AFC: Four 7-6 Teams, One Wildcard Spot

We all know the situation. With three weeks left in the NFL regular season, there are now four teams in the AFC for the final wild card spot. With the divisions looking wrapped up and the Denver Broncos looking to be in a great position to clinch the first wild card, there is only one spot is still realistically up for grabs.

The Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, and Jacksonville Jaguars all sit at 7-6 and are all tied for the final spot. For these four teams, the playoffs are already here.

Any more slip ups, could and probably will result in any of these teams missing out. If more than one of these teams run the table, another could be left out due to any tiebreakers.

It is hard to predict who will prevail in this race. The best thing to do is look at each team and their road ahead to see who has the best chance on paper.

Miami Dolphins

After winning the AFC East in 2008, the Dolphins got off to a bit of a slow start in 2009. Then when Chad Pennington got hurt after the 0-3 start, things looked bleak for this team with high hope.

Little did fans know that the team would rally around Chad Henne the way they did. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams helped a lot with the wildcat. Then Brown went down and Henne was asked to do more. He has not disappointed.

The Dolphins are fresh off a win against Jacksonville which would give them a tie-breaker if those two ended up tied.

The road ahead for the Dolphins is a tough one. They travel this week to Tennessee to play the Titans. That is a team who is still mathematically alive but barely. They have been a different team since Vince Young came in.

Then the Dolphins play two home games against the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers. In all likelihood, both of these teams will be eliminated by the time the Dolphins play them. However, both of these teams would love to spoil the plans of another since both of these teams had disappointing seasons after high hopes.

The Dolphins can still win the division by overtaking the New England Patriots. However, it is not wise to bet against Bill Belichick in December.

New York Jets

After a 3-0 start, the Jets were flying high. Mark Sanchez was not looking like a rookie at all. Rex Ryan was an early candidate for coach of the year. With the mid-season acquisition of Braylon Edwards, this team looked primed to make a serious run.

Then reality set in. Sanchez started looking like a rookie. He now has 17 interceptions to only 11 touchdowns. He was out last week with an injury and Kellen Clemens game in against Tampa Bay. Clemens wasn’t spectacular but did manage the game by not making mistakes.

The Jets have enough talent to win without great quarterback play as long as the quarterback doesn’t hurt them. For that reason they should consider staying with Clemens regardless of the health of Sanchez the rest of the way until next season.

The road ahead for the Jets is just brutal. They start with a game against the Atlanta Falcons this week who are fighting for their playoff lives in the NFC. Then the Jets travel to Indianapolis. Their chances of winning that game does depend on who the Colts rest and who they play.

Then they come home to play the Cincinnati Bengals who will likely have their division wrapped up but be fighting for the second seed.

The Jets like the Dolphins have an outside shot at winning the division, but lose the tiebreaker to the Dolphins because of two losses to them.

Jacksonville Jaguars

This is a franchise I feel bad for. The city has apparently lost it’s appeal of having an NFL team. About 30,000 empty seats when the team is playing good football and still contending for the playoffs is just terrible. This team could eventually be the Los Angeles Jaguars.

The road ahead is not easy. After a close loss to the Dolphins, they have to face the Colts on a short week. The good thing is that the Colts may not play all their guys the whole game. Curtis Painter is no Peyton Manning.

After that the Jaguars must leave the sunshine state and head to frigid New England. The Patriots will likely need to win to clinch the division.

The Jaguars was then go to play in another cold climate in Cleveland. While the Browns are not a good team, they have shown improvement in recent weeks. Just ask the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Baltimore Ravens

After going all the the way to the AFC title game last year, the mighty Raven defense does appear to finally be aging. The offense has stepped it up though led by second year sensations Joe Flacco and Ray Rice.

The Ravens also have added rookie left tackle Michael Oher who may be the feel good story of the year based on what he had to overcome to make it to the NFL.

At 7-6 the Ravens could still win the North. However, two losses to the Bengals make it unlikely. They need the Bengals to lose two of three. Their best bet is the wild card.

They possibly have the least difficult road ahead to get to the playoffs. Fresh off dismantling the hopeless Detroit Lions, the Ravens now have to play the disappointing Chicago Bears. That team had had high hopes after acquiring Jay Cutler. With all the interceptions he has thrown, this looks like the worst trade since Hercshel Walker.

