Mike Holmgren's Report Card: March 2010

I personally am quite impressed to date with the Browns off season moves. It's apparent that Mike Holmgren has been working very hard. Most Browns fans would agree that Derek Anderson is not a Super Bowl quarterback and now he is gone. It also appears that Brady Quinn is not viewed favorably by Holmgren, and while I have a lot of sympathy for Quinn, I don't get the same sensation watching Quinn that I had years ago watching Sipe or Kosar at the beginning of their careers. Granted Sipe had two years on the taxi squad in which he could learn and mature but from the first instant Brian Sipe stepped on the field in 1974 at 25 years old, you could tell he was a winner. Quinn often looks lost.

QB Seneca Wallace is unproven, but in his 5 NFL years as a backup he has made an impact. More big plays than mistakes and his career numbers would indicate this guy just needs a chance to play full time. Clearly Holmgren himself believes in Wallace but Holmgren also thinks Wallace needs some time under his guidance. This as witnessed by the visit of 35 year old Jake Delhomme to Browns town this week. But if Holmgren signs an older quarterback, it appears his role will be to buy time.

The signings of TE Ben Watson, LB Scott Fujita, and offensive lineman Tony Pashos all bring skilled veteran players to the Browns, two of whom, Watson and Fujita, wear Super Bowl Championship rings.

If you have to give a report card for the month of March so far to Mike Holmgren, the result is A+

Holmgren on the QB situation

This link has an interesting article from today in which Mike Holmgren gives insight into how he evaluates a QB and where the Brown's QBs stand right now. Holmgren correctly refuses to show his hand but the comment that Anderson throws too many interceptions would seem to indicate that the Browns will very likely cut Derek Anderson before March 19, the date on which he has a roster bonus due. On the other hand, Holmgren states that Quinn hasn't proven himself but he still might have time. My guess is that Holmgren will make a move for a new QB before the 2010 season.

One thing is for sure, Holmgren has a long and successful record with quarterbacks, so for once, Brown's fans can feel comfortable that this guy won't screw it up.