BROWNS Impatience, frustration weigh on quarterbacks

Couch-Holcomb has become the NFL's most analyzed QB battle.
BEREA (AP) -- Tim Couch and Kelly Holcomb wouldn't mind an answer -- soon.
After only one week of their overhyped quarterback competition -- Couch appears to be leading by a chin strap -- Cleveland's two QBs wish Browns coach Butch Davis would name his starter.
"I just want to get this whole thing over with," Couch said. "I want to know whether I'm going to be the guy or whether I'm not. Let's get it on, and move on."
Holcomb, too, is eager to know if he'll remain a career backup or finally be promoted to a No. 1.
"It's kind of getting monotonous," Holcomb said while answering many of the same questions that have been posed to him since January.
Ongoing saga
The Couch-Holcomb affair has become the NFL's tightest and most analyzed QB battle during summer training camp, and it figures to drag on for a few more weeks.
"I think most of their impatience is predominantly directed to the inquiry from so many people who don't have anything to do with the decision-making process," Davis said. "I'm sure they're tired of talk shows and media people asking."
Davis, who decided to open up the job when Holcomb threw for 429 yards while filling in for an injured Couch in the AFC playoffs, said he'll name his starter no later than Cleveland's third exhibition game on Aug. 23 in Detroit.
Couch is counting down the minutes.
"It's going to be a long, couple three weeks," he said. "Me and Kelly have talked. We can't wait until this is over and one guy is in and one guy is backing up, just so we know our role on the team. We'll try to stay patient through it all, and try not to get too frustrated."
Couch appreciates that Davis has a difficult choice to make. Although he'd love to be the starter, and feels he did nothing to lose the job, he wants to win it fair and square.
So far, Couch has had an impressive camp. He reported nearly 10 pounds lighter after spending the offseason working with a nutritionist and Browns strength coach Buddy Morris.
Couch is quicker once he leaves the pocket, and he's also making quicker decisions. One of the four-year veteran's downfalls in the past has been a tendency to hold the ball too long.
Couch said Browns coaches have liked what they've seen.
"I feel confident in what I've done," Couch said. "I think they're pleased with how I've thrown. I'm picking up my reads quicker. Every day I'm just trying to go out and get a little better."
Decision-making process
Davis said he'll base his pick for a starter on performance, and will ultimately choose the quarterback he feels gives his team the best chance to win.
Couch says that's all he can ask for. And if the decision is announced tomorrow, next week or on Aug. 22, that's fine, too.
"We all have faith in Coach Davis," Couch said. "We believe he is the guy who is going to take us where we want to go. I don't want to second-guess him. If he thinks that's when it's supposed to be made, I'll agree with that."
The QB competition, which has been a daily topic for Davis in media sessions since camp opened, will heat up today when the Browns scrimmage the Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Browns officials are expecting 30,000 fans, many of whom will undoubtedly voice their opinion on which player has the lead in the quarterback derby.
Taking it in stride
Holcomb said he'll try not to put any special emphasis on the scrimmage. However, because it will be against another team, he knows it's more than an average practice.
"It's an opportunity to show where you've come from, and hopefully where you're going," he said. "Every time you step onto the field is a chance to prove yourself."
That's nothing new to Holcomb, who served as Peyton Manning's understudy in Indianapolis before signing as a free agent with the Browns in 2001.
Even while working with the Colts' second-string offense and with the Browns' backups, Holcomb has always thought he could be a starter. Now he's trying to convince others.
"I've always believed in myself and that my chance would come," he said. "Who says you can't sit on the bench and learn? I knew when it came my time, I had to do it."