Derek Quinn: Perception or Reality?

You’d be hard-pressed to find a football fan in Cleveland that hasn’t weighed in on this year’s version of the annual quarterback controversy. 2009 brings in two familiar candidates, each one completely different from the other. One is a well-spoken Golden Domer from the Midwest. The other a clumsy beaver from Scappoose. One is first-round draft pick and has graced the covers of several magazines. The other a sixth-rounder who only graces the mountains of Northwest America. In the court of public opinion, there is no controversy. But what if the roles were reversed? Imagine, for a second, the Cleveland Browns drafted a quarterback with the 22nd overall selection of the 2005 NFL Draft. That quarterback, a thoughtful young man from a reputable collegiate program, grew up in Ohio and had the charm and appeal of a franchise signal-caller. He was a media darling. He said all the right things in public, hosted public events, and even appeared in his share of commercials.  ... (link)