Quinn’s chance remote
Even with a win, Cleveland can only make the playoffs if Tennessee (9-6) loses at Indianapolis (13-2).
BEREA (AP) — As the wins began piling up during this magical season, the Browns’ most popular rookie found himself standing helplessly on the sideline wishing he was on the field.
How often was that, Brady Quinn?
“Every time,” he said Wednesday. “I’m a quarterback.”
A high-profile, high-paid, high-ceilinged backup quarterback to be precise. And Quinn is still waiting.
Because of the unusual circumstances surrounding Cleveland’s home finale Sunday against San Francisco, it is possible Quinn could make his NFL debut.
By squandering a chance to control their playoff destiny with a 19-14 loss last Sunday in Cincinnati, the Browns have rendered their matchup with the 49ers almost meaningless. Even with a win, Cleveland can only make the AFC playoffs if Tennessee (9-6) loses at Indianapolis (13-2) later that night.
Not that long ago, the idea of Quinn sitting behind Derek Anderson wasn’t very likely. This season, however, the only national exposure for the former Notre Dame star has been as a pitchman for Subway sandwiches. Meanwhile, Anderson has started 14 games with No. 15 Sunday highly likely.
“We’re going to play to win and try to win,” Crennel said. “Whoever gives us the best chance to win, that’s who we’re going to play. Quinn has been one play away all year. He’s still one play away.
“If he has to play, he’ll go in and represent himself well and he’ll represent the Browns well.”
The closest Quinn came to playing was Oct. 7 at New England, when Anderson landed on his right shoulder and looked as if he was headed to the bench. Quinn stripped off his jacket and quickly began warming up, but before he made it to the huddle, Anderson regrouped and has stayed under center ever since.
Browns fans, who chanted “Bra-dy, Bra-dy” during the preseason, have been subdued all year in their desire to see Quinn because of the emergence of Anderson, who has thrown for 3,635 yards, 28 touchdowns and is perhaps the biggest reason Cleveland hasn’t faded from the playoff picture.
However, Anderson’s four interceptions against the Bengals has stirred up the idea of seeing what Quinn can do.
Barring an injury to Anderson, any decision to insert Quinn Sunday could have greater consequences for the Browns.
Anderson will become a restricted free agent following the season and general manager Phil Savage has said the team expects to offer the 24-year-old, who was voted a Pro Bowl alternate, the highest one-year tender.
The only way another team could sign Anderson is if it gives up a first- and third-round draft pick in 2008 to Cleveland, a steep price for a QB with only one year’s experience and one who already lost a big December game.