A new regime has arrived in Cleveland with Mike Holmgren taking over the control of the team. While the former Seahawks and Packers’ coach opted to retain Eric Mangini, he opted to completely turnover the depth chart at quarterback.

The team released Derek Anderson first and then opted to trade former first-round selection, Brady Quinn, to Denver for fullback Peyton Hills, the Browns’ sixth-round pick in 2011 and a conditional late-round choice in 2012.

Neither Anderson nor Quinn has performed well of late.  Since his Pro Bowl season of 2007, Anderson has managed just 12 touchdowns while throwing 18 interceptions. Likewise, Quinn has failed to deliver with his brief opportunities after a stellar college career at Notre Dame.

With both quarterbacks cleared from the roster the Browns have turned the reigns over to a pair of off-season acquisitions, Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace.

Delhomme has thrown 30 interceptions over the past two seasons and that did him in as the Panthers pulled the plug on him as a starter late in ’09. The Browns gave him a two-year, $7 million offer.

Holmgren is familiar with Wallace since his days in Seattle as he drafted him. It comes as little surprise that the Browns’ front man wasted no time in swapping a conditional late-round pick in 2012 (6th or 7th rounder) to scoop up the dual-threat signal caller.

The Browns are also believed to be strongly considering drafting a quarterback early in the draft.  Cleveland holds the No. 7 overall pick in next month’s draft.

***
FINAL TAKE: Ridding themselves of Brady Quinn is a plus. I never expected him to be successful at this level, but perhaps in a new system he could still develop. Anderson was a flash in the pan and is nothing more than an average backup. While I am not overly optimistic that either Delhomme or Wallace will suffice as a short-term replacement, I do consider the series of moves as a success for Cleveland and a definite upgrade.

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Some news of interest as the NFL off-season kicks into full swing...

--Mike Holmgren isn't ready to commit to Brady Quinn as the Brown's starting quarterback yet.

--Veteran safety Ed Reed is expected to retrun to the Ravens in 2010.

--Hue Jackson has been named the Raiders' offensive coordinator and will assume play-calling duties.

--The Bengals are expected to talk with Cedric Benson about a contract extension.

--The Jets plan to tender a one-year contract for the highest possible amount to Braylon Edwards.

--Running back Willis McGahee is not expected to return to Baltimore next season. 

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I'm not surprised to see it, but the Cleveland Browns have pulled the plug on Brady Quinn three games into the season and named Derek Anderson their starting quarterback for Week Four's tilt with the Bengals.

Head coach Eric Mangini told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer that "giving Derek the opportunity is something I think will help us offensively.'' He said Anderson's performance on third down Sunday in Baltimore -- including 3-of-4 on a field goal drive -- helped him clinch the job. He said he needs to improve on throwing interceptions, after throwing three in Baltimore.

He also said he expects Quinn to continue to work hard. "I'm not saying it's all Brady,'' said Mangini. "Derek did some things that were positive and that's what it's based on.

Quinn has completed 45 of 74 passes for 400 yards and 1 TD, but has been picked off three times and fumbled twice in three games.

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Eric Mangini is not showing his hand as of yet to which of his two quarterbacks will get the starting nod in Week One against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Browns' head coach is expected to make his decision and let it be known to the team today, but according to ProFootballTalk.com "there's a sense among the players that Quinn will get the job.

Quinn seems to be the favorite to win the job. He is a former first round pick and has a better pedigree than Anderson. Howver, Anderson has a better deep ball, more rapport with No. 1 wideout and a Pro Bowl appearance under his belt.

I would be surprised if Quinn isn't the starter out of the gate, but regardless of who wins the job they will be on a short leash.

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Let's take a look at some of the latest headlines from around the NFL...

Crabtree Prepared to Sit Out Season - Unsigned first-round pick Michael Crabtree's cousin and adviser, David Wells, confirmed Profootballtalk.com's report that Crabtree is prepared to sit out all of 2009 if the 49ers don't meet his contract demands. It was under different circumstances, but this idea worked out terribly for Mike Williams in 2004-05. "We are prepared to do it," Wells said.  CONTINUE READING

Robiskie Impressing in Camp - After observing Browns camp this week, NFL.com's Pat Kirwan predicts that rookie receiver Brian Robiskie will "make a major contribution this season."
Robiskie is effective against zone defense with soft hands, good route running skills, and his understanding of the soft spots in coverage. CONTINUE READING

Anderson Making Bid for Starting Job - According to one Browns front office personnel person, Brady Quinn entered camp as the favorite to be the opening day starter, but Derek Anderson has come on strong in the past three days. On Wednesday, Quinn used a short passing attack to move the ball down the field, while Anderson used the more vertical variety and was just as effective. Quinn doesn't have it sewn up just yet. CONTINUE READING

