Morning Primer: Quinn Set to Lead Browns

by Chris Pokorny on Nov 6, 2008 8:46 AM EST in General News

It just seemed to happen so fast. Week after week, many fans would call for Brady Quinn to take over the starting quarterback job. With every effort, we were met with a vague answer from head coach Romeo Crennel, with basically meant "Derek Anderson is my guy". Four days ago, Anderson was still our starting quarterback. Today, he's not.

After sitting on the bench for a year and a half, Quinn will make his debut as a starting quarterback in the NFL. Quinn said it best -- even though it's a short week, there is no room for excuses. He's been preparing for this type of opportunity every week, and he'll get his first crack against perhaps the worst defense we've faced all season. Granted, that may skew his production compared to the tough defenses Anderson has faced, but in the end, all that matters is that "W" on the board.

One drawback for Quinn is that he is not expected to have all of the pieces to the puzzle healthy tonight:

Eric Steinbach: Facing a muscle pull in his rib cage, backup Seth McKinney is expected to get the start in his place. Our strong offensive line is wearing down, with Lennie Friedman and Ryan Tucker already on the injured reserve.
Lawrence Vickers: It looks like Vickers will miss another game, as he is listed as doubtful. Charles Ali would get the start again, meaning Quinn loses the option to pass the ball to his fullback.
Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams: Both guys are listed as questionable, but I'm just hoping that's only a precaution since this is a short week. Williams has a shoulder injury, while Rogers is facing a rib injury.
Donte Stallworth: He is listed as probable with a quadriceps injury, which is a pretty good sign. Having him as another option for Quinn would be huge. He practiced on a limited basis Tuesday.
Darnell Dinkins: He has a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable.

The Broncos are ranked 29th in the league defensively, and what's better news than that for us is that the Browns can take their pick in regards to the method they choose to attack Denver. The Broncos are ranked 26th at stopping the run and 27th at stopping the pass.

On the same note though, our defense will be tested. Denver is ranked 3rd in offense this season.

Poll

Will the Browns Defeat the Broncos in Quinn's Debut?

Yes

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No

15 votes

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Comments

Quinn

I still don’t 100% agree with the switch at QB. I’m glad to a degree that Brady is getting his shot, but DA has been 3-2 since our 0-3 start. Not horrible by any means. I think the last 4th quarter interception (Ravens) had a lot more to do with this switch than anyone knows or lets on to. Truth is, that play fell on the shoulders of Jason Wright as much as it did DA. He stopped running!!! But DA should have not have thrown the ball regardless. Hope we can POUND the Broncos tonite! That would make me feel a little better about this quick switch.

by ClevelandPND on Nov 6, 2008 8:59 AM EST reply actions

Chris, I agree with your take on Rogers and Williams. They are likely getting extra rest due to the short week. This is something that has happened with other teams in the past, in preparation for a Thursday nighter.

Vickers apparently has a hurt ankle, but I can’t find any more information than that, as far as length or severity. I did notice that the Browns used a fullback a lot less often against the Ravens. It’s unclear if that’s a lack of confidence in Ali or a game plan quirk against the Ravens. I’d expect to see a lot of 2-back sets with some stout inside running.

Steinbach’s injury is the one that concerns me the most. If he can’t go, does Hadnot slide over to the left side or does McKinney plug in? I’m guessing they want to keep Hadnot in place. McKinney is still a liability in pass protection so I’m hoping they can run the ball well to the left side and slow down the pass rush some.

by NickFantana on Nov 6, 2008 11:03 AM EST reply actions

I’m also concerned about Steinbach missing the game. Especially with Brady starting his first game, we need good protection for him.

I hope the Browns open up throwing the ball. If Brady has success early than he will get comfortable. I know that we want to establish the running game, but I’ve had enough of Jamal up the middle for one yard on first and second down. I think the key to this game will be more creative play-calling. I don’t know what happened to Harrison last game but it was inexcusable to get him the ball only once (I think). And I’d like to see more Cribbs, either running, throwing, or recieving. Brady should be familiar throwing to him and Steptoe since he worked with them often in practice and the preseason.

The best thing probably is to hit [Grady] 2nd -- Jay

by Buckeye Brad on Nov 6, 2008 11:10 AM EST up reply actions