Frye Gets Fresh Start, Browns Move On

The trade of Charlie Frye was a good move for both the player and the Cleveland Browns.  Frye had a terrible performance for Cleveland on Sunday against the Steelers.  And that was the signal that it was time to move on for both sides. 

Frye never had much of a chance in Cleveland.  He’s played behind a bad offensive line and didn’t have much support around him last season.  Quarterbacks tend to develop bad habits when under those circumstances.  It was no different with Frye.  Frye is a tough guy who can move around the pocket, but tried to make too many things happen by himself.  As a result, he lost his field vision and tried forcing too many plays. 

Frye still has an opportunity to become a solid quarterback in this league.  That will be a few years down the road.  He’ll have an opportunity to now take a step back and put his game back together under a stable offensive system in Seattle.  And he’ll also have an opportunity to work with one of the best teachers around the league in Mike Holmgren.  Frye will have the also watch a veteran quarterback like Matt Hasselbeck function in this offensive system. 

As for Cleveland, Derek Anderson steps into the starting lineup for the short-term.  Anderson is more of a pocket passer with a better arm than Frye, but lacks awareness and makes poor decisions with the ball. 

Everyone is now asking why isn’t Brady Quinn in the lineup yet?  I believe it will be sooner than later at this point.  Quinn will get more reps during the week without Frye in the fold.  But the Browns also need to see the rest of their offense find a rhythm – especially along the offensive line.  I believe the offensive line will begin to come together in the next few weeks.  With the exception of Hank Fraley at center, the rest of the line features new starters from last season including a rookie left tackle.  And Kevin Shaffer is adjusting from moving to the right side of the line. 

At the same, the Browns have to look at the big picture and make sure they are making the proper decision on Brady Quinn’s development for the long-term.  Quinn will take his lumps, but you also want to put him in a position to have some measure of success on the field. 

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