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Column 2: Testaverde to the Browns?
Column II
Following a strange order in events the last couple of weeks involving the leagues Quarterbacks, teams have found themselves shallow or somewhat still in need of depth. Leading the Pack would appear to be the Cleveland Browns, but also the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans. During the weeks past, Veteran QB's have been searching for work or trying to keep their jobs. Steve McNair, former Titans QB and new Ravens QB, has sparked this Quarterback controversy once again. McNair, past his prime and nearing Retirement, seemingly will compete with a much younger and well armed Kyle Boller, but it seems reasurring for the deal put together for McNair that the job is his. Brian Billick gave Kyle Boller his chance a year ago to put the pieces together, increasing his offense with former Titans player Derrick Mason, and getting a "fresh out of jail" Jamal Lewis in the backfield. Yet, Boller failed to produce, so the Ravens placed a need for a Quarterback. Early speculation linked the Ravens were interested in newly released veteran Kerry Collins, formerly of the Oakland Raiders, but no talks ever commenced between the team and Collins' agent. Collins, nearing the end of his career, is yet to find a home.
Last week, Ben Roethlisberger, starting Quarterback for the 2005 Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, was involved in a collision on his motorcycle. The collision placed him in the Hospital in serious condition, as he was without a helmet and had broken his nose, jaw, and has lost some teeth. This puts Bill Cowher and the Pittsburgh front office under some duress. With Charlie Batch and rookie Omar Jacobs behind Roethlisberger, do the Steelers feel comfortable with their depth? Perhaps they would consider adding veteran depth for the short term. Tommy Maddox, former Steeler QB, has had his agent in talks with the Steelers over the issue. He is willing to come back, but other options are available for the Steelers. With their feature offensiveline and capable RB of Duce Staley and Willie Parker, the Steelers could search for a QB that can produce given a good running game and solid protection. What more of a perfect opportunity can veteran QB's ask for like Kerry Collins and Vinny Testaverde? Testaverde, more immobile than the statue of liberty, hasn't been anything more than poor in his last couple of years. Collins, not much better, still is younger and has a much stronger arm than Testaverde. Collins, whom will come at a higher price, does offer the Steelers a better chance of winning over Testaverde or Maddox until Roethlisberger makes a full recovery and is able to play. Of course, if Roethlisberger has a timely recovery and is ready for the season opener, there isn't much need for another QB. Still, there will be a newfound "fragility" issue with the young QB. As the past has it, several Pittsburgh QB's get hit in the head, but with Roethlisberger coming off of a serious injury, would the Steelers be willing to take that risk? It seems smarter to bench him until he is completely healthy and let a veteran assume the role of starting QB. Collins is an ideal fit here, and won't wind the backup role once Roethlisberger returns. Collins signed with Oakland as a backup QB to former Raiders QB Rich Gannon, and for the right price he came quietly. When Gannon went down, Collins assumed the starting role. Collins would start in Pittsburgh for the time being, but would be benched when Roethlisberger becomes healthy, or the Steelers would simply release, buy out, or trade him for his contract value.
Now on to Cleveland. Ideally, I thought his was the best place for aging Kerry Collins, but according to MSN, they feel that Testaverde has a strong shot at being signed. With a name somewhat forgotten, they feel Testaverde will come at a cheap price. The Browns have made it quite clear that their starting QB is Charlie Frye, but should he go down, no one sits behind him capable of running the offense. This seems so ideal for Testaverde to come here over Collins. Testaverde will for one, come cheaper. Secondly, he is perfectly okay with the back up role, as he is old and fragile. Collins would want to compete for the starting job, but as stated before, Cleveland made it quite clear that Charlie Frye is their started when they benched and then traded disgruntled former QB Trent Dilfer to the San Francisco 49ers. Collins will want more money and a shot at running the offense, when Testaverde won't mind sitting patiently and being used only when he needs to. Testaverde still has the arm strength to stretch the field with the downfield receivers that the Browns have to offer. Collins might be a better QB and be able to play to a higher level than Testaverde, but the positives to Testaverde's attitude towards his role and his pocket seem to be more appealing to Savage, General Manager of the Browns. Testaverde is a perfect fit.
Lastly, there is Tennessee. With only two Quarterbacks on their depth chart in Billy Volek and Vince Young, they appear somewhat thin. Volek, who has been shaky during his time starting, has the upper hand on the rookie Vince Young, but still proves very questionable in running the Titans offense. Could Tommy Maddox re-appear and lead the Titan offense? With a body very similar to Volek's, Maddox boasts much more experience, though lacks durability. This brings back my point from the last column. Could Kerry Collins work out for the Titans? Collins will surely want a Tye Law type contract of 10 million dollars for one year, but is surely not guaranteed on getting it. The Titans traded McNair as his contract was estimated near a 24 million dollars, and he was too much of a liability issue working out at the team facility. With 24 million not held to worry about, they have opened up cap space. Should Collins agree to a 9-10 million dollar contract, the Titans should sign him. Though Maddox comes cheaper, he cannot stretch the field or deliver the ball that Collins can. Collins provides excellent depth to their roster should he not start. The only eyebrow raised to this signing is the system to which he works in. The Titans relied on Steve McNair for two reasons: he was able to deliver a good ball on short routes, but also he was mobile. Collins is not known for his short ball ability nor his mobility. Could he stand in and run the previous offense under this system? Most likely not, as Norman Chow would have to adjust his Playbook more for a drop back high protection QB. This naturally points fingers back to Maddox, who is a good short passer and has fully functional legs. He'll come cheaper, he's temporary, and he can work with their current offense. Sounds like a plan, as Tommy Maddox is an ideal fit.
-Raiders11
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06-20-2006, 08:00 AM
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