Tuesday, March 20, 2012

How Manning's Decision Trickles Down to the Cleveland Browns QB Situation

By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Now that Peyton Manning has settled upon the Denver Broncos, there's a ripple effect in the NFL quarterback pool that extends all the way to Northeast Ohio. Colt McCoy VS Seahawks

Will it result in a big splash for the Browns? Or just another pebble in the pond? Here are some scenarios and some ramifications from Manning's decision.

1. Tebowmania: The Broncos are reportedly exploring a trade for 2011 sensation Tim Tebow. Will the Browns bite? It seems doubtful.

For now, the Browns appear set to go with Colt McCoy as their starter, or perhaps draft a quarterback such as Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill or Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden. During a conference call with season ticket holders on Thursday, Holmgren said "it's a little unfair to write [McCoy and Seneca Wallace] off right now and I'm not willing to do that."

Holmgren praised Tebow at his Pro Day in 2010, saying "he's going to make some team very happy." But would he take a chance on him? It'd certainly shake things up around here. But would the Browns be willing to overhaul their offense to suit the hybrid running back/quarterback?

The Dolphins and Jaguars are early candidates to land Tebow.

2. Flynn and Kolb set: When the Seahawks knew they had no shot at Manning, they signed former Green Bay backup Matt Flynn to a three-year contract worth a reported $26 million. The Browns had checked out Flynn, Holmgren told Seattle radio station KJR on Monday, but didn't pursue him. When the Cardinals were eliminated from the Manning derby, they paid former Eagle Kevin Kolb his $7 million bonus and kept him out of circulation.

3. The Dolphins Effect: Having lost out on Manning and Flynn, the Dolphins spent six hours Monday with 49ers free agent Alex Smith. But he left without a deal and re-opened talks with the 49ers. The Dolphins, in turn, signed former Jaguars quarterback David Garrard to a one-year deal.

Will the Dolphins -- who have the eighth pick in the draft -- try to land Tannehill, widely regarded as the third-best quarterback behind Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III? Their offensive coordinator, Mike Sherman, coached him at Texas A&M. Do they like him enough to try to trade up to No. 4 to get him?

4. Hasselbeck out: With Manning snubbing the Titans, long-time veteran and Holmgren-protege Matt Hasselbeck will stick around and not be an option for the Browns.

5. Tannehill and Weeden: Will the Browns spend one of their premium picks on the third- and fourth-ranked QBs? It appears the Browns will either start McCoy or try to draft one of these two. They might also try to find a developmental quarterback later, and give McCoy another year to prove he can win with a better supporting cast.

6. Manning vs. the AFC North: Manning will play the AFC North this fall. If he's anything like his former self, he'll wreak havoc. Manning is 22-4 against the division, including playoffs (20-3 regular season). He's 5-0 vs. the Browns, who will play him on the road, with two TDs and six interceptions. He's 7-0 against the Bengals, 8-2 against the Ravens (including 2-0 in the playoffs) and 2-2 vs. the Steelers.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/03/questions_remain_unanswered_fo.html

No comments:

Post a Comment