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Friday, December 08, 2006

SPORTS: Anderson in mix for more playing time
By Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter

Browns coach Romeo Crennel indicated Friday that quarterback Derek Anderson has shown enough to give Charlie Frye some competition for the starting job.

He also didn?t rule out giving Anderson more time this season ? even if Frye is healthy.

?I think that he?s done enough to make it intriguing,? said Crennel. ?Going down the road, I think that we?ll have to evaluate it and see how we?re going to handle it and what we?re going to do. And you know, I think that Charlie?s situation will impact that some, and Derek?s performance from here on will impact that some.?

Crennel was asked if Frye will start next Sunday?s game in Baltimore if his right wrist is healthy from a bone bruise.

?I mean, I think that?s too early for me to say right now, because he?s not healthy,? said Crennel. ?We?ll see next week what he can do. And then we?ll make the determination at that time.?

Frye said after the 27-7 loss to the Steelers that he probably could?ve played this week had the game been Sunday. Anderson, however, has shown so much promise, the Browns might give him another start to see exactly what they have in him.

Besides, they?d get to evaluate him against the NFL?s top-
ranked defense ? one that?s second in the NFL with 41 sacks and sacked Ben Roethlisberger nine times two weeks ago. They?d also get to see Anderson play against the team that cut him last season and let the Browns snatch him off the waiver wire.

Frye played well against the Ravens in the first meeting, but was sacked seven times. There undoubtedly will be some thought given to starting Anderson against such a fearsome rush because of his quicker release. For comparison?s sake, Frye was sacked 13 times in his two games against the Steelers, and Anderson wasn?t sacked once by Pittsburgh.

Frye has been sacked 43 times this season and is on pace for 53.5 if he starts the final three games. He hurt he wrist on one of those sacks and has suffered other injuries, including a concussion, a left wrist injury and a sore ankle. He?s taken an incredible beating this season, and resting him for another week might do his body some good.

Crennel also made it clear the competition will be good for Frye ? both this season and in training camp next summer.

?I think competition does bring out the best in everybody,? said Crennel. ?I mean, the more competition you have on a football team, generally the better your team is, because the player knows that the guy behind him is as good or might take his spot, so everybody works harder when you have competition.?

Browns players and staffers were impressed by Anderson?s ability to handle the rush, to manage the game and to throw for 276 yards despite seven to nine dropped passes.

?He showed me the ability to get rid of the ball, he showed the ability to go through his reads and he showed me he can put the ball where it needs to be,? said receiver Braylon Edwards. ?Derek?s played well in the six quarters he?s had. He?s played exceptionally well. He knows how to play the game ? that?s what he?s shown me.?

Edwards reiterated the dropped passes resulted from Anderson delivering the ball quicker and with greater velocity.

?The first pass he threw me, the curl route, it came hot,? said Edwards. ?I wasn?t expecting it to come that fast. I wasn?t mad. When I got to the sideline, I was happy. I said ?OK, that?s how it should be.? Bam, I catch it, now it gives me some room to work.?

Crennel said Anderson ?put the ball on some receivers early in the game, and I like that. I didn?t like the fact that we didn?t catch them.?

He said it was hard to get an overall evaluation of Anderson because of the dropped passes, the lack of a running game and getting behind so far that he was forced to pass on every down.

?He didn?t have a lot of help, so when you consider that, he probably did a decent job,? said Crennel.

[color:"orange"]I agree, let the competition begin...and may the best man win...should be beneficial to both...

My sources tell me Frye goes for another MRI on Monday, his outlook for next Sunday right now is not good. Chances are Anderson will get another start, with Charlie being the back-up.
[/color]

Good news on a Saturday morning.

Definitely.

I hope we see Anderson next sunday. I really like what I see in the kid, and would love to see another start. Lets see if he can't make the Ravens blitzing backfire.

Here we go guys.....


At least Charlie didnt have 3 season to get everybody attached to him.


It isnt that DA has just blown me away, he has been solid but it has been the way he has done things that Charlie just doesnt do.
quick release, stepping UP into the pocket, not out of it
throwing the ball like he is trying to leave a bruise on who is catching it.

The B-more game will be a real measuring stick. But it is nice to know that at least their eyes have been opened by what he has done and the way he plays compared to Charlie. It means at leat there is a pulse in berea.

