Why NFL Playoff Seeding Policies Must Change

The NFL playoffs are one of the greatest times of the year.

New Years Day comes and goes, head coaches being fired, new ones being hired.

The betting table gets underway; heck, even Las Vegas surely loves playoff football.

Rivalries are renewed in the playoffs, whether it’s the Colts against the Patriots, the Steelers against the Ravens, and so forth.

In the 2009 NFL playoffs, we were in for a joy ride.

After a season with no Tom Brady, no Patriots in the playoffs, new teams stepped up to the plate. The Titans and Giants earned No. 1 seeds. The Vikings and Ravens return to the playoffs.

We even were lucky to witness two rookie quarterbacks in the playoffs.

During the post-season, we saw quite a few upsets occur in the playoffs.

The Arizona Cardinals who fell off the radar down the stretch, defeated Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. The San Diego Chargers took down Peyton Manning and the mighty Colts on the game winning touchdown by Darren Sproles.

There was a common theme to these wins, however.

Both of the teams were in lousy divisions to begin with…Even with their losing streak, Arizona Cardinals locked up the division weeks before the season ended, while the San Diego Chargers just finished at .500 to get into the playoffs!

Before I go further, I am not knocking the Chargers or Cardinals for making a run into the playoffs. They can’t help that they are in a weak division.

So, then why should they get rewarded for playing in a weaker division then other teams are playing in?

I am not saying that they shouldn’t make the playoffs because of it.

But if you are barely reaching a .500 record on the season, when you have teams who are two, even three games ahead of them, why shouldn’t those teams get home field advantage?

The Chargers did not go further in the next round as they lost to the eventual champion Colts. However, the Cardinals got not one, but two games at home, which gave them an advantage on their way to the Super Bowl.

One the one hand, the teams that lost shouldn’t be excused. You need to win on the road if you want to go far in the National Football League.

There is no reason, however, that teams who did not achieve as much success as another team did, get a playoff game at home.

The system would be still fine if the seeding went based on record.

So what if a wild-card team with 10-12 wins got a home game over an 8-9 win team.

They played in a tougher division throughout the season, they earned it.

If the teams in those lower divisions did win as many games as these wild card teams did, then yes they should get the opportunity.

The NFL would benefit from the change, making it fair for all teams involved, and to send a message that if you want an advantage heading into the playoffs, you will have to earn that respect during the regular season by making it count.

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Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com. He is also a writer for Sportschatplace.com, and footbasket.blogspot.com

Tony Romo: Why America’s Best Friend Is No Top Five Quarterback Yet

My past two articles have been about Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers, where I have talked about their success and my reasoning for them being considered an elite quarterback in the National Football League.

This time, Tony Romo is on the list; however, I do not feel he is a Top Five quarterback.

 

Tony Romo has been one of the more talked about stories in the NFL.

Being undrafted, he found a way to make the roster with the Cowboys, and held his own during his time in 2005.

Romo got his chance in 2006 for the Cowboys, and did perform higher then expected.

He passed for 2,903 yards, 19 TD, and 13 interceptions. They weren’t the greatest numbers; however, it got the job done, as the Cowboys made the playoffs that year.

In 2007, the standards were higher, yet Romo still led the Cowboys to the playoffs by throwing 4,211 yards, 36 TDs, and 19 INTs.

After that performance, the expectations were high in Dallas heading into the playoffs. They failed to capitalize, however, and were defeated by the eventual Super Bowl Champion Giants at home.

As the 2008 season came around, the pressure began to be forced on Romo. After two straight seasons of failing to win a playoff game, greatness needed to happen in the final year of Dallas’ home.

Romo did miss three games during the season with injury, yet he still passed for 3,448 yards and 26 TD passes. There was more controversy found in Dallas then hoped, however.

The fall out of Terrell Owens led to a split in the offense. Roy E. Williams did not live up to his level as he did in Detroit, and to top it off, the Cowboys did not make the playoffs.

In his career thus far, Romo has thrown for 10,562 yards, 81 touchdowns, and 46 interceptions.

He also has a career passer rating of 94.7.

These stats are solid; he has shown that a good work ethic can get you somewhere, and he has found success in Dallas.

He is statistically in the Top 10 of quarterbacks, but is he a Top Five quarterback?

Should Romo be talked about as an elite top five quarterback with the body of work he has?

Right now, he does not fit the category.

What needs to be talked about is the first thing is his playoff success.

Romo has led the Cowboys to the playoffs twice, once on the road against the Seahawks, the other at home against the New York football Giants.

