Brady Quinn & Derek Anderson Rumors

Suck on it John Taylor....

--While head coach Eric Mangini rightfully refused to put a "leader" label on either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson heading out of the final minicamp of the spring, multiple Browns sources have told The OBR that Quinn will head into training camp this summer with the slightest of edges for the starting job.

--Said one source, when asked why Quinn might have that edge on Anderson: "Look at what they'll be doing between now and July. That'll give you a hint."

--Make no mistake: the way the two quarterbacks go about their job and their preparation carries a certain amount of sway. It's not something that's gone unnoticed by either the head coach or the offensive coaching staff. The fact that Quinn will continue his training regiment and Anderson, well, won't certainly carries some weight

--For what it's worth, a Notre Dame source who remains close to Quinn tells The OBR that he hasn't seen the former Golden Domer "this confident in a very long time." "He feels this is his shot, his team," the source said.

--For what it's worth, an Oregon State source thinks that Anderson "needs to get the hell away from Cleveland, start fresh somewhere else." When asked why he felt that way, the source said that Anderson "will never be given a fair chance [by the fans]". It should be noted and stressed, though, that's not the way Anderson feels.

--Don't be fooled, however, into thinking that this is Quinn's job to lose. "There are things that DA does that [Quinn] couldn't even think of doing. It's a matter of getting him to do those kind of things consistently, you know, and kinda get rid of the other s--t that makes him such a roller coaster ride," one source said, adding, "[Anderson's] one of those enigma-wrapped-in-a-riddle players that you know has greatness in him but just can't get to the point where he's reliable."
--Make no mistake: those around the team know the single biggest decision they will make as they embark on their first year in Cleveland is who will be starting under center. And that's precisely why this will be a pure competition come summer; Mangini and his staff want to be absolutely certain, have every last bit of data, before finally settling on a starter. They won't be rushed or pressured by outside factors or feelings into making a decision before they are ready and certain.

--(Translation: neither the fans nor the media will play any role in the decision-making process.)

--Two Browns sources have told The OBR that there is no truth to a report appearing on the otherwise outstanding blog No Logo Needed that Quinn is having issues picking up new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's offense. "If anything, his football intelligence is one of the best attributes he brings to the field," one source said, adding, "[Quinn] is having no issues with the new system that aren't to be expected." Said the other source, "Any quarterback will have some issues here and there with any new offense, especially one who doesn't have the in-game experience. But, whatever issues [Quinn or Anderson] are having is no more than what's considered 'normal' this time of year."

--That being said, the organization is not exactly impressed with how either QB performed during the voluntary and mandatory minicamps. The struggles weren't completely unexpected, but the extent of the struggles over the course of multiple practices certainly raised both eyebrows and concerns.

--The hope is that one of the QBs will grab the job by the throat during the first two weeks of camp and not let go. That might be wishful thinking, however, as the two are close enough in the competition that it will likely take the completion of a couple of fake games in order for the dust to settle and a starter to emerge.

--This piece is nearly complete, and there's been nary a mention of Brett Ratliff as he relates to the QB battle. And there's a reason for that. As Bill Engvall is wont to say, here's your sign.

--People have often wondered how Anderson is viewed around the league, especially considering the fact there was little to no interest in the former Pro Bowler this offseason. Based on conversations with multiple people around the National Football League over the past few months, this is a rough sketch of how Anderson is perceived: He's the 34D blonde with the thong-ready a-- you're dating who you really hope doesn't embarrass you too much when friends come over for a game of Trivial Pursuit..

--(Thanks to an unnamed executive for leading me in the direction of the above analogy, albeit with language -- including the words "camel" and "toe" combined in the same sentence -- that would make a sailor who became a trucker blush.)

--All of the above being said, there is one -- at least -- very staunch defender of DA residing in Berea. And with that staunchness, you can add this person has a lot of sway.

--Again, and it needs to be reiterated, this is not a done deal one way or the other. It can be safely said that there are definitely leanings in one direction amongst the major decision makers

-- the public pronouncements not withstanding -- but this will, again, be played out as a true competition, beginning in late July.

--Is all of this vague enough for you? Good. It should be as there's vagueness and uncertainty abounding in Berea as to what exactly will transpire as it pertains to the QB position. There may be a very slight leaning right now in the direction of one of the combatants, but there is truly no consensus at all for the slightest bit of a public hint to be given.