I think Anderson makes our OL look half decent

Charlie Frye makes them look bad because he runs around

you know how hard it is on an OL when your QB runs and they don't know where he is?..the OL can't turn their heads and look for him while blocking someone

with Anderson, the OL pretty much knows he will stay in the pocket for the most part, thus it allows them to just concentrate on creating a pocket, instead of a running lane for Frye

Also, Anderson getting rid of the ball quicker is important, Edwards said he wasn't prepared for Anderson's quick release and velocity on the ball, but he said "That's how it should be"

i think Anderson opens the field more, because he has a much better arm, and he seems to read through his progressions faster and gets rid of the ball quickly...instead of running around like a chicken with his head cut off like Frye

Sounds good, i'm willing to give the kid another game. I'd have to say, i'm very excited about this, because this kid knows how to chuck a ball.

We havent had a QB with a gun since we came back. I always thought TC had decent velcocity on the ball but after his rookie year it never seemed like it was there ever again. DA has some pop.....no doubt about that.

You opened it up. Now, you will have to live w/it.



LOL........so, he wasn't sacked because of his quick release? It had nothing to do w/the fact that Pittsburgh did not blitz and chose to drop seven and eight into coverage, huh? LMAO.

If DA was the starting qb and Frye would have come in......Mary Kay would have said:
[color:"white"]" There undoubtedly will be some thought given to starting
Frye against such a fearsome rush because of his scrambling ability. " [/color]

LOL.......you know I'm right.



Gee.......how kind of you. You weren't mad because he threw the ball hard into traffic. <img src="/images/graemlins/saywhat.gif" alt="" />

Hey Leon, what is your excuse for the other drops?

"Bam." That's the sound of the ball clanging off your hands. <img src="/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />

Well you now have me calling Edwards " Leon " . happy now ? <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ... I wonder just how he will preform next season .. Time to really get over his injury phys. & in his head ... Takes time .. Would a new WR. coach be of any help ?? Is it his hands or his head what gets in the way ??? .. And I am serious about this .. I mean the guy was the # 3 pick in the draft <img src="/images/graemlins/saywhat.gif" alt="" /> .. Where do we go from here with the young man ? If Phil missed on this one " OUCH " ! <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

May the best man win <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

He did the same [censored] in college. A WR coach doesn't teach NFL receivers how to catch. LOL. Then again........Robo would make a convenient scape-goat.....so, it wouldn't surprise me to see a move there.


Where do we go w/him? I think the Browns need to make him accountable for his actions. I don't think we should give up on him. He does have great talent.

He needs to learn what it means to be a good teammate.

He needs to learn the playbook.

He needs to work harder to become a better route runner.

He needs to work on his concentration and catch as many balls as possible per day.

He needs to stay after practice and work on timing w/his quarterbacks.

He needs someone in the Brown's organization that will convince him that he will get more attention if his production increases and that his production will increase by working harder, and not by talking louder.

I think Phil missed on that one lol but he has the talent to be a good one. question is does he want to be a great one or just another loud mouthed receiver.

Vers the Chiefs and the Steelers blitzed Anderson but they werent able to get to him and they stopped. The ball comes out faster with Anderson. Our OL sucks and so far he has kept his jersey clean.

The main difference that I see in the 2 quarterbacks is one looks poised and the other is hectic. For whatever reason there just appears to be a flow with DA and its chaos with Charlie. Part of that is that I am not a fan of run around QBs. Heck I wouldnt want Steve Young so that tells ya my opion of runners.

Now against Baltimore they know him and Rex Ryan is going to put pressure on the quarterback. You couldnt ask for a worse case scenerio for Anderson but it will be a test.

I think at this point, Anderson gives us a better chance to win. Overall, his good decisions outnumber his bad ones. I like Chuck, but he makes more bonehead throws than DA.

... All very good points , well taken ! <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> ... I truly hope someone can come to his aid , as he seems to have talent ( from time to time ) .. I hate to see Q Ball played ! <img src="/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />
.............................................................................