The first game was lost on the botched snap by Romo, a moment that stuck with him throughout the off season.

The second game was lost against the Giants, where a lot of frustration was brought out from the fans after the defeat.

In 2008, Tony Romo could not lead the Cowboys over the Ravens or the Eagles in the final two weeks of the season and failed to make the playoffs.

As a quarterback, what he already has against him is no success in the playoffs, the most importantly element that is usually used to judge whether the quarterback is elite or not.

When talking about quarterbacks such as Philip Rivers, many people believe one more season of consistency and dominance is needed to be a Top Five quarterback.

Well, it should be the same thing for Romo. He hasn’t put up the best stats we have seen a quarterback in a Cowboys uniform.

Can he put up another season of stats that he has played up to over the season?

It is going to be tough to do it without Terrell Owens, who was the most productive receiver on the team.

Rivers did put up these stats without the greatest receivers on the offense, while Romo has had an advantage to that.

Can he perform well without the troubled receiver alongside him in the offense?

The NFC East will be a challenge once again.

The Giants return their full defense healthy. The Eagles upgraded at offense, while the Redskins stabilized the defensive line.

The Cowboys lost Owens, and did not make an upgrade that would replace his stats.

Will Williams rise to the occasion, will Witten continue to play his potential?

It could be possible that Tony Romo can become a Top Five quarterback in a few seasons, but it’s not time to put him in the same category of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

Why Philip Rivers Is a Top-Five Quarterback in the NFL

Last week, I talked about Aaron Rodgers and whether he should be a top-five quarterback. We will do a more interesting one in Phillip Rivers.

Philip Rivers has always been one of the more talked about quarterbacks in the league.

Coming out of NC State, Rivers was originally selected by the New York Giants.

However, in a draft day deal, Rivers and Eli Manning swapped teams, and he ended up on the Chargers.

Though he has not won a Super Bowl like Manning or Ben Roethlisberger—who was also taken in the first round—statistically, he has been the best quarterback of the three.

In 2006, he began to rise, throwing for 3,388 yards with 22 TDs and nine interceptions.

In 2007, he threw for 3,152 yards, 21 TDs, and 15 INT, which did take a step down.

However, the 2008 season showed the breakout of Philip Rivers, who put up Pro-Bowl numbers by throwing for 4009 yards, 34 TD, and 11 interceptions, including a passer rating of 105.5.

These numbers showed the type of quarterback Rivers truly is: one that will throw for a lot of yards—including the touchdown passes—while being efficient with the football, which is most important.

Yes, you can make the argument that it is easy to throw for that many yards.

However, the running game was still being issued with LT struggling, and Sproles performed better than expected.

Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers aren’t exactly the receivers you can always count on, and Gates has been facing injuries a few times over the years.

His performance on the field is just a part of the equation.

Rivers showing clutch in the regular season is another way to show he is a top-five quarterback.

On paper last season, the Chargers were one of the favorites, no doubt about it.

Injuries to the defensive side, which included Merriman, did take a toll as there was a big drop-off from a few seasons ago when they were in top season form.

There was great stress on the offense and, with Tomlinson not performing, more pressure was put on Philip.

However, he stepped up to the task.

In the final weeks of the season, he won two divisional games, one against Kansas City and one against the Denver Broncos, to close out the season.

If all of these facts are in his favor, why isn’t he looked at as a top-five quarterback?

Most likely, it is because he has not earned a trip to the Super Bowl.

Rivers has put up solid numbers in a few playoff performances even with not being supported by the greatest cast of an offense.

If Dan Marino is considered an NFL great without winning a Super Bowl, why shouldn’t Rivers be considered a top-five quarterback?

For this list, you have Manning/Brady at the top, Big Ben has found his way into the mix, along with the rest in question marks, as it is a very tight down the rest of the board.

Rivers has put up the stats to prove his worthiness, and it is time he gets the respect he deserves.

This respect is joining the elite of top-five quarterbacks in the National Football League.

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Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com. He is also a writer for sportschatplace.com, and a weekly writer for footbasket.blogspot.com. Miselis also hosts his own show In The Bleachers, on blogtalkradio.

Miselis Edition: The 10 Most Bogus Predictions for the 2009 NFL Season (Humor)

I was surfing through the internet and came upon a post on the message board that asked to name the most bogus predictions that people were coming up with. I have come up with my own 10 predictions. These predictions will be NFL related, but could be in or off the field incidents. So sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Owens, Moss, and Cinco: Who Will Be Most Productive In 2009?

