The winds of change are blowing through the Cleveland Browns complex, and it includes the quarterback position. The team acquired QB Seneca Wallace from Seattle for an undisclosed 2011 draft pick. Now that Mike Holmgren traded for a guy who played the most important position in the game for him during his tenure with the Seahawks, it’s obvious someone is leaving.
Or should I say “someones”?
In a corresponding move, the team released Derek Anderson. That move was very much expected. However, Wallace’s arrival probably means that Brady Quinn will be joining him in leaving the organization before the 2010 season starts.
Holmgren obviously brought Wallace in because he wanted someone who was familiar with his offense. He also will be looking to bring in another signal caller to develop in the upcoming NFL draft. Whether or not that’s the guy who will be the Cleveland quarterback of the future will be determined.
It is doubtful the organization will bring Quinn back as a back up to Wallace, just as it is doubtful that Wallace is being brought in to back up the less experienced former first round draft pick.
The former Iowa State star is 29 years old, and has made 12 NFL starts, winning five of them. He’s completed 60% of his 556 pro passes, with 25 touchdown tosses and 14 interceptions.
Quinn is 25 years old, and has made 11 NFL starts, winning just three of them. He’s completed just 52% of his 353 career throws, with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Note the completion percentages. The hallmark of the west coast offense is accuracy. There is no question Wallace is the more accurate quarterback.
Before you start to use the excuse of the Browns’ feeble offensive game plans, keep in mind that last season, the Seahawks offense wasn’t great in 2008, a season in which Wallace made eight starts. However, Wallace’s record as a starter that season was 3-5. Seattle’s record in games he didn’t start? 1-7.
Quite simply, Wallace has been a more productive player than Quinn when he has had the opportunity.
Quinn’s unfamiliarity with the new offense will put him behind Wallace in the mini-camps, that’s the reason the former Irish star will be likely be gone before long.
However, if The Big Show can get another experienced quarterback to run the offense, then Wallace becomes a perfect back up and a mentor to whatever rookie is drafted as the future at the position. Quinn couldn’t do that job if the roles were reversed, and it’s fairly obvious Holmgren doesn’t think Quinn can win as a starter.
As for Anderson, he was the victim of two horrible seasons after his Pro Bowl season of 2007. He simply could never regain the magic he had early that season. After the first half of the Steelers’ game in Pittsburgh that season, the Steelers took away the deep ball and DA could never adjust.
It’s better for him to go elsewhere and jump-start his career.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 