Anderson to start, equipped with short leash

By Neal Coolong  |   Friday, September 26, 2008  |  Comments( 4 )

Cleveland Browns
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Browns quarterback Derek Anderson apparently beat out backup Brady Quinn for the starting job at Cincinnati this week.

But coach Romeo Crennel won't be afraid to make a change at any point in the game.

Anderson should know that threat lingers over his helmet; Crennel benched starter Charlie Frye after one disappointing quarter against Pittsburgh in Week 1 of the 2007 season. Anderson replaced him, and he has started the past 19 games for the Browns.

Commentary: Whether it's Anderson or Quinn, the Browns face a home opponent in what's pretty much a must-win game for both teams. While it's statistically unlikely to make the playoffs after an 0-3 start, no team has ever made it after beginning 0-4. If Anderson isn't getting it done early in Cincinnati, the Browns are going to turn to their second of two 2007 first-round draft picks to provide a spark.

Anderson made his first start against Cincinnati in Week 2 last year in a wild 51-45 shootout that ignited the team. He tossed five touchdown passes a week after a beleaguered offense managed just 221 yards. Knowing those results are possible, especially against a Bengals defense that hasn't really improved much since then, Anderson won't get a full game to prove himself.

Quinn, on the other hand, has what seems to be the support of Browns executive adviser Jim Brown, who told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer that "If we try Brady this week, it's a change of pace. Why not have a change of pace that might bring you a spark?"

Fan Pulse: Fans posting on the Browns Board are discussing Crennel's decision to mention that Anderson is, essentially, on a short leash.

Fantasy Football Impact: Anderson became the top waiver-wire pickup last year after his five-touchdown performance in Week 2. Considering the weapons at his disposal, if Quinn does enter the game, he'll likely be the biggest Week 5 pickup from the waiver wire.

Injury Watch: Linebacker Willie McGinest and guard Eric Steinbach did not practice Thursday for the Browns, and cornerback Jonathon Joseph and safety Herana-Daze Jones were inactive Thursday for the Bengals.
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one ...
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