Browns notes: Crennel hasn’t picked starting QB
neilag
BEREA — There will be no coin flip to determine who the Browns’ starting quarterback will be this week.
Playing rock, paper, scissors or odds and evens, however, hasn’t been ruled out.
Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel said he would wait until just before kickoff on Saturday night before deciding whether Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson will start against the Detroit Lions.
“The whole procedure won’t be the same, but I’m going to do it pregame in the locker room,” the coach said Thursday. “I think it’s important for a guy to act on his feet and react. Sometimes, if you know ahead of time, you’ve got an edge. I want to see how they handle it.”
Crennel flipped a coin last week to determine which player would get the nod in the Browns’ preseason opener against Kansas City. Anderson called tails, but it came up heads, giving Frye the start.
The two alternated series in Cleveland’s 16-12 home win over the Chiefs — with Frye playing better than Anderson — but will double their duty against the Lions.
“They both complained a little bit about not being able to get rolling, so we’ll give them two series at a time this week,” Crennel said.
Brady Quinn,is scheduled to follow the veterans in the second half.
If Anderson and Frye continue to struggle — as they have throughout training camp — Crennel admitted the door may open for the rookie from Notre Dame.
“He’s got to wow us first,” Crennel said. “After that, we’ll make a determination.”
Regardless of how things play out, wide receiver Joe Jurevicius said the offense will rally behind whomever is under center Sept. 9, when the Browns open the regular season against Pittsburgh.
“We’re fortunate to have four quarterbacks (Frye, Anderson, Quinn and Ken Dorsey) who are capable of getting the job done,” Jurevicius said. “That’s the most important thing.”
Thompson twin
With left outside linebacker Willie McGinest (back) still sidelined, Chaun Thompson has moved into his spot on the first team defense.
Thompson was not a lock to make the Browns’ season-opening roster for the fifth straight year, but has played his way into their plans with a strong camp.
“Anytime you get out on the field and get a chance to compete, it’s a good feeling,” he said. “But it’s just practice, so I try not to read too much into where I’m playing.”
Thompson was Cleveland’s 2003 second-round draft pick, giving him the sixth-most seniority on the ever-changing squad.
“I approach every day the same way,” he said. “I just handle my business and when my number is called, I try to do my best.”
Lombardi trophy lite
The annual Browns/Lions preseason game is dubbed the “Great Lakes Classic” with the winning team getting possession of a mantle-sized steel ship. Cleveland has claimed the trophy three straight years, but its current whereabouts are unknown, having last been seen with dents all over it in 2005 at Detroit’s Ford Field.
“I think it’s important with a young team to develop an attitude and a mindset, so it would be nice if we could win it,” Crennel said. This is the second straight year the GLC will be contested at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Out of action
Injured linebacker Andra Davis (ankle) and cornerback Kenny Wright (groin) will not play against the Lions, while a decision on wide receiver Tim Carter (thumb) will be made today.
All three players are projected starters, as is cornerback Leigh Bodden, who returned from an ankle injury Thursday.
• Crennel said the first-string offensive line will play two quarters, while guard Lennie Friedman will primarily see time at center.
Extra points
The start of practice was delayed 30 minutes while the Browns met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. The second-year commish is larger than many players on the team at 5-foot-11 and more than 200 pounds.
• Wide receiver Braylon Edwards, whose barber took in the day’s festivities, was the first player off the field.
• Jurevicius greeted 40 kids, who took part in the Cleveland area Youth Challenge.
• Phil Dawson, Jason Wright, Simon Fraser, Ethan Kelley, Ryan Pontbriand and Babatunde Oshinowo voluntarily signed autographs after practice.
Contact Brian Dulik at (330) 721-4059 or sports@ohio.net
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Filed by neilag August 17th, 2007 in Sports.
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