Then the Ravens go on the road to face the Steelers which would ordinarily be a tough game but not this year. Then they end with a trip to Oakland to play the struggling Raiders.

With that schedule it does appear that the Ravens have the best chance. However, this is when the NFL really gets exciting and anything can happen.

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My Interesting Dilemma Regarding Brady Quinn and The Cleveland Browns

On Thursday Night, Brady Quinn will lead the Cleveland Browns into the biggest game of the year. The Browns will host arch rival the Pittsburgh Steelers. When these two teams play throw out the records. For Quinn, it is his biggest rivalry game since his senior year at Notre Dame when he played USC.

Sure the Browns do have other rivals like the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens. Those are big games, but not the same as the Steelers. Thinking in Notre Dame terms, the Steelers are USC, the Bengals are Michigan, and the Ravens are Michigan State.

The Steeler game is the game for the Browns. They win this one and fans will forget about the 11 losses, at least for a week. A Browns victory will pretty much knock the Steelers out of the playoffs. For Quinn, an impressive game against the Steelers will cement his place as the starting quarterback going forward.

Based on all that, those who know me might think that there is no way I would miss this game. Since I don’t have NFL Network, I generally make a decision each week as to whether I want to go to the nearest sports bar and watch. When I first saw the NFL Network package, this is one I circled.

Looking at it now though, I am a little hesitant to go and watch this one. The bar I go to serves very cold beers and has great wings and steak bites. Therefore, why would I have any hesitation in going?

The reason is a superstitious one. My second son was born the weekend the Browns played the Detroit Lions. Therefore, my attention wasn’t on football. I didn’t know what was going on in the game. The game was at halftime when I heard that Quinn was having a career day.

Of course, I was happy but I didn’t actually look at his stats until later that night when I went home.

Then when they played the Bengals, I was able to follow it and he really had an up and down game.

This past Sunday, I was afraid of the outcome against the San Diego Chargers. I expected more defenders in his face forcing him to hurry throws. Therefore, I was not optimistic at all.

At the same time, the family got offered a free pass for a day of swimming and lunch at the Marriott on the south side of Maui. Since I didn’t feel like watching another Browns massacre, I decided to go have fun with the family.

After going down a few slides, the furthest thing from my mind was what was happening in the Browns game. After lunch, we drove home and I did have ESPN Radio on. I heard a score of 27-14 and I was shocked. Then I later heard the final and the announcer said the Browns nearly pull off an amazing comeback.

Naturally I was a little excited so the first thing I did when I got home was look at the stats. I was blown away with Quinn’s stats. Then I looked down and saw that Brian Robiskie also had a good day. Of course, I also asked myself, “Who is Evan Moore? Then I watched the game highlights and I was just shocked.

I now find myself in the position of wondering whether or not I should watch the game. Of course, I want to see the game. I also am excited to watch Quinn with his newly found confidence and some of the younger players starting to step up. However, it seems that whenever I don’t watch, the Browns play their best football.

What should I do here?

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Brady Quinn Shows a lot of Progress in Loss to Chargers

Late last week, the issue of whether or not Brady Quinn was progressing was looked at. 

It certainly was a question that was worth thinking about. After having a rough go of it the first three weeks against three very tough defenses, Quinn was benched for five and a half games. Then he returned on a Monday Night against the Ravens only to struggle once again and get shut out.

Then the Browns traveled to Detroit and Quinn had a monster game with over 300 yards passing and four touchdowns. Still there was question as to how much progress Quinn really made since it was against the Lions, who are another poor team. There were still questions about his arm since his long balls were in a confined setting in a dome.

Then the Browns took on interstate rival Cincinatti. In that game, Quinn produced mixed results. His completion percentage was low and he barely made 100 yards passing. However, he did record his first ever rushing touchdown and he also caught a pass. The touchdown was against a first place defense.

Therefore, it really was hard to tell whether or not Quinn was improving each week or not. On Sunday, we got a much clearer answer to that question.

The San Diego Chargers, another first place team, came to Cleveland. Quinn and the Browns got off to a fast start as he hit Mohamed Massaquoi for an early touchdown. The best part about that play was that Massaquoi was actually the third or fourth option. Quinn had time to go through his progressions and make the play.

