Mangini: No timetable for QBs

08.19.2009

What's separating Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn in the Browns' quarterback competition?

Four snaps.

Before Wednesday's practice, Browns head coach Eric Mangini said that his staff had tracked every rep Anderson and Quinn have taken in camp, and the difference was just four. As for what else might be separating the two, Mangini isn't saying. Nor is he saying when he might make a decision on the starter for the Sept. 13 season opener against the Vikings.

"In terms of timetable, to me it's about going through and making the right decision and not the quick decision," Mangini said.

The Browns are now almost three full weeks into training camp and just three days from their second preseason game. Quinn started last week and ended up taking more reps as the first half played out, and Mangini said he'll try to even that out this week.

But that doesn't mean Anderson will start this Saturday against the Lions or play a set number of plays. Mangini said he wants to let the week play out before making any decisions and also said he won't necessarily decide anything before next week's third preseason game either.

"The preparation doesn't stop," Mangini said. "You get somebody injured and the best plan in the world goes out the window. With the volume of reps both guys are getting I think they're both getting prepared to play in all different situations.

"I like when they get different situations and get a feel for different times in the game."

Anderson played the second and third series of the game before Quinn came back in for the end of the half, and Anderson said Wednesday he's not worried about counting snaps or being the starter this week.

"We haven't talked about it," Anderson said. "We didn't talk about it last week. When Coach tells me to go in, I go in.

"We just come out every day and play. We don't overanalyze it."

ON ALERT - Mangini said getting players ready for different situations isn't a quarterback-specific exercise. He's been shuffling lineups at other positions throughout camp and used Tuesday's two practices as further teaching points.

Due to their outstanding work in the team's offseason program, Joe Thomas (morning session) and Kamerion Wimbley (afternoon session) cashed in their "Get Out of Practice Free" cards. Thomas' absence moved Eric Steinbach into the left tackle spot and also led to Hank Fraley taking some reps at guard.

"With Steinbach moving out there or Hank playing guard, that's