.. ." Robo would make a convenient scape-goat.. "

Confession time : I am not a big fan of Robo .. Me Bad ! <img src="/images/graemlins/rolleyes1.gif" alt="" />

I am pulling for an Anderson start ! ... I want to see were he is at in his Career ; and the Ravens would be a good test .. Also I want to see where RAC. is at in his thinking for the future .. I really want the Savage / RAC team to have one more go at it ( 2007 ) before I yell ... " OFF WITH THEIR HEADS ".... lol .... :naughty

I am not a fan of RAC and honestly i dont think he is a head coach. Considering what he has had to work with, (1 and 2 year players) he probaly deserves another year. I am torn on this one. I guess my big problem is how we dont seem to be ready to play so many games.

Just to many games where you knew what the other team was going to do and it looked like it had never been discussed. If you cant get up for division games, who do u get up for?

Competition is never a bad thing.

I'm not sure that it's not being prepared, but I know it's something.... There are times when there appears to be no desire or competitiveness out of the team. I noticed this in preseason, but was told that the lack of fire was because the preseason games didn't count... that when the regular season came around... the team will be there... That hasn't always been true...

You can be prepared, but if you don't care...you don't play to win. When you're just playing to pick up a paycheck...eventually the pay check won't be there....

I often wonder if it isnt because of the free agent factor. Entire OL is FA acquisitions. Entire DL is FA. Two weakest units, coincidence? There are FA's that will kill themselves for the word team. I think Russell is one and we do have a couple of more but I always thought that is why the Skins couldnt win, they made a ton of money and they didnt give a crap.

[color:"white"]Boy, do I get sick of spin.

We DIDN'T bring in a veteran so that Chuck could relax without the pressure of a QB behind him. Yet now, we're being told that competition is going to be good for him.

What a crock.

Ok, let's put the PR spin on the floor next to the mangy dog and call this what it is.

Frye's done some good things this year but has screwed the pooch in others. So now the Browns are looking at alternatives and Anderson happens to have popped up now where the circumstances have favored his game. Now the staff is essentially saying that Frye hasn't done enough to warrant keeping the job.

I'm on record as not being a full believer in Frye, but I'm not down with how this is playing out. If Anderson suddenly rolls over and lays an egg, they'll flop back to Frye, make all kinds of hollow statements that he's been the guy, and this team won't have a starting QB at all.

What a load of [censored].

Anderson better prove me wrong and take the starters job, because if he doesn't, this will be a crapstorm equal to Couch and Holcomb all over again, and we all saw how good that was for the team. [/color]

It won't be near that.

The big problem with the Couch debacle was it lingered a year too long. They should have pulled the plug sooner.

Frye is a 3rd rounder...teams don't feel like they have to give them as many opportunities to fail as they do a #1 OAP.

I don't see this a switching qb's at all....all it is at most is saying they will give someone else a look the rest of the way.

[color:"red"]I think that he?s done enough to make it intriguing,? said Crennel. ?Going down the road, I think that we?ll have to evaluate it and see how we?re going to handle it and what we?re going to do. And you know, I think that Charlie?s situation will impact that some, and Derek?s performance from here on will impact that some.?
[/color]
O.K...This played out faster but just as I said in the game day forum....soooo Mr.Anerson showed enough to warrant a challenge and Frye hasn't played well enough to squash any comp..
Sooo now we should see both play against a common opponent using the same scheme against both...

[color:"white"]That's exactly how they want you to view it.

If this was Frye's team, there wouldn't be an opportunity for Anderson to get "a look." So by not saying it's Frye's team, they are saying it's NOT Frye's team. This is an admission that they don't fully believe Frye can take the job. Giving Anderson "a look" means they are open to alternatives.

This won't turn out well. One guy or the other has to essentially play flawless ball from here on out or this thing will blow up, ultimately ending in a situation where we have a completely different QB next year, or having these two guys rotating in the same manner in which Holcomb and Losman were last year. That didn't work out well either. [/color]

I agree that in the end, one will have to claim the position by pulling away from the other or it will ramain muddled..

Actually Toad it is playing out accordingly..
They were hoping Frye could show he has it to take the team over..
But it shows he doesn't..
So DA showed he 's got a bit of sumptin to warrant some time..they aren't really hoping he's a # 1 QB but they want to see what he's got..
If he blows up they found a gem..if it makes Frye better thats fine with them too.
If neither rises to the occasion they then move to fix it by admitting they will bring in a new QB, something they already have conceded behind closed doors....they NEED A QB..and come FA..THEY will get one..