We have watched Terrell Owens, Chad Ocho Cinco, and Randy Moss, three wide receivers who have been on top of the NFL for quite some time, face adjustments in the 2008 season.

You had Owens, who faced drama in Dallas–believing that the offense was against him, and his style of attitude.

Randy Moss, who in ’07 broke the mark for most touchdown receptions by a receiver, watched his stats tail off with Tom Brady on the shelf.

Chad Ocho Cinco wanted out of Cincinnati, but when he did not get his wish, faced his most disappointing season (with just 540 yards receiving, and four touchdown grabs).

As we enter the 2009 season, all these receivers look to bounce back to their dominant form.

Terrell Owens has found a new home (again). This time it’s in the cold city of Buffalo.

History shows that Owens is always on his best behavior in the first season, and performs up to his top five capability.

He heads to training camp, learning the new offense and trying to become familiar with Bills’ quarterback Trent Edwards.

Chad Ocho Cinco spoke out earlier this week, guaranteeing a playoff birth for the Bengals, and sees eye to eye with quarterback Carson Palmer. 

Randy Moss has not been in the spotlight during the off-season, as the attention has gone to the return of Tom Brady.

With the season just a few months away, it is time to make a bold prediction.

Which of the “Three Amigos” will have the most productive season in 2009?

You can go a few different ways here, as it is very close.

No. 3: Terrell Owens. Owens enters his first season with the Bills, one that should be a productive one. Alongside him is Lee Evans, another receiver that could have a breakout season. You also have Marshawn Lynch at running back, who is very effective when actually playing football.

So, what is the issue then? Why is T.O at no. 3?

The weather can be a factor. Playing in late December in Buffalo could make it tough on Owens, and Edwards, who needs to give the ball up to him.

The offensive line also is a major factor. Not many adjustments were made to the line, which struggled greatly in 2008. If sacks come heavy this year, Owens may lose a lot of opportunities if Trent is always on the ground. I see Owens with about 1,250 receiving yards, and seven TD receptions.

No. 2: Chad Ocho Cinco. The Cincinnati Bengals could be a surprising team to watch, with Ocho Cinco as the main contributor. The loss of TJ Houshmandzadeh is going to make him the top receiver every play down the field. The addition of Andre Smith to the line will give Palmer more time to use his strong arm to find Ocho Cinco deep in the end zone.

Prediction: 1,300 receiving yards, nine TD receptions.

No. 1: Randy Moss. The heat could be coming at me for making Moss number one, but what can is there to disagree with?

The return of Tom Brady will help Randy’s case. Yes, we don’t know if Brady will ever be the same, however, with the stability of the offensive line, Tom Brady will have time to find Moss.

Wes Welker being alongside of him will also lessen the possibility of constant double teams, leaving Moss some open yards.

I do not see Moss having nearly the amount of touchdowns he had a few years ago. However, I do see his receptions, which were down last year, bouncing back, as well as an increase this year in overall stats.

I see Moss with about 1,500 receiving yards (could be more), and 12 TD grabs.

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

Will Calvin Johnson Become a Top Three Receiver In the NFL This Season?

The Detroit Lions achieved a standard as which no team had ever experienced before: imperfection.

The Lions finished with the worst defense in the league last season, and undoubtedly one of the worst offenses we have seen in quite some time.

However, even with all of the failure the Lions, there was actually something positive to talk about on the Lions.

” Whoa, wait a minute, are you seriously saying there is something good about a team that went 0-16?”

Yes, there was one person, by the name of Calvin Johnson.

In college, Johnson was one of the most impressive we had seen in recent memory.

After declaring for the NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions selected Calvin Johnson, another receiver that the Lions has drafted in the 1st round.

Many people however, did think that the Lions actually might have did something right.

Rated as the best prospect in the draft, many people felt he was going to be the next big receiver in the NFL.

In the 2008 season he surely proved himself.

He caught 78 passes for 1,331 yards, and was tied for first with 12 NFL grabs.

These stats led to a season of being an elite receiver in the National Football League, he will only wish to go up.

Is it possible for him to improve on this season? Sure it is possible. Johnson did achieve these numbers with a team that went win less, had woes on the offensive line, and couldn’t stop anyone on defense.

In the off season, the Lions changed the coaching staff, hopefully bringing a new fire to the clubhouse. Besides drafting Matthew Stafford, they also selected Brandon Pettigrew, the tight end from Oklahoma St.

Pettigrew could potentially be a deep threat down the field and relieve pressure off Johnson. However, he is also going to be used as a pass-blocker as well a good portion of the games, and will give Culpepper more time to find Calvin down the field.

Kevin Smith could also be a running back who could near a breakout season.

A kid who’s under the radar, if he can find some holes through the middle or on the sides of the field, a play-action would be effective as well for Johnson’s case.

You do have to keep in mind; if the Lions win 2-3 games this season, most likely you would see a better season for Calvin Johnson.

This would lead to a few extra games of 250+ receiving and 2+ TD’S.

We all know Fitzgerald and Johnson are at the top, but who would give a run for Johnson’s money as the third spot? Steve Smith, Reggie Wayne, and Anquan Boldin come to mind.

However, what favors Johnson is the offense will always be around him, as the offense doesn’t have many ways to go with the position they are in.

My prediction is 83 catches,1,450 receiving yards,and 12 TD passes.

These stats do seem reasonable to many standards, with the talent he has shown, and I do see him taking another step up as he nears joining the top of the elite class of receivers.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

 

Matt Ryan: Why He Will Live Up To Expectations In 2009

In the 2008 season, the Atlanta Falcons had one of the better turnarounds in recent memory. After finishing as the third worst team in the National Football League, the team looked for a new face of the franchise.

The ongoing dogfighting incidents of Michael Vick began to affect the team at this time. While some fans wanted Vick gone for good, you also had the other half of Falcon Nation who stood up for him, and wanted him to return.

In total, the organization took a hit financially, having a tough time filling seats in the rough year. However, Atlanta  changed for the better in the 2008 NFL Draft.

“With the third pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select…Matthew Ryan, quarterback, Boston College.”

What a shocking turn of events it was in the Radio City Music Hall. The Falcons selected Matt Ryan, the new look of the franchise.

However, he just wasn’t the quarterback. He was labeled the savior of the franchise.

It was tough for fans to move on without Michael Vick, and realize that Matt Ryan is the man running the show for the red and black. However, they all took back their word when they saw the season Matt Ryan put up in his rookie season.

In his first year, Ryan passed for 3,440 yards, 16 TDs, 11 INTs.

The stats aren’t unbelievable. It was surely enough for Ryan to earn the Rookie Of The Year honors.

Oh, and you should also keep in mind that he led the Falcons to the playoffs, an idea that Mike Vick didn’t experience greatly. They lost to the Super Bowl runner-up in the Arizona Cardinals, however, and the talk began.

Ryan surely made a name for himself in his first campaign as quarterback, already being mentioned by some as a top five quarterback for the 2009 season.

Whoa, those are big expectations for a second year quarterback. Can he succeed to the goals that are being brought upon him?

It is likely that he will improve on his season, a season where he had a passer rating of an 87.7.

The running game should be effective as last season, with Michael Turner taking the rushes. Many people were surprised of Turner having his breakout season.

Turner always did have potential. However, he was overshadowed by LT.

The play-action will be crucial for Ryan in 2009, especially if the interception level will want to be leveled.

Wide receiver Roddy White also had a breakout season of his own. White had 88 receptions for 1,382 yards and seven TD catches.

Many people have White as a top 10 receiver. If he can put up another season as he did last year, he will surely be in the discussion.

Finally, the addition of Tony Gonzalez will help Ryan’s case this year.

A future Hall of Famer, Gonzalez was the biggest bright spot on the Chiefs offense, who did struggle last year. Gonzalez now comes to a team with an offensive line to work with, a top yard running back, a No. 1 receiver, and most importantly, a quarterback to throw him the ball to.

Ryan gets the extra weapon he could use to take his game up, which should open more opportunities to White and Turner on the ground.

The time has come in Atlanta, and the 2009 season is looking bright for Matt Ryan and the Falcons. There is a great amount of expectations on his back this season, but he will look to improve himself to the people who feel he is unproven.

Predictions for Ryan: 3,832 yards, 32 TD, 9-to-10 INT, another playoff berth for Falcons.

If Ryan nears these numbers, or exceeds them, he will certainly join the elite of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as an elite quarterback, even if no Super Bowl is to his credit.

This may seem like a ton of hype for Ryan to fill. Yet, I do see him taking the next step and becoming an elite quarterback in the National Football League.

Aaron Rodgers: Can He Rise to Top Five Quarterback Status In 2009?

Leading to the 2005 NFL Draft, high expectations were on Aaron Rodgers. A sure top ten pick, the quarterback from the University of California was a good talent, but was out shined by Alex Smith.