Stallworth Meets with Goodell - Donte' Stallworth has issued a statement after meeting with Roger Goodell on Wednesday. "I exercised poor judgment and have caused irreparable harm to Mario Reyes, his family, and the NFL," said Stallworth. "Whatever he (Goodell) ultimately decides is the appropriate discipline...I am truly sorry." CONTINUE READING

Jones/Jennings Battling it Out - Coach Jack Del Rio confirmed that Greg Jones will not be handed the Jaguars' No. 2 ball-carrying duties. "He's got to fight to be the best guy," Del Rio said. "We're not going to hand anything to anybody." The coach has long been a fan of Jones' hard charging running style, but rookie Rashad Jennings was more impressive this spring. CONTINUE READING

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Let's check out some of the latest headlines from around pro football:

LEFTWICH SIGNS WITH BUCS (Tampa Tribune)
The team is expected to announce today the signing of free agent Byron Leftwich, whose weekend decision to accept a two-year contract was based on a guarantee he'll be given a chance to compete for the starter's job. Many believe that job will ultimately go to sixth-year pro Luke McCown, but the Bucs have made no secret of their desire to add an experienced veteran to at least push McCown for that job...MORE

BROWNS: EDWARDS, QUINN ON BLOCK (The National Post)
The Cleveland Browns have been engaging in talks to trade quarterback Brady Quinn and wide receiver Braylon Edwards. The website reports that the Browns have a first round pick on the table for Quinn, but may be looking for more.  Two teams are currently interested in Quinn’s services. In addition, there is speculation that the Browns have a first round pick on the table for wide receiver Braylon Edwards and will most likely trade him before the start of next season...MORE

BILLS' WHITNER ARRESTED (ESPN.com)
Bills safety Donte Whitner was arrested in downtown Cleveland early Saturday morning after police tried to break up a "near riot" in front of the House of Blues. Police used a Taser to subdue Whitner, who was arrested for aggravated disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Whitner was released from his holding cell Saturday afternoon. Police Lt. Thomas Stacho said charges have not been filed...MORE

CHIEFS ADD THOMAS (Kansas City Star)
The Chiefs added another part to their defense Saturday when they agreed to contract terms with veteran linebacker Zach Thomas. Thomas turns 36 in September, but he has made seven trips to the Pro Bowl in his 13 NFL seasons. He started 14 games last year in his first season with Dallas after 12 years with the Dolphins...MORE

BURRESS LIKELY TO MISS 2009 (SI.com)
Peter King, who has been covering the NFL for two decades, was firm in his belief that free agent wide receiver Plaxico Burress will not play in the NFL in 2009. Burress is still battling an uphill battle with the legal system after charges filed following him shooting himself in the foot in a club late last season. The Giants cut Burress last month and at this point he's a free agent...MORE

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Conventional wisdom suggests that Brady Quinn is sitting atop the Browns' depth chart at quarterback heading into 2009, but not so fast...conventional wisdom and Eric Mangini don't necessarily go hand in hand.

Don't rule out a trade of either Quinn or Derek Anderson, but after watching game tape Mangini is not ready to commit to either player.

Mangini said after reviewing tapes of both players, holding conversations with them and talking to others, he is "excited" about the prospect of having both compete for the job.

"Without knowing exactly what they were being asked to do on each of the plays, I thought both seemed to have a good presence, a good command of the situation. They each do different things in the passing game and running game that I like," the coach told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer on Tuesday.

Quinn only played in three games last year before submitting to injury. The former first round pick completed 53 of his 90 passes for five touchdowns and was intercepted four times.

Anderson came out of nowhere to throw 29 touchdowns on his way to the Pro Bowl in 2007, but only passed for 158 yards per game and six touchdowns against eight picks in five starts in ’08.

I would be shocked if both quarterbacks are on this team following the draft next month. However, if they are it will be an interesting summer in Browns’ camp.

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First it was starting quarterback Brady Quinn headed to I.R., and now former starter Derek Anderson is going to join him after learning that he suffered a MCL sprain in Sunday's loss to the Colts. The Browns said he will wear a brace and is expected to recover in four to six weeks, but that will do Cleveland no good.

The injury leaves Ken Dorsey as the team's starter for the remainder of the season. He hasn't completed a pass in the NFL since 2005. He did have a run as the 49ers' starter in 2004-05, but after a 2-8 mark he's been relegated to holding the clipboard since.

To further worsen matters Dorsey will be without one of his top targets and former University of Miami teammate Kellen Winslow as the Browns prepare for their Week 14 match-up vs. the Tennessee Titans. An MRI showed Winslow suffered a high left ankle sprain against the Colts and will miss the Titans game. He'll wear a boot for up to a week. 