Precisely. One has to be head-and-shoulders above the other. Sadly, it's why TC, a #1 pick, couldn't shake KH, a journeyman career backup.

If I had to pick a starter for next Sunday right now.... I'd say CF deserves to get his job back if he's healthy, that he should start... but if I had to pick one, it'd be the other guy...he seems calm, CF seems jumpy, y'know?

We will need a starter for next year so it's nice to see Anderson so we can see what he has to offer. We should be able to gauge him better after the Rats game, if he gets to start? If he handles himself well then Frye may have some competition on his hands. We will need to pick a QB and go with him for next season. We really need an OL before we can fully concentrate on QB, RB, WR, and other skill positions.

I agree. I actually hope Anderson comes in and plays that flawless ball you are talking about. Maybe for once we can find our own Tom Brady. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I actually wish it was clear cut that Charlie was the guy, but I'm just not sold on him.

Oh man, I feel if we have to start all over at qb again, we'll never get anywhere. This is very frustrating. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

You could be right. I'm surprised that Northcutt hasn't played better, as he's a FA this year and will be looking for a better contract. We got Fraley in a trade and this is the last year of his contract. Hank's played well enough to justify an extention....

Big Ted and Willie Mc have played well, but are at the end of their careers..... The OGs and OTs have played better the last couple games, as far as pass protection goes (or is it the QBs have been getting rid of the ball sooner... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />), but as far as their run blocking is concerned.....ArrrrghH..... I think the reason for getting FAs with a local connection is a good idea. Life long Browns fans like Bentley and JJ tend to play harder than FAs not from the area....

[color:"white"] So by not saying it's Frye's team, they are saying it's NOT Frye's team. [/color]

pretty much

[color:"white"] This is an admission that they don't fully believe Frye can take the job. [/color]

it also says that they aren't gonna stand by and waste another 5 years.

[color:"white"] Giving Anderson "a look" means they are open to alternatives.
[/color]

and this is bad?

[color:"white"] One guy or the other has to essentially play flawless ball from here on out or this thing will blow up,
[/color]

whether either one plays flawless or not, the can of worms is now opened and overturned. the coaches and the FO now see that we have an option. options are a good thing especially on a team as bad as ours. imo we've waited a tad too long to explore another option.
if both guys suck bad the rest of the year, at least we'll know what to do in the off season.
i love this decision to evaluate DA aginst a top D. hopefully this week, he can get the receivers used to his fast ball. there so used to catching ducks behind their heads, this may take some time to get used to. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I hear ya Toad ; But the problem is that frye didn't blow the doors off ... I understand the handy cap he has with the entire " O " , but so will Anderson ... Shoot . let them shoot it out ! <img src="/images/graemlins/naughtydevil.gif" alt="" /> .. I could care less who comes out on top , as long as he provides wins ... <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

That's the crux for me too, rather than the whole Anderson v Frye thing i'll go with the guy who gives us the best chance to win. Long term that may even be *none of the above* and i'm cool with that too. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I think they still think Frye will compete for the starting job next year (we've seen a jump in Frye's QB rating since the O-Cordinator change), but want to see if Anderson will be competing next year for the starting job or the backup job. If they think Anderson will be competing for the starting job next year then they will not need to bring in another QB. If Anderson falters badly vs the Ravens then I think you'll see the Browns look to bring in a veteren backup.

Anderson should get the look vs the Ravens. For the Browns sake let's hope he doesn't look horrible or we will have to waste money on bringing in a veteren QB.

For all of the Fandersons out there, keep in mind that he has thrown one very bad pick in each game. If he keeps that up, he's not going to be playing much longer.

I've been really trying to ignore this, but it looks like it might not go away. Here we go.

Charlie and Derek are two very different type of QB. Neither is much better than the other, although because of his experience, Charlie is better for us right NOW.

