Last week at this time, I didn't want to talk about, write about, or even think about the Browns after their horrible performance against the Steelers. I was shocked at how badly the team and especially Charlie Frye looked. It seemed that it would be another long miserable year, and it still might.
After making the unprecedented trade that sent Frye to Seattle just days later, the Browns named Derek Anderson their starter, Brady Quinn the backup, and re-signed Ken Dorsey to hold the clipboard. Honestly, I think that this is the QB lineup that the Browns wanted all along, but Anderson's poor performance in the preseason didn't give them justification to trade Frye. Plus, there were differences of opinion within the organization, as Romeo Crennel preferred Frye's experience, while offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski preferred Anderson and his strong arm. After Frye's performance against Pittsburgh, in which he looked tentative and confused, the Browns had the justification they needed to trade him, without a huge backlash from the fans. Still, its unbelievable that a guy could win a QB competition, start week 1, and get benched and traded before week 2.
After making the unprecedented trade that sent Frye to Seattle just days later, the Browns named Derek Anderson their starter, Brady Quinn the backup, and re-signed Ken Dorsey to hold the clipboard. Honestly, I think that this is the QB lineup that the Browns wanted all along, but Anderson's poor performance in the preseason didn't give them justification to trade Frye. Plus, there were differences of opinion within the organization, as Romeo Crennel preferred Frye's experience, while offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski preferred Anderson and his strong arm. After Frye's performance against Pittsburgh, in which he looked tentative and confused, the Browns had the justification they needed to trade him, without a huge backlash from the fans. Still, its unbelievable that a guy could win a QB competition, start week 1, and get benched and traded before week 2.
In steps Derek Anderson as the #1 QB on the depth chart for the first time in his career, and what an entrance he made. He threw for 5 TD passes, over 300 yards, and was named AFC offensive player of the week. Actually the entire team looked great--Jamal Lewis ran for 200+ yards, the offensive line opened big holes and didn't surrender a sack, and Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow had career days and finally lived up to their first round draft status.
I live in Cincinnati, and I can't remember the last time I enjoyed going into the office this much on a Monday morning. Those Bungles fans that were so cocky last week have been very humble this week. The talk radio in Cincy has been hilarious as well, as it seems the entire city is hopping off the band wagon and calling for Marvin Lewis to be fired. All in all a great week to be a Browns fan.
If the offense can play half that good the rest of year, and the defense can get a little bit better, this will be a very enjoyable season.
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