Brady Quinn Will Start at QB for Browns

Brady Quinn will be the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns when they open the 2009 regular season against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday. Browns head coach Eric Mangini didn’t reveal who the starting QB would be—he was trying to fool the Vikings by not announcing his decision—but word got out pretty quickly after Brady took the first team snaps in practice today. Even Buffalo Bills receiver Terrell Owens got in on the disclosure, announcing it on his Twitter page today.

Brady Quinn, Cleveland Browns / Image: Zuma Press

I don’t know why coach Mangini was keeping this decision a secret anyway. It isn’t like prep work for Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson is a lot different. Both are built roughly the same and play a similar style game—they’re pocket passers. Derek is a bit older and slower. But he also has a bigger arm. Brady is no Michael Vick but he will use his legs when necessary—certainly more than Derek would. But there’s no huge difference here. So coach Mangini is probably not all broken up about the word getting out. He was just being difficult. (I wonder where he learned that?)

Anyway, the decision to start Brady Quinn is not a surprise. I know it’s certainly the popular decision, generally speaking, among Browns faithful. Brady is the fan favorite. I also believe he’s more versatile and gives the Browns a better chance to win. If he should go down to injury or fail to live up to his expectations, however, the Browns at least have the comfort of turning to an experienced and capable number two option.

Source: NFL.com