Derek Anderson Replaces Brady Quinn As Brown's Starter

NFL News - October 1st, 2009 - Written by John

Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini has finally seen enough out of his struggling offense. Mangini has elected to go with quarterback Derek Anderson after Brady Quinn could not get the Brown's offense going. Cleveland (0-3) has only managed to score one touchdown this season. Quinn was replaced by Anderson after half time in last week's blowout against Baltimore.

"What I'm looking for is for us to improve offensively," Mangini said. "I'm not by any stretch saying it's been all Brady. That's not the case at all. I just think Derek did some things that were positive, and we need to improve in that area and I think he can help us improve in that area, and that's really what the decision is based on."

Anderson lost his summer long competition with Brady, but he is now the starter after Mangini had seen enough. This isn't the first time Anderson has gone into the season as the backup quarterback. Two years ago with the Browns, Anderson replaced Charlie Frye after the first game of the season and led the Browns to 10 wins, narrowly missing the playoffs. Whether or not this move will produce points for a stagnant offense or lead to wins will soon play itself out. Anderson feels confident that he can help his team move forward.

"It's kind of weird how it happened like that," Anderson said. "I'm going to go in and I expect myself to play well and lead these guys and do what I can. I don't think what we've done can be fixed overnight, but over time we can. If we continue to do good things, it will all work out."

Anderson did not set the world on fire when he came into last Sunday's game. He threw 3 interceptions in only one half of play. Anderson is known for his high velocity passes and strong arm. On the other hand, he likes to force the ball at times which was the case on Sunday. His return to the starting lineup could ignite the play of wide receiver Braylon Edwards. In 2007, when Anderson took over, Edwards caught 16 touchdown passes that year. He never seemed to develop a chemistry with Brady. One aspect that excites Edwards is the fact that Anderson likes to throw the ball down the field. Edwards is a deep ball threat and this move could allow for more of those deep balls in their offense.

In his career, Anderson has thrown for 6,287 yards, 43 touchdowns, and 38 interceptions. Mangini can only hope that this move will light a fire in the Cleveland offense.

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