BROWNS Quarterback derby workouts under way

Tim Couch and Kelly Holcomb have begun their open competition.
BEREA (AP) -- Across the locker room, away from the throng of microphones, cameras and notebooks, tight end Aaron Shea laughed about all the hoopla.
Cleveland's simmering quarterback controversy is already a circus.
"All I know is one of those two hillbillies is going to start for us," joked the Browns tight end.
The Tim Couch vs. Kelly Holcomb competition to become Cleveland's starter moved into a new phase Tuesday as the Browns opened a three-day mini-camp.
All eyes were on every pass, three-step drop, incompletion and move the two QBs made.
Couch looked sharp in some drills. Holcomb did better in others.
More to come
The intense scrutiny will undoubtedly be the same next month when the club opens training camp, and the two QBs will be dissected again during August exhibition games.
At some point, Browns coach Butch Davis will have to decide if Couch or Holcomb will be his starter for the Sept. 7 season opener against Indianapolis.
But in mid-June, that game and Davis' decision both appear to be a long way off.
"It could happen tomorrow," said Holcomb, whose 429-yard performance against Pittsburgh in the playoffs spurred Davis' decision to have an open competition. "It could happen down the road. I'm just glad that I don't have to make that decision."
Last week, Davis said he will name his starter by Aug. 23, when the Browns visit Detroit for the third of their four preseason games.
Open workouts
Davis, who closes practice during the regular season, is allowing the media to watch all six workouts this week. Next month, Cleveland fans will get their chance to assess the QB competition.
Couch has more to lose. The former No. 1 overall draft pick overcame an early-season elbow injury a year ago and led the Browns to eight wins before breaking his leg in the regular-season finale and having to sit out against the Steelers.
It's been that way for Couch his entire pro career. Just when the embattled QB finally seemed to be winning over impatient Browns fans, an injury sets him back.
"If I didn't get hurt everything might be different," Couch said. "But Kelly came in and he played really well. I'm not going to take anything away from him. He played a great game. Once your backup comes in and plays well there's going to be some competition and controversy."
Promised fight
If he loses his starting job, Couch isn't going to do it without a fight.
"After you've been playing so long, the last thing you want to do is go and sit on the bench," said Couch. "If it's going to be an open competition, then I'm ready for the challenge."
Davis said last week that Couch never really lost his job, but that Holcomb had earned a chance to win it.
Couch was diplomatic when asked if the Browns were still his team.
"I feel like this team can win with either guy," he said. "I feel confident when I'm on the field. The players believe a lot in me. I won eight games last year. I know guys believe I can win. I'm sure they believe in Kelly."
Holcomb is in a familiar role. The career backup has always believed he could start in the NFL, and he's getting another chance to prove he can.
Holcomb just hopes Davis waits until the preseason before picking a winner in the Browns' QB derby.
"That's when you find out about people," he said. "It [the decision] has to be when guys are blitzing, knocking you to the ground. Nothing beats playing."
Notes
The Browns signed Shea to a three-year contract Tuesday and gave offensive lineman Shaun O'Hara a one-year deal.
Both players were restricted free agents and were tendered offers by the Browns in February.
The club also named Lal Heneghan its vice president of football operations and general counsel; Pete Garcia, vice president of player personnel and football development; and Jeremy Green director of pro personnel.