The Cleveland Browns found out a lot about Derek Anderson last season.  He has a howitzer attached to his right shoulder as he can throw the ball deep and he really throws bullets in the short passing game.  He could use some work on his touch but that should come with experience.  He also needs to throw the ball away more often instead of trying to fit the ball into tight spots resulting in interceptions sometimes.  But, Anderson is the undisputed starter coming into the 2008 and that’s based on his great play of last year.  Be happy about that Browns’ fans as Charlie Frye is a distant memory.  Anderson played in 16 games (15 starts) for the Browns last season and he completed 298 of 527 passes (56.5%) for 3,787 yards with 29 TD passes and 19 interceptions (82.5 QB Rating).  He also carried the ball 32 times for 70 yards (2.2 ypc) with 3 TD runs.  The Browns are pretty sure that Anderson is the real deal and that’s why they gave him a new three year deal in the off season.  Anderson has now played in 21 games (18 starts) in his NFL career and he has completed 364 of 644 passes (56.5%) for 4,580 yards with 34 TD passes and 27 interceptions (78.9 QB Rating).  He has also carried the ball 36 times for 117 yards (3.2 ypc) with 3 TD runs in his career to date.  Anderson also played well at the end of games bringing the Browns back often when it appeared that they were in deep trouble.  Look for Anderson to have another solid season for the Browns in 2008.

2nd year man Brady Quinn is the backup but he definately has the talent to start in the NFL.  But, if Derek Anderson plays well again in 2008, Quinn’s future could be elsewhere.  Quinn only played in 1 game for the Browns last season and he completed 3 of 8 passes (37.5%) for 45 yards with 0 TD passes and 0 interceptions (56.8 QB Rating).  In fairness to him, Quinn drove the Browns right down the field in his first NFL drive which resulted in a field goal.  He hit two players (Winslow, Edwards) right in the hands in the end zone but they both dropped the pass.  Quinn has great touch on the football and he is a leader on the field.  The Browns are in good shape at QB with Quinn even if something happens to Anderson.

Ken Dorsey holds the clipboard on Sundays and he is always around Brady Quinn helping him learn on the sideline.  Dorsey doesn’t have much of an arm and the Browns would have to take some plays out of the playbook if he were forced into action.  But, he does have experience which is more than most #3 QBs can say.  Dorsey didn’t get to play in a game last season for the Browns.  He has now played in 12 games (10 starts) in his NFL career and he has completed 171 of 317 passes (53.9%) for 1,712 yards with 8 TD passes and 11 interceptions (63.5 QB Rating).  He also has carried the ball 9 times for 18 yards (2.0 ypc) in his career.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON:  B