I'll give you an example. At the steelers game, as good as derek was, charlie would have been better. Why? he's got better touch, throws a softer ball, and can run. In cold weather on a bad field, everyone is slower. that's one of the reasons why there was no pass rush from either team. Derek throws the ball so hard it's hard to catch (not an excuse, but true), and secondly, when the DBs are slower than usually, you don't have to gun it in there. Charlies touch would have had more completed passes, as it does overall.
Also, Charlie is a better runner, dereks forrest run notwithstanding. when the rush is slow and they drop a lot in coverage, if no ones open, Derek has to try to force it in there leading to balls throw to hard to catch or in traffic where they'll be picked. Charlie can just take off and has a better chance to gain yards.

Where derek is better? he throws a hard fast ball, and when you are playhing a really fast team, like balt, this is a big advantage. it gets it in there before the rush can get to you and often allows receivers to be in better position for yards after the catch. Notice this: Charlie has a better completion %, Derek has better yards per attempt. Why? Charlie is more accurate with more catchable balls. What he sacrifices is long balls and yards after the catch.

I'll toss another stat at you. Everyone one gripes about how charlie gets so many sacks. True. But if you counter that with the number of runs for positive yardage he gets, along with the completions he makes while scrambling, the sacks aren't nearly as bad. He often makes up for those sacks by getting first downs at other times.

Finally, Derek has played a game and a half. Look to last year. Charlie's best games last year were his first two starts. Why? no one knew how to game plan for him yet. Derek will be demolished soon enough. I'm hoping i'm wrong, but the evidence is there.

Derek isn't accurate enough, but his ball and release are quick. What defenses will start to figure out is they can drop more into coverage and goad him into bad throws. The ones that don't hit the receivers hands, see how far off those completions are. It's bad.

Also, don't forget how may drops ended up in ints for charlie. Derek was a little luckier.

I like Derek. I'm glad he's had a chance to play. He may develop into a good QB. But right now, he's no better than Charlie, just different. sorry. He's strong armed but lacks accuracy. Charlie's arm is weaker but he is accurate. Derek can't move but gets the ball out quick. Charlie can move but his release is slower.

And Finally, at the cheifs game, if you have the tape, go back and look at the time before charlie's release. It's much faster. Why? the coaches made a real effort to pick it up. they say as much, and it shows. Something to remember about Charlie - he's improved. He's better than last year. His arm is stronger, and he's learned when to throw it away. he keeps getting better.

The best thing next year is to keep charlie the starter and keep anderson developing as a back up. It'll be best for both of them,and the browns. Particularly since we're still in need of Oline building.

No one is going to believe me, or even read that long thing I just wrote, but I'm right. Sorry, I am.

One of the worst things about having a losing team is that people get attached to players who are mediocre at best. It has been the cause of legendary debate here on the board regarding the quarterback position. It seems we may be starting down a road where people will be divided on who is the guy. I think it is important to acknowledge all the facts and not just pick sides based on like or dislike. People are already getting snippy and naming the two camps.


I would ask you to please identify for us which games that Charlie Frye has NOT thrown an interception. I will say in Charlies first 12 INTs this year at least 3 or 4 of them were just as bad as what DA has thrown. I am not saying i prefer one to the other but whatever argument your trying to make there is weak.




Yes they are differrent. One was a draft pick who was given the starting job and the other was a player we stole from a division rivals practice squad. You telling me that niether one is much better than the other speaks volumes about our starting QB.



Our QB that was drafted and named our starter cant outperform his back-up. Okay, i can stomach that for this year but how in the world can this situation be good for the browns??

This isnt about Anderson or Frye it about having real QB in cleveland. Think about this....we going to argue over a 3rd rd pick and UDFA as our starter. Tell me one other NFL team that would even entertain "evaluating" these options for another year.

Relax Toad. This is my opinion only and I may be 100 percent wrong, but I expect to see DA start next week and thru no fault of his own he won't look so hot against the Ravens D. Cue Charlie for the Tampa Bay and Houston games. Cleveland ends up at 6-10 Charlie looks like the starter for 2007, and you won't hear complaints about DA going into 2007 as the backup.

The script is already written up <img src="/images/graemlins/azzangel.gif" alt="" />

DA won't have enough time to look good or bad. They'll be ramming Lewis down our throats all day long and our TOP won't be long enough warrant a good look. Unfortunately the supporting cast of RB's and an OL that can open holes isn't sufficient enough to set up a decent passing game...

Here's to next year! <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />