Posted on November 17th, 2009 by Erin McLaughlin

Prior to the game last night, I was debating whether or not I even wanted to watch it. People have their opinions on Brady Quinn and are not afraid to share it either way. For me, the thing I am most passionate about in sports is Notre Dame football.

When Quinn was leading the Irish, Notre Dame was closer to being Notre Dame than it had been since 1993. For that reason he will always be a hero to me no matter what he does with the Cleveland Browns or any other NFL team. But still, heroes aren’t supposed to struggle.

I did watch the game against the Ravens, but I really felt going in that I was about to watch my heroes execution. The line is horrible. The best running back is about to retire. The best weapon is Joshua Cribbs who really is more of a wildcat specialist. The other receivers are rookies. I was scared for him.

Then the game started and the offense showed some signs of life in the first half. There was a long completion to Mohamed Massaqoui. However whenever anything would get going, there was a dropped pass, holding penalty, and other drive killers. Even Quinn missed a couple easy passes.

However, I felt that at halftime some positives came and the offense would do something in the second half. Then my worst fears were confirmed. Quinn was running for his life in the second half. The interceptions both hit off recievers hands and looked to be the result of them not being totally in-sync.

I guess that happens when you constantly change quarterbacks and never develop rhythm. Quinn made his share of mistakes and no excuses will be given for them. However, the Browns problem is the offense period. Frequently changing signal callers won’t change that. Nor will drafting a new quarterback.

As hard as the game was to watch, it was a little refreshing to hear Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski say the same things I have been saying for weeks. They feel that the offense lacks the playmakers it needs and Peyton Manning couldn’t fix that.

They also attacked the conservative playcalling and made it clear that Brian Daboll needs to take the handcuffs off and let this young group go. They will make mistakes but at least they will learn. That is the only way the unit will ever get better.

Jaworski also made it a point that the organization has to believe in Quinn. The only way he will ever get better is by playing. The footage Jaworski showed of how Dick Vermeil believed in him when he was young and struggling should have hit home with Browns fans and coaches.

The other part of Quinn’s night had nothing to do with his performance but rather the penalty he got on Terrell Suggs. I have mixed feelings about it.

On one hand, I am very disappointed in him. He not only represents the Browns but he also still represents Notre Dame and those of us who cheer for him. After all I have written for him and how I have fought for him, it was disappointing.

At the same time, I know he is not a dirty player. He got caught in a moment that I am sure he regrets. Quinn is also dealing with trying to gain his teammates respect. Quarterbacks do get respect when they make a block or tackle or any other tough play.

Quinn is also battling a reputation of being soft. That is a belief that people have. I believe his looks is what give that impression. What happens if Quinn doesn’t go after him? He would have been called a “sissie.” That really was a case of damned if he does or damned if he doesn’t.

In the coming weeks I am hoping this staff takes Jaworski’s advice and believes in Quinn and hopefully the whole unit shows some signs of progression.

Related posts

• No related posts.