However, what wasn’t expected was his stock dropping, as he drastically fell to the 24th overall pick, which was the Green Bay Packers.

At first, people did question the reasoning for selecting Rogers. Why would the Pack pay first round type money for a quarterback who was going to sit for quite some time with Favre running the show?

This is what exactly what happened. Rodgers did not get any playing time in the 05′, 06′, and ’07 season, as Favre started.

In the offseason following 2007, Brett Farve decided to retire as he did the past couple of seasons.

Yet, was anything different going to be expected?

We expected the Packers to welcome Favre back whenever he was tired of the Mississippi for those few months.

However, it never got to that point.

Green Bay said it was time, time to move in a different direction even after the previous success, and make Aaron Rodgers the face of the franchise in cheesehead country.

The pressure mounted on Rodgers in the beginning, facing encounters with the fans and criticized them for not being loyal.

After a long and tiring training camp, the NFL season finally arrived, a chance for Rodgers to prove himself as the quarterback going forward.

He sure didn’t disappoint in 2008. As the Packers faced a disappointing season overall, Rodgers was able to shine, and the statistics back it up.

Rodgers threw for 4,038 yards, 28 TD passes, and only 13 interceptions. A sure surprise to some, Rodgers was able to climb into the top ten quarterback list in his first season running the show.

The next step Rodgers must take? Top five quarterback status.

Yes, he had the great season with Green Bay no doubt, but he still has a big job left to do.

He needs to accomplish the standard of becoming a top five quarterback in the National Football League, and yet, this can come sooner rather then later.

Does it seem like a great leap? Sure it does.

However, there are some factors that do favor him.

First off, the running game. The rushing game did not show up last season, as Ryan Grant did struggle in the backfield. If a play-action can be used consistently, Rodgers will be open to find more of his receivers in red zone opportunities.

You do have to keep in mind that Donald Driver and Greg Jennings return. Jennings had his career year as a wide receiver for the Packers, and should continue to get the ball this season.

Donald Driver is one of the better veteran receivers in the league, and continues to make play after play in Green Bay.

And finally, the defense.

The defense was the biggest disappointment last season, even in the passing game where they were always tops.

If the defense can play to it’s capability, you will see more wins out of Green Bay.

I wouldn’t rule out the Packers of squeezing into a wild card spot. Aaron Rodgers does seem ready to make the leap, and many of these possibilities surrounding the team are in his favor.

This can be the breakout year for Rodgers, as reaching top five quarterback would surely prove his potential.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

Alex Smith: Is This the Beginning of a Lost Cause in San Francisco?

The San Francisco 49ers have experienced success in the NFL many times in their history. They had the dominant franchise, which was led by Joe Montana, later on by Steve Young.

The 49ers have been lucky in the past for the quarterbacks they have selected, and in front of their eyes, saw these men turn into all time greats.

Since the glory days of Young and Montana, the franchise has not found much success. San Francisco hasn’t experienced playoff atmosphere since 2002, when Jeff Garcia led the great come back over the New York Giants (gosh, such long ago).

Leading up to the 2005 NFL Draft, there was a lot of speculation of who the 49ers would select. They would either take Alex Smith, the quarterback from Utah, while also thinking about Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback from Cal.

San Francisco made Smith their man, selecting him number one overall and signing him to a six year, $49.5 million deal, with $24 million guaranteed.

Aaron Rodgers, took one of the bigger fall outs in recent draft memory, as he fell to the 24th overall selection by the Green Bay Packers.

As NFL Nation looks at the draft, we have seen who has found more success. With Favre moving on from the Packers, Rodgers finally got his shot with the franchise, he put on an offensive frenzy, statistically one of the top ten quarterbacks in the league.

Alex Smith? The only thing he has been labeled as is the bust of the decade.

After his season as a rookie, where injuries and poor performance led to one touchdown pass, with 11 interceptions, the 49ers weren’t biting their lips.

In his second season, a new offensive coordinator, a new weapon in Maryland tight end Vernon Davis, and Frank Gore, who has potential to be a top five back in the league. His year did improve in ’06, throwing for 16 TD’S, 16 INT’S.

Yet, struggles within the organization continued. Smith went under his third offensive coordinator in three seasons! The 2007 season he battled with injuries, having a passing rating of 57.2, and qas questioned his toughness by his head coach Mike Nolan.

In the 2008 season, Smith wasn’t handed the job as he was used to. The 49ers had a three way battle for the starting quarterback spot, which featured Smith, Shaun Hill and J.T O’Sullivan.

Smith did not obtain the job, as Sullivan got the nod for week one. When the news broke, the chatter began, and the labeling of a bust came on Alex Smith.

Mid way through the season, coach Mike Nolan was fired, a somewhat relief for Smith, whom they had disagreements in the past. He was replaced by Mike Singletary, the current head coach of the 49ers.

As the 2009 season inches closer, the quarterback battle is on again; this time between Smith and Shaun Hill.

This could be the last chance for Alex Smith to prove that he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL. In some sorts, Alex should get remorse. He’s had to face injuries, while having to learn many different offenses in a short period of time.

At this point in the year, it looks as if Hill is the leading candidate for the starting job. If Smith does not win out, is this the end of the disappointing era with Alex Smith?

The 49ers did finish strong last year, but what still holds the team back is the uncertainty of the quarterback situation.

If Smith lands the job, he has talent to work with. The offense has Vernon Davis, who could have a breakout year as his potential could show. You have Frank Gore, who will reach you 1000 yards on the ground, alongside Michael Crabtree, the 49ers top draft pick, as the receiver.

The spot is there for Smith to take. Barring injuries, a decent season could be in the works for Smith, who can take a step forward and try to save his career.

Time is flying for Alex Smith, who already enters his fifth season with the 49ers.

He is already thought as a lost cause for the 49ers, but I am rooting for him as a quarterback.

Unfortunately though, this could be the last chance to prove himself to the 49ers, and possibly, a shot to make a roster to any team in the National Football League.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

Why Brady Quinn Should Be the Browns Quarterback—No Questions Asked

The 2007 NFL Draft was filled with highs and lows for Notre Dame quarterback, Brady Quinn.

Projected as a top five pick in the draft, Quinn faced one of the most drastic falls in recent draft memory, falling all the way to the 22nd overall pick, and being selected by the Cleveland Browns.

The Browns have been deemed as one of the more un-successful franchises in recent memory, failing to win a championship for the city.

In the 2007 season, the city of Cleveland almost rejoiced, having a playoff birth in sight.

However, finishing with a record of 10-6, the Browns failed to make the playoffs and headed to the off-season.

That off-season, the Browns gave quarterback Derek Anderson a multi-million dollar contract extension for his breakout season.

The 2008 season, however, was a long one for the Browns, who finished 4-12, which was last in the AFC North.

The season was filled with horror, using three quarterbacks this season, and were hurt by the injury bug.

They also had Braylon Edwards, the highly regarded receiver from Michigan, who led the league in most dropped passes.

Late in the year, Brady Quinn made his debut on a Thursday night against the Denver Broncos, which did result in a loss. Quinn threw for 518 yards with two touchdowns, along with two interceptions as well.

However, his season was cut short due to injury, and the one bright spot for Cleveland went down the drain.

Derek Anderson had a disappointing season in 2008 as well, throwing for 1,615 yards and having nine touchdowns with eight interceptions, leading to Quinn’s chances at stardom.

The franchise faced a lot of pressure in the off-season, where they cleaned out the house. Phil Savage was ousted, Romeo Crennel was fired, and Eric Mangini was brought in as the new head coach.

Even though not many people like the decision that was made, the team is going forward. However, with who at quarterback?

Entering training camp, Eric and staff has opened up the quarterback competition between Anderson and Quinn. The offense is without Kellen Winslow, who was traded to Tampa Bay, and Donte Stallworth who is in legal trouble and could miss part of the season.

With the direction the team is going, it doesn’t look as if the team will be competing for two-to-three years, leading to a new face of the franchise.

Derek Anderson did show that one promising year of glory; however, will he ever reach that height again? Is he the answer to the franchise?

The franchise is better going off with Quinn: the quarterback with more potential, and more intelligence of the game.

Even though Anderson could be a vocal leader within the clubhouse, he has also had scuffles with offensive players in the past, and that is the last thing the franchise needs right now.

In just a few starts, Quinn will know how to control the game and use the talent around him to make the best plays possible, and also having a chance to win games.

The offensive line did improve in the draft, which includes the center Alex Mack being selected in the first round.

The running game is also going to need a life if Quinn could be successful. Jamal Lewis just hit the 1,000 yard mark last season.

Can he repeat that performance again?

It would be in the best interests if the Browns started Quinn. His development needs to start now, and they better do it the right way.

Make the right decisions.

Having Quinn as hope can bring a future to the franchise, and with the pieces put together, maybe a championship could come years down the line.

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Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

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