Unfortunately, the Charger defense stiffened and held the Browns scoreless for the second and third quarters. There was one drive where Quinn led them down to the goal line, but he failed to recognize blind side pressure. The ball was knocked loose and the Chargers recovered. 

In the meantime the Charger offense was able to build a 27-7 lead. Then the fourth quarter started and Quinn must have had a flashback back to a road game at Michigan State his senior year at Notre Dame.

Quinn led a comeback that featured two touchdown passes to Jerome Harrison. He also led the Browns to a late field goal to pull the team within a touchdown. Unfortunately, the Browns failed on the onside kick and the comeback came up short. The end result was another loss and it dropped the Browns to 1-11.

The Browns and their fans should hold their heads up, though, after this one. The reality is that the season is already lost so wins and losses aren’t important. The most important thing for the Browns is the development of Quinn and other young players.

That is starting to show. Over the last three games Quinn has accounted for eight touchdowns. Prior to that the team only had five for the year. The most important stat may be that he has not thrown any interceptions during that stretch.

Other young players also stepped up against the Chargers. Second year Tight End Evan Moore caught six passes for 80 yards. Quinn has been looking all year for a good pass catching Tight End. Could Moore be the guy?

Browns fans have been waiting all year for former Ohio State Buckeye to make a contribution. On Sunday, he caught four passes for 69 yards.

Jerome Harrison also added seven catches for 62 yards with the two scores. Unfortunately though, Harrison did only manage 35 yards rushing and still no running back has scored a rushing touchdown. It was nice to see a back find the endzone twice, but it would be even better to see one get a score on the ground.

Overall, Quinn and the rest of the offense showed alot of postives against San Diego. At the same time, they still have alot more work to do and there are still plenty of holes to fill.

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Brady Quinn-Browns: Is Quinn Progressing?

Is Brady Quinn Progressing? That is the burning question. It is one that will definitely have an impact on how the Cleveland Browns approach the NFL draft. Drafting another quarterback early is really what most Browns fans don’t want to have to do. That would only set the team back more, instead of looking towards improvement.

However, in order for the Browns to approach the draft without looking for another quarterback, Brady Quinn needs to show improvement each week. Then there’s a chance he could still be the quarterback for the foreseeable future.

Let’s look at the issue of whether or not Quinn is indeed making progress.

Two weeks ago, it looked not only like progress, but a quantum leap. For the first time, he threw for four touchdowns and for over 300 yards. In that game, Quinn went downfield early and often. His touchdowns were to four different receivers.

However, there were still some questions as to just how impressive it was, since the game was against the Detroit Lions who are just slightly better than the Browns. My stance is that it does show he can play in this league when his offense isn’t completely outmatched by the defense.

That game in no way says he has arrived, but it was a nice step in the right direction for Quinn and the rest of the offense.

Then last week, the Browns played their interstate rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. In many ways reality set in for the Browns offense as they were shut out in the first half. Quinn faced many of the same issues that he and Derek Anderson have faced all year: poor line play, dropped passes, and no help from the running game.

The result was more hurried throws and once again accuracy was affected by it.

Then the second half started. We saw something we don’t usually see from a Brian Daboll-coached offense: a trick play. Quinn actually caught a pass from Joshua Cribbs. The good thing about plays like that is that the players can have a little fun. That can take a little pressure off Quinn and the rest of the offense.

The offense went on to finish that drive with a touchdown. That was a positive sign. Quinn ran a draw from nine yards out and stretched to get the score. The ball came loose after he scored, and believe it or not that is also a positive sign. Early in the year Quinn looked afraid to take chances. This play shows that he is starting to come out of the shell.

Unfortunately, during the rest of the game, the Browns offense was shut down. However, I still think that drive shows positive signs because it was against the first unit of the division-leading Bengals.

Compared to how Quinn looked early in the year, I would say there has been some gains. He also appears to look more relaxed out there. The fact that he hasn’t turned the ball over the last two weeks is important too.

This shows up off the field as well. Early on, he seemed afraid to say the wrong thing in interviews. This week he seemed more relaxed and even joked about catching more passes. He also made a joke when asked who will be the new coach at Notre Dame. He replied, “Derek Anderson.”

Now Quinn does still have to do a much better job on completion percentage. He also still needs to find a way to get his teammates to believe in him. That can come with game experience.

I did notice that after his touchdown last Sunday, Rob Ryan and some of the defensive players were patting him on the back. That is a sign that team is starting to gravitate toward him.

