The Browns

They are painful to watch, aren't they?

It has gotten so bad that there was actually a Randy Lerner sighting today.

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I have to think the fact that Randy Lerner actually talked to the media today must be a signal that something is about to happen in Berea. I also don't think it is a coincidence that Mr. Lerner made his appearance at the precise moment the Browns unceremoniously entered their bye week. Historically, owners of bad teams make difficult decisions (changes) when their team has a week off.

No, I don't think the Browns are going to fire Eric Mangini (yet), but I wouldn't be surprised if someone like Brian Daboll maybe sees his play calling duties curtailed. I also wouldn't be surprised if the League's lowest rated QB suddenly finds himself spending a little more time on the bench. I'm not saying all the Browns' troubles should be blamed solely on Daboll and Anderson. But, I think we have seen enough of both of these guys this season to get a pretty good idea of what they are both capable of doing (or not doing).

Instead, I think we all need to just accept that the 2009 Cleveland Browns are a bad football team from the top on down. Everybody knew coming into this season that it was going to be rebuiding year. From now on, I think this season should be viewed as a "tryout session" for the 2010 season. Let Brady Quinn and Bret Ratliff handle the QB duties for the remainder of the year. Quinn and Ratliff may not be any better than Anderson, but I don't see how the Browns offense could get any worse than it already is. I wouldn't even be opposed to letting Joshua Cribbs take some snaps under center.

I think it is quite obvious the Browns are going to have a high draft pick next year no matter what they do for the remainder of the this season. So, they might as well find out if they need to start seriously scouting the top QB prospects in college. Unfortunately, I'm just not sure any of the top rated QB's in next year's draft are going to be any better than what the Browns already have. Bradford looks to be the most skilled in my opinion, but it would be mighty difficult to waste a high draft pick on a QB that is coming off major shoulder surgery. Tim Tebow has the kind of grit the Browns need, but he just doesn't look like he has the required skill set to be an NFL quarterback. Colt McCoy? Jimmy Clausen? Jevan Snead? Jake Locker?

If I were Mangini/Kokinis, I would get on the phone to Bill Polian (Colts) to inquire about the possibility of acquiring Curtis Painter. I know Painter hasn't done anything in the NFL yet, but the guy does come from the same college system that produced Drew Brees and Kyle Orton. And, Painter has also had the luxury of spending some quality time with Peyton Manning. Perhaps the Colts might be willing to part with Painter for a few of Cleveland's 11 picks in next year's draft. Painter may turn out to be a total bust, but I don't see how he could be any worse than the lowest rated QB in the NFL.