Mangini’s decision to start Derek Anderson in Sunday’s game against the Bengals signifies the end of the Brady Quinn era in Cleveland. A shame really since it only lasted 2 ½ games. The implications of the choice are clear: 1) The team cannot win with Quinn at the helm and 2) There is really no reason to continue the charade.

Drafted with the 22nd overall pick in the 2007 draft, Quinn never got off on the right foot. His contract holdout leading into the 2008 season left him unprepared to compete for the starting job and after Charlie Frye faltered early, Derek Anderson rose to the occasion and helped the Browns win 10 games, vaulting him to a Pro Bowl selection.

The success of Anderson was short lived but injury prevented Quinn from taking full advantage. Now, after a lengthy pre-season battle, Quinn has been unable to impress. The team is 0-3 and it looks like Mangini has no faith left in him. That is what choosing Anderson signifies.

This Browns team is on pace to reach new low’s in terms of ineptness this year. Fans are up in arms, so much so, a petition for Randy Lerner to sell the team has found its way onto the internet. Much energy has also been expelled in evaluating Mangini as a coaching hire. The writing is on the wall.

If Mangini makes it through the rest of this year with his job intact, he will have no choice but to draft a new quarterback. One he can rest his hopes on. A player he will start from Day 1. There is no way he will leave his fate in the hands of two guys brought in from a now defunct Browns regime.

This decision is devastating for Quinn fans and supporters who hoped that this Ohio native would be the next Bernie Kosar. They prayed that he would be the one man who could turn this franchise around. Unfortunately, barring injury to Anderson or a complete change of heart from Mangini, the only place Quinn will be seen is on the sidelines with clipboard in hand. Next year, who knows? With Ratliff on the roster and Anderson destined to be the #2 guy, Brady Quinn’s days as a Brown are over.

Mangini’s decision is a big one. It sets the franchise back again and adds another name to high profile draft pick busts made by this team since 1999. The Cleveland Browns player graveyard grows more menacing each day. Players come here to die and unless something drastic happens soon, this will not change. R.I.P. Brady Quinn. You’re in disappointing company.