With five games left, the development of Quinn is of utmost importance for the Browns in determining what to do. These next two games are against San Diego and Pittsburgh. That won’t be easy but then it does soften a bit to end the year with Oakland, Kansas City, and Jacksonville.

Personally, I think Quinn needs to play decent in these next two games, which are four days apart, by not turning the ball over and generating a couple scoring drives.

This is actually a good time to work on the running game with Chris Jennings and newly signed Dede Dorsey. San Diego’s one weakness is their run defense. Also establishing a running game will take pressure off Quinn.

If the Browns do that in the next two weeks, then they can let Quinn just air it out those last three games and really cement his place as the team’s starting quarterback. To me that should be more important than wins at this point.

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Cleveland Browns Need To Find a Running Game

All season the Browns fans have been arguing over Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson. That debate has held the team hostage. Eric Mangini did a horrible job of handling it with his indecisiveness one way or the other.

Some fans support Quinn and others still support Anderson. Then there are those who think neither are the answer.

Although I’m a Quinn supporter, I honestly don’t think either one is really that bad. I am not saying either is a future Hall-of-Famer at this point, but I think both can be better under better circumstances.

It hasn’t mattered all year who has played under center. Both guys have been under constant pressure and have had to hurry throws. Both have had receivers drop passes. Of course, both have missed passes themselves.

It doesn’t help to have an offensive coordinator who is in over his head.

Looking at the season for the Browns, there is one thing that seems to have gone overlooked for too long. That is the running game, or should I say lack there of.

So far the Browns have only three rushing touchdowns for the season, and guess who scored them? Anderson scored two and Quinn scored the other. That means that no running back, including Jamal Lewis, has found the endzone yet.

To make matters worse, only twice this season has a runner gone over 100 yards. Jerome Harrison did against the Bengals the first time. Then Lewis did against Buffalo.

For the season, Lewis has 500 yards and Harrison just 257.

The highest average per carry is 3.77 and guess who has that? That is right, Brady Quinn.

This is not to say that the running backs are totally at fault here. They too have faced many of the same problems the quarterbacks have. The big one is defenders in the backfield as they touch the ball. Predictable playcalling combined with poor line play makes it easier for defenses to stuff the running game.

Then you wonder why every quarterback that comes to Cleveland struggles. All year both Quinn and Anderson have been sitting ducks back there because defenses don’t respect the running game.

The reality is that this is the AFC North. This division is won by dominating defense and a solid running game. It gets cold in Pennslyvania and Ohio from November on. That makes it tough to execute a solid passing attack.

The game Sunday against the Bengals was a perfect example of that. Cincinnati has Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco. Yet, their passing attack netted eight less yards than Cleveland’s whose total was only 118 yards. The Bengals like the Browns only found the endzone once.

The difference was the running game. Larry Johnson gained 107 yards and Bernard Scott added 87 more. Lewis gained 40 yards and the next leading rusher was Quinn with 10. Adding it all up, the Bengals gained 210 yards on the ground altogehter while the Browns managed just 58. That is a difference 152 yards.

That 152 yards created three field goals meaning nine more points. More importantly that kind of run production keeps the defense on the field for way too long and the offense on the bench. That ultimately makes it difficult for any offense to create any rhythm regardless of the quarterback.

The other day Sam Ingro wrote a great article on how to rebuild the Browns. Ingro mentions that drafting another quarterback would be a mistake. He says finding the next Tom Brady or Peyton Manning is like finding a needle in a haystack.

With the current state of the Browns they won’t find that needle until they can build some sort of running game. All division rivals have guys the Browns should look at. Willie Parker seems unhappy in Pittsburgh with Rashard Mendehall becoming the main guy. What better way for Parker to get back at the Steelers than by signing with the Browns.

Willis Magahee is in a similar situation in Baltimore being behind Ray Rice. The Browns could even look at Scott in Cincinatti since they have Johnson and Cedric Benson.

Any of those guys could be huge additions to the Browns. The only sad part is that it won’t matter unless they fix the line.

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Charlie Weis: Cleveland Browns’ New Offensive Coordinator?

When Brady Quinn met with media on Wednesday, the highlight wasn’t him talking about his breakout performance on Sunday. It also wasn’t about how he is preparing for the Cincinnati Bengals. Instead he spent a lot of the time defending his college coach, Charlie Weis.

