Brady Quinn – Fighting Off the Dawgs!

By Michelle Jarvis
Contributing Author

The Cleveland Browns may have lost to the San Diego Chargers in Week 13, but their quarterback Brady Quinn has given all his skeptics in the “Dawg Pound” something to think about.  Quinn’s pursuit for the starting job was nothing short of rocky.  After going through a quarterback battle with Derek Anderson through training camp, it was unclear who would be leading Cleveland’s offense heading into their opening day.

 

After weeks of competition Quinn ended up landing the starting job out of camp.  Although, after he was named the starter, questions were asked by those around the league: did Quinn have what it takes to help this team bounce back from a 4-12 2008 record? 

He started off with a 0-2 record heading into a week 3 divisional match up facing Baltimore’s stingy turn-over happy defense that lead to his benching and Anderson taking over.  Anderson, however, didn’t fare any better for the Browns and Quinn returned to the starting position in week 8. 
               
Cleveland fans had all but given up on their supposed franchise quarterback, when in week 11, facing another struggling franchise in Detroit; he threw for a career high 4 touchdowns and 304 yards.  Many chalked it up to facing a weak Lions’ defense but his performance appears to have helped him connect with his receivers and start to build a bridge of trust with them.  Bringing them into week 13 and hosting the red hot San Diego Chargers, Quinn shocked fans by quickly hitting Mohamed Massaquoi with a 13 yard touchdown to start the Browns on top of the Chargers early in the first quarter.  Quinn showed poise as he held strong in the pocket (something he has struggled with all season long) and scanned all receivers before throwing his first touchdown pass of the day.  Unfortunately the Chargers defense did not continue to bend easily, as the Browns’ offense was unable to score again until the 4th quarter. With the Chargers’ offense holding a 27-7 lead, Quinn propelled his team down the field three times and in the process threw two touchdown passes to Jerome Harrison, with the last attempt resulting in a field goal.
               
An onside kick was attempted but the Browns were unable to recover, resulting in a 30-23 loss.  While it may be yet another disappointing loss for the fans of the struggling Browns, the strides this offense was able to make against a tough San Diego defense ranked 8th against the pass and 12th overall in the league, can be considered something fans of this team can see as an accomplishment.

The emergence of Quinn, who showed a “never give up” attitude may just be what this team needs to advance to the next level.  With a team of young offensive players developing alongside Quinn, mixed in with the already dynamic Cribbs, and a Rob Ryan defense being built, this team may not be that far off from making a return to form.