To All my fans and readers

Read my writing at NFL Touchdown about the NFL and the Cleveland Browns.

This site will still be updated plenty when the time comes, but some of my best work will go over there, without all the doodles and scribbles that a blogger does on his own blog.

2009 NFL Draft is Saturday

So the NFL Draft is this weekend. You better be checking back here after the weekend for a full reaction on the Browns and the rest of the NFL.

It's fine to partake in online sports betting; but don't be gambling with this draft order as far as a mock goes. There is no way to tell how this top 5 or even top 10 will go because so many players are so talented. This is one of the deepest drafts in recent memory.

Full reaction to come monday. Hoping the Browns select Crabtree from Texas Tech.

Super Bowl Sunday Pick

We're about an hour and 20 minutes from kick off at Tampa Bay Raymond James Stadium. I hope the Steelers win. Yes they are my team's rival. Yes I'm insanely jealous. But I do respect their organization and I love the way their quarterback plays the game. I refuse to hate them simply because my team can't win big games.

I think the Steelers will win today 31-27 for their second World Championship in four years and I wouldn't be surprised to see Arizona blown out. Arizona is a second rate organization and their fan base is non-existent. I get nothing out of seeing them benefit. The Bidwells are complete clowns and they don't do much for me either.

Steelers win and Roethliserger is the MVP.

Pittsburgh up 13-7

Just over 2:00 to go in the game. Baltimore gets a gift score with a TD from Willis Mcgaheee. The Ravens couldn't have played much worse.

2008 AFC Championship

I'm going to pick the Ravens in an upset today. I'll say 16-15 in a game that will go down as one of the all time great games in NFL history and end up as an NFL Films "NFL's Greatest Game".

It all goes down off exit 16W in New Jersey today

[NY Times 5th Down Blog Preview]

Today's game in East Rutherford, New Jersey is a real golden opportunity for the New York Giants. Everyone is weighing in on it. The road to a repeat begins today. The Giants aren't gonna be able to throw their way to an NFC Championship Game appearance. They're going to need to run a 2-headed attack with Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward. That is why I like Eli Manning. He isn't here for all the stats. He's here to win. He's a different egg then his brother Peyton.

He grew up watching Archie Manning take beating after beating. His dad would come home from taking a pounding and Eli would get him a coke and sit on the couch with him and his dad would be beat up after a tough loss. These are the fibers that make up the champion that is Eli Manning. Today I wouldn't be surprised if he threw for 140 and the Giants win. The key is that they get more 3rd and 3's and 3rd and 2's then 3rd and 8's for Eli.

Something else that is concerning is that his last postseason loss was to these Eagles. He played well, but they were the team he lost to last in the playoffs. Eli played a sparkling, untouched postseason last year. He was fabulous in every way. The model of consistency from a franchise QB. This year, I think a lot of people expect him to throw a critical interception at some point today. If he can keep that from happening, the Giants will win.

Brian Westbrook is a Giants killer. But that said, I don't think he can beat Steve Spagnuolo's defense by himself today. Donovan Mcnabb and Desean Jackson will need to have big contributable games as well.

This should be an absolute war. Things are going to be cold at kickoff. I hate to say it but my gut all week has told me Philadelphia Eagles, which has cut into some of my excitement for this matchup.

Last Lookback: Stover, the Final Brown

[ESPN - Tim Graham] [ESPN - Paul Kuharsky] [Ravens Roost] [Pro Football Talk] [PFT] [PFT 2] [Peter King SI]

Won't be long now

A snooze and a wake up from now and it all goes down. The game I've been waiting weeks to see. It will be an absolute war. Full in-depth wrap up and insights to come. Win or lose. Hopefully the Giants see the NFC title is there for the taking, and they will play like they know a trip to the Super Bowl is at stake.

And if they should win, I'll be following their journey out to New Jersey for my first playoff game.

*Chris Landry just picked the Giants (kind of) and the Steelers on FOX Sports Radio FWIW.

Ravens win war 13-10 over Titans

[Game Book]

Despite failed attempts by Mr. 4-Cheese Pizza himself to ruin this game, this game will go down as an absolute classic in NFL history. If you watched the whole game, it was an absolute war. Guys being carted off the field virtually every play and a rugby scrum-like battle for field position by both teams.

In the end, 4 or 5 big time throws by a rookie quarterback along with a defense that gave up yards but got key turnovers was enough to knock the #1 seed from the playoffs. If anyone saw Keith Bulluck after the game, you know that the Titans have seen enough of the Ravens coming into LP Field and ending their Super Bowl aspirations.