A couple of comments that stood out were where Quinn flat out said that Notre Dame firing Weis would be a mistake.

The comment that would be of more interest to Browns fans is when Quinn said that he would love to work with Weis again someday, if the situation presented itself.

What was Quinn’s motivation for making these comments? That we will never know for sure, but it will lead to speculation. Some may feel that he is just fighting for the coach who really took his college career to new heights when he took over for Tyrone Willingham.

Others may think that Quinn is actually trying to send a message to Randy Lerner and whomever is hired to the executive position. Quinn knows that Weis will be out no matter what he said. Of course Quinn wasn’t going to say anything after the Monday Night game. A couple days after his breakout performance was good timing.

Can you really blame Quinn though for making the comments when he did? Why wouldn’t he want to work with Weis again? Weis was the coach that best knew how to utilize Quinn’s talents and get the most of them. It has become apparent to Browns fans that Brian Daboll is not the guy to get the most out of Quinn.

It appears that deep down, Quinn knows that, too. However, he just can’t say that to the media. Quinn also knows that if there is anybody who can save his NFL career, Weis is probably his best bet. For that reason, Weis to Cleveland makes all the sense in the world.

Weis shouldn’t be hired as head coach. After failing at that position at Notre Dame, there is serious doubt that he is head coaching material. However, nobody denies that he is a really good offensive coordinator. In fact, Tom Brady still gives a lot of credit to Weis for his success in New England.

There is the old saying that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. That clearly looks like the case with Notre Dame, Cleveland Browns, and Charlie Weis. For that reason, the Browns should be talking with Weis the minute Notre Dame fires him.

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Better Turkey Day Watch? Texas-Texas A&M Or Giants-Broncos

Why do guys love Thanksgiving? Duh, it is the one day where all you do is eat, drink beer, and watch football. That also extends to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for watching football. For me, the best part is by having the games so spread out we get to watch teams other than the one we normally follow.

This Thanksgiving day starts as it always does, with the Detroit Lions. While the team is normally not worth watching, Matthew Stafford would make the game interesting after his breakout performance. Unfortunately, Stafford is doubtful for the game due to his shoulder.

The opponent is the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers, Ryan Grant, Charles Woodsen, and the rest of the Packers could make this another Turkey day rout of the Lions.

The second game is generally much more worth the watch. That is not the case this year as the Dallas Cowboys host the lowly Oakland Raiders. Some may find it interesting since Dallas is coming off an ugly win against Washington and Oakland is sky high after the upset over Cincinnati.

Don’t bet on it. The Cowboys will likely be more motivated over their last performance and crush the Raiders.

Then come the primetime games. That is where football fans have an interesting choice to make. On the NFL Network, you have the Denver Broncos hosting the New York Giants. Over on ESPN, it is Texas at Texas A&M.

In the NFL game, you have two teams who have had almost identical seasons. The Giants started out dominating the NFC before they hit a four game losing streak they snapped last Sunday against Atlanta.

After a six game winning streak to start the season, Denver looked like one of the teams to beat in the AFC. After their own four game skid, they now sit at 6-4 and in second place in their division behind the San Diego Chargers.

Needless to say, this is a must win game for both teams. The winner puts themselves in a position to make a playoff push while the loser takes a major hit on their playoff chances.

The college game features the Texas Longhorns, who have been on pace all year to play in the BCS Title game. Anytime you can watch Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley, it is worth the watch.

Their Thanksgiving opponent, as always, is arch-rival Texas A&M. While the Aggies are not the same program they used to be, this is still on of the most intense rivalries in college football. They sit at 6-5 and a win is the difference between a winning season and a .500 season.

Not only that, but you know that Texas A&M would love to throw a wrench in the Longhorns’ bid for a chance to play for a national championship.

It is a bit funny and somewhat frustrating to see that the earlier games are somewhat duds and fans don’t really have a choice. Then at night, when there are two games that are meaningful, fans are forced to choose what to watch.

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Now That Is The Brady Quinn I Know

Last night I was at home with a bunch of mixed emotions. On one hand I was happy and nothing could bring me down because of the birth of my second son on Friday. At the same time, this Notre Dame fan was sulking over a third straight defeat by the Fighting Irish.

After that team got off to a 6-2 start, they have just fallen apart. It was last night when I realized something. I don’t need Brady Quinn to be a great or even a good NFL quarterback. The reason is that he was simply outstanding in South Bend and his NFL accomplishments and struggles won’t change that.

The reason why it was important to me before for him to do well in the Pros is because there are way too many Quinn haters (who are really just Notre Dame haters in disguise) who always try to diminish his accomplishments in South Bend. I decided last night that is not my problem anymore. I know the player he was at Notre Dame.

Anybody who denies it now after what has happened since he left needs to get over their hate. Sure Jimmy Clausen has been good and may very well be a better NFL quarterback than Quinn. However comparing Notre Dame accomplishments, it isn’t even close.

Therefore, I decided to just let Brady Quinn determine his own fate and be okay with the outcome no matter what.

And wouldn’t you know it, he has a career day. Overall, he was 21 of 33 for 304 yards and 4 touchdowns. The most important stat is no interceptions. The best part of the touchdowns was that two of them were long bombs. The last one showcased the scrambling ability that Eric Murtaugh and I came to know at Notre Dame.

Now I don’t mean to get overly excited. After all it was against the Detroit Lions whose team is almost as bad as the Browns. However, it does show a couple of things. One, Quinn can throw the ball deep. Two, if you give him a chance out there he can produce.

In his earlier games, he went against three of the toughest defenses in the league with arguably the worst offense in the league. He had no chance. With games against Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and San Diego still on the plate, expect him and the rest of the offense to struggle more.

However, the schedule also includes games against Oakland, Kansas City, and Jacksonville. That is a good mix of tough games and not as tough of games. That is a chance for Quinn and the rest of the offense to grow.

Unfortunately for the Browns, Matthew Stafford had a career day too and he led the Lions to a last second victory. The loss drops the Browns to 1-9, but seriously who cares? At this point, the most important thing for the Browns is the development of their young quarterback. That took a huge step in the right direction today.

Now recently I rubbed a few Browns fans the wrong way by calling them garbage. I was just trying to make a point about how they are not patient and run too many talented players out of town without letting them develop. “Garbage” was probably a little over the top and I apologize to whomever was offended.

However, my point remains. Browns fans need to understand that their best bet is to let Quinn develop and understand he will struggle in spots.

There are people like myself that are not Browns fans but Quinn fans. However, I think there is something that both Browns fans and Quinn fans need to understand. This song says it all and pay more attention to the words than the title.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ5qU8Atxjk

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It Is Just Hard To Watch Brady Quinn Like This

Prior to the game last night, I was debating whether or not I even wanted to watch it. People have their opinions on Brady Quinn and are not afraid to share it either way. For me, the thing I am most passionate about in sports is Notre Dame football.

When Quinn was leading the Irish, Notre Dame was closer to being Notre Dame than it had been since 1993. For that reason he will always be a hero to me no matter what he does with the Cleveland Browns or any other NFL team. But still, heroes aren’t supposed to struggle.

I did watch the game against the Ravens, but I really felt going in that I was about to watch my heroes execution. The line is horrible. The best running back is about to retire. The best weapon is Joshua Cribbs, who really is more of a wildcat specialist. The other receivers are rookies. I was scared for him.

Then the game started and the offense showed some signs of life in the first half. There was a long completion to Mohamed Massaqoui. However whenever anything would get going, there was a dropped pass, holding penalty, and other drive killers. Even Quinn missed a couple easy passes.

However, I felt that at halftime some positives came and the offense would do something in the second half. Then my worst fears were confirmed. Quinn was running for his life in the second half. The interceptions both hit off receivers hands and looked to be the result of them not being totally in-sync.

I guess that happens when you constantly change quarterbacks and never develop rhythm. Quinn made his share of mistakes and no excuses will be given for them. However, the Browns problem is the offense period. Frequently changing signal callers won’t change that. Nor will drafting a new quarterback.

As hard as the game was to watch, it was a little refreshing to hear Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski say the same things I have been saying for weeks. They feel that the offense lacks the playmakers it needs and Peyton Manning couldn’t fix that.

They also attacked the conservative playcalling and made it clear that Brian Daboll needs to take the handcuffs off and let this young group go. They will make mistakes but at least they will learn. That is the only way the unit will ever get better.

