running hard from scrimmage, highlighted by an 81 yard touchdown run in the second half. Massaquoi and fellow rookie Brian Robiskie also seemed to progress from the Green Bay game and veteran Mike Furrey looks like a major find as the slot receiver.
Defensively, Eric Wright jumped a route in the first quarter and his interception should have given the Browns the ball on the Lion 5-yard line. However, his ridiculous celebration backed the team up to the 20. Kamerion Wimbley was all over the field, recording six tackles, and rookie LB David Veikune continues to look impressive as well.
It was definitely better than the Green Bay game, but we will get a better gauge on this football team this Saturday when they take on the Tennessee Titans. If Mangini continues his alternating quarterback pattern, Quinn will get the start. Perhaps that’s what the coach wanted all along, because the Titans have a robust defense and will use their first team most of the game, and he wants to see how Quinn performs. If the former Irish QB plays well in that game, he may well be named the starter next weekend.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 