Titans fans will complain about a botched delay of game call against Baltimore--allowing Flacco to find Todd Heap on a 3rd down play to extend what turned out to be the game winning drive. I'll counter with: your team fumbled inside the 20 how many times? You committed 12 penalties. Your kicker missed a field goal. Take your medicine and know that your boring, afterthought team will enter next season not even considered a top-10 team.

Joe Flacco completed only 11 passes, with his first five going to Derek Mason, but he did not make mistakes. His arm can hit any spot on the field. It's tough to have confidence issues when you've got an arm like that. It gives John Harbaugh the option to put the game in the young QB's hands if he must and not second guess about it. And that last sentence could end up in a Peter King column come monday. Joe Flacco becomes the first rookie in the history of the NFL to win 2 playoff games. I gotta say I like the guy's attitude and I enjoy watching him and this Ravens team play.

Browns fans sit at home on a snowy night and watch everything they want in a franchise and a team, and it's all owned by their old buddy Art Modell.

Predictions for NFL Divisional Playoff Weekend

1. The Ravens beat the Titans in Tennesee. Reminiscent of 2000.

2. Look for the Panthers cover the +10 spread. Panthers will win.

3. Eagles end the Giants season, knocking out my playoff horse and although the wifey won't like me saying this, the ride end here.

4. I'd bet my mortgage on Pittsburgh. There's no way they lose this game.

What time is it?

GAME TIME.

What time is it?

GAME TIME.

Any Dogs in the house?

WOO WOO WOO WOO

This will be the game of the weekend. Absolute war coming up in Tennesee.

The #1 Reason Mangini wanted Cleveland job

We've been told that the biggest reason Eric Mangini wanted the Browns head coaching job was Brady Quinn. After an in-depth conversation about the offense to expect from Mangini and Brian Dabol and they are going to run a Charlie Weiss style offense that is taylor made for Quinn. This offense will emphasize much usage of the tight end. Anyone who watched Brady Quinn at Notre Dame became familiar with his love of the use of the tight end.

Also seen will be a lot more of the running backs getting downfield in the passing game instead of the sideline. You will see receivers in shorter crossing routes to set up the deep ball down the middle of the field. We are told Mangini likes Quinn's leadership, smarts, and thinks he can be a star with the variables that already exist in Cleveland.

Browns Head Coach Eric Mangini

Eric Mangini has been named the new coach of the Cleveland Browns, signed to a 4-year deal. Mangini understands the situation in Cleveland, having grown up a ball boy and assistant under Bill Belicheck.

So another fresh start for my team. I admit, I wasn't a huge fan of this guy but he will keep us competitive. I also do buy into the fact that he knows about the fan base and he truly wanted to be in Cleveland over other situations as opposed to just having a job. If he wins, the other things I don't like about him will go away quickly.

Can Mangini do what Chris Palmer, Butch Davis, Terry Robiskie, and Romeo Crennel could not? I will make the prediction and say that Mangini will get the Browns to multiple playoff appearances in his tenure here.

Mangini said the next step is to name a GM, and that GM will not be Tom Heckert or Scott Pioli. It's going to be Kokinis. And I'm alright with that after hearing that Ernie Accorsi wanted Kokinis to get the job.

Baltimore Ravens 26, Miami Dolphins 9

[Game book]

Joe Flacco is the ONLY rookie quarterback in NFL history to start every game during the regular season and then go on to win a playoff game. No one else has ever done it. He accomplished this feat by going 9 of 25 for 135 yards and no turnovers. He also added a rushing touchdown.

The story of this game was obviously the defense and Ed Reed. Reed picked off 2 more passes and returned one for a score (as he so usually does when he touches the ball).

What I saw while watching this game was a quarterback in Chad Pennington who failed time and time again to stretch the field on a defense that you must be able to stretch the field on. If you can't keep them honest somewhat they will play up and eat you alive. There just wasn't any windows for Pennington to throw into and this affected the rest of the Miami gameplan.

Miami also featured a stout defense but the Ravens had a nice 2-headed attack from Laron Mclain and Willis Mcgahee. Like the Ravens or not, it's fun to watch Joe Flacco throw the ball. And he's a likable player on a team that isn't that likable. And this is a team who I expect to go into Tennesee and take out the #1 seed as they did in 2000.