Jaworski also made it a point that the organization has to believe in Quinn. The only way he will ever get better is by playing. The footage Jaworski showed of how Dick Vermeil believed in him when he was young and struggling should have hit home with Browns fans and coaches.

The other part of Quinn’s night had nothing to do with his performance but rather the penalty he got on Terrell Suggs. I have mixed feelings about it.

On one hand, I am very disappointed in him. He not only represents the Browns but he also still represents Notre Dame and those of us who cheer for him. After all I have written for him and how I have fought for him, it was disappointing.

At the same time, I know he is not a dirty player. He got caught in a moment that I am sure he regrets. Quinn is also dealing with trying to gain his teammates respect. Quarterbacks do get respect when they make a block or tackle or any other tough play.

Quinn is also battling a reputation of being soft. That is a belief that people have. I believe his looks is what give that impression. What happens if Quinn doesn’t go after him? He would have been called a “sissie.” That really was a case of damned if he does or damned if he doesn’t.

In the coming weeks I am hoping this staff takes Jaworski’s advice and believes in Quinn and hopefully the whole unit shows some signs of progression.

This article is also posted on http://fightingirishgameday.com/

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Brady Quinn Needs To Realize What And Whom He Is Playing For

On Wednesday, Brady Quinn was once again named the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Many will probably think that I am happy about that, and I guess I am. However, while I do want to see him play, I also want him to succeed. And I just don’t think any quarterback can succeed with this team.

To be honest, I actually feel a little sorry for Derek Anderson at this point. He has taken a beating lately both on and off the field. This offense has an all-pro left tackle (Joe Thomas) and a somewhat decent rookie receiver (Mohahmed Massaquoi). Sure, Anderson wasn’t good, but how can he really get a fair evaluation under these circumstances?

Eric Mangini said that he has been pleased with how Quinn has performed in practice and would like Quinn to be the guy for the rest of the year.

Do you believe a word he says? Neither do I.

In reality, the only part of that statement that is true is the last part. The part that rings true is the “rest of this year” part. That means not next year. If Mangini is back next year, Quinn won’t be. Everybody knows that.

Therefore, when Quinn takes the field on Monday night, he needs to realize a couple things. He is not playing for Eric Mangini nor the Cleveland Browns. He will be playing for his place in the NFL. He needs to show the whole league that he belongs there.

The Browns will face many key decisions this upcoming offseason. Randy Lerner has made it clear that he wants to hire an executive similar to that of Bill Parcells in Miami. Once that person is hired, the first thing he will have to decide is whether or not he wants to keep Mangini.

If he does want to retain Mangini, then Quinn will go somewhere else. If he decides to fire Mangini, then the new executive will have to hire a new coach who may or may not want Quinn as his starting quarterback. Therefore, Quinn’s future in Cleveland is as unclear as ever.

Based on all that, Quinn needs to realize that he needs to look out for himself and play for himself. The thing I have always loved about this kid is that he was always a team-first guy. Unfortunately for him, he has to realize that the NFL is like any other profession, in that there is a time to cover your own backside.

For Quinn, that time is now. I know he has always had dreams of being the quarterback for the Browns and taking them to the Super Bowl. He now has to realize that is very unlikely because of the Browns’ current state.

Everything about the Browns is garbage. The owner is garbage. The Head Coach is garbage. The Offensive Coordinator is garbage. The team is garbage. Even many of the fans are garbage because of their impatience and lack of loyalty.

The best advice I could give to Quinn right now is to go out there and play for himself. I hate to advise that, but if he wants a career in this league, that is what he has to do.

Quinn needs to know that Brian Daboll is the worst Offensive Coordinator in the history of the NFL. THEREFORE, HE SHOULD CALL AN AUDIBLE ON EVERY PLAY.

Whatever the call is, change it at the line of scrimmage and call one that maximizes his strengths. The funny thing is that that is how he may actually finally get his teammates to believe in him.

I have no doubt that Quinn can read a defense way better than Daboll. Therefore, Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie may be able to showcase their skills better if Quinn can put them in position to do so.

In closing, Quinn can’t single-handedly turn this offense around. However, if he looks out for number one, he can show other teams that he is worth trading for. Like I said earlier, Quinn is no longer playing for the Browns or Mangini.

Instead he is playing for the new executive and possibly a new coach, whomever they may be. He is also playing for all the teams that will need a new quarterback next year.

 

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