We can forget about Couch or Holcomb

Carmen Policy spoke during a wide-ranging interview on the Browns’ AM radio flagship station, three days after the team blew a 24-7 lead in a playoff game at Pittsburgh.

The Browns head into 2003 with a major quarterback controversy. On Wednesday, NFL analyst Tom Jackson, the former Denver Bronco who grew up in Cleveland, added his voice to the growing crowd of Kelly Holcomb supporters. Jackson said it is clear to him Holcomb is the better quarterback at this point.

Yet, Policy said he loved what he saw from Couch in the 2002 preseason, before an elbow injury changed the shape of his season.

“I think the best is yet to come with Tim Couch,’’ Policy said. “You’re seeing him grow. I think the Kelly Holcomb experience is gonna help him, because he’s tough enough to be pushed.’’

Policy has said all along he will express his opinion about the Couch-Holcomb situation to Davis, but that the Coach will decide the course of action.

Policy said the team is willing to carry Couch’s salary — he will enter the fifth year of a seven-year deal worth a potential $60 million — even if he does not start.

“I always saw it as a blessing to have that kind of depth and that kind of talent at quarterback,’’ Policy said. “I think we’re in excellent, excellent shape.’’

What about potential unrest?

“It depends on whether the coaches, the organization and the players themselves allow it become a separating point,’’ Policy said. “For example, there’s no question in my mind that Joe Montana would not have reached his ultimate pinnacle had he not had Steve Young pushing him at the end.’’

 

I don't know if I'd automatically accept all of that as gospel, Rob. Neither Steve Young nor Joe Montana ever got booed by the fans at Candlestick. And those were the days before the salary cap.

I'm not saying it's a certainty that Couch will be gone, but I don't believe everything Policy's saying, either. In today's NFL, much of that is wishful thinking. Really, I think what will happen is that Holcombe will be given the starting job, and Couch will be 'asked' to restructure. If he doesn't, he's out. There are enough mediocre QB's out there who don't mind riding the pine for a chance to start. Couch is a starter, and the Cleveland fans don't like him. I think whether he stays or goes ultimately rests on his shoulders. And I also think he knows there are a handfull of teams out there right now who would sign him as a starter immediately, including Carolina.

 

Too many mob ties there to take anything Policy says as Gospel

I keep thinking that if the Panthers were in the same situation with those 2 players how I would feel as a fan.

I would want them to keep both for now. Holcomb is under contract for backup money while Couch is making the starter salary. Should Kelly win the job outright that would need to be adjusted but not until next year. As long as the team is willing to pay Couch his contract then he will stay. The Browns could stand pat at Qb and be set in an enviable position for at least 1 more year which puts us out of the running for now.