Signed to a three-year, $24 million contract on Feb. 29, Anderson now carries a 13-14 record for Cleveland over three seasons. This year, he completed 50.2 percent of his passes for 1,165 yards and nine touchdowns with eight interceptions and a 66.5 rating. He was sacked 14 times, his same total for 16 games a year ago.

It will be interesting to see how all of this unfolds in the off-season, but it is highly unlikely that Anderson will return to the Browns. If the team can not trade him, don't be surprised to see them release him. 

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Here are the some of the key injruies suffered during Week 12's action:

QUARTERBACKS
Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panther - elbow - Played through it
Brady Quinn, Cleveland Browns - finger - Not a factor
Marc Bulger, St. Louis Rams - head - Concussion

RUNNING BACKS
Ahman Green, Houston Texans - knee - Out at least 2 weeks
Correll Buckhalter, Philadelphia Eagles - knee - Status unknown
Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers - knee - Tweaked

WIDE RECEIVERS
Plaxico Burress, New York Giants - hamstring - Did not return
Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh Steelers - head - Concussion
Greg Camarillo, Miami Dolphins - knee - Out for the season

TIGHT ENDS
Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys - rib - Returned to game

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Chris Long, Miami Dolphins - ankle - Returned to game

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee Titans - head - Status unknown

DEFENSIVE BACKS
Allen Rossum, San Francisco 49ers - ankle - Status unknown
Asante Samuel, Philadelphia Eagles - undisclosed - Status unknown
Nathan Vasher, Chicago Bears - leg - Status unknown
Mike Brown, Chicago Bears - leg - Status unknown

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Terrell Owens, WR, Dallas - 7 catches, 213 yards, 1 TD
After five consecutive games of posting under 40 yards receiving, T.O.  broke it open against his former team on Sunday. His yardage accounted for half of the Cowboy's total against the 49ers. Tony Romo threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns. The Cowboys are still in the playoff picture and their offense may finally be back to form.

Matt Cassel, QB, New England - 30/43, 415 yards, 3 TD, 1 Int, 1 Rush TD
No Patriot fan will ever forget Tom Brady but Cassel is doing his best to help them. For the second week in a row Brady's back-up topped the 400 mark in passing yards and the Pats totaled more than 500 yards of offense. Randy Moss took center stage with 125 yards and three scores. But Wes Welker was right there with him with 120 yards on eight catches. The team may still be struggling to run the ball but at this rate it may not matter.

Clinton Portis, RB, Washington - 29 carries, 143 yards
Portis reclaimed the lead for the leagues leading rusher with his performance against the Seahawks on Sunday. Unfortunately he was once again held out of the end zone. The Redskins stud has not scored in the last five games and has just seven touchdowns on the year. Ladell Betts did score from the one yard line for the team's only rushing touchdown of the day. Jason Cambell hooked up with Antwan Randle El for the teams other score.

Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta - 24 carries, 117 yards, 4 TD
The Falcons won a big divisional game thanks in large part to the big, strong, tree-trunk legs of Turner. With his performance on Sunday, Turner now has 13 touchdowns on the season including seven in the last three games. The Falcons put up 45 points versus the Panthers and are now very much in the thick of things in the NFC playoff race.

NY Jets Running Backs - 35 carries, 178 yards, 2 TD
The Jets pounded one of the toughest Defenses in the NFL on Sunday and pegged the Titans with their first loss of the season. Thomas Jones had the bulk of the carries, 27, but it was Leon Washington that scored twice including a 61 yard dash. Brett Favre also had a good performace, completing 25 of 32 passes for 224 yards and two scores. And, he only threw one interception. Not only did the Jets victory put Tennessee in the loss column for the first time it kept them in the lead in a tough AFC East.

Ed Reed, S, Baltimore - 2 Int, 1 TD
The Ravens did more than just take care of business on Sunday, they pounded a faltering Eagles team. Philly's only score came on a kick return as their offense was shut down by the Ravens. After throwing two interceptions and fumbling, Donovan McNabb was benched for Kevin Kolb. But it didn't matter to Baltimore as the defense continued to previal. The topper was a Reed interception that he returned 108 yards for a touchdown.

The Game Used Sock Award
Brady Quinn, QB, Cleveland - 8/18, 94 yards, 2 Int
It was only the third start in the career of the young Quinn, but that was all it took for his butt to find the bench. The Browns were not able to get things moving against a stout, no, actually, quite weak Houston defense. The good news for Quinn was that although he watched the end of the game from the sideline, Derek Anderson did not fare any better. But Anderson already has a couple of dirty socks in his drawer. Tonight Quinn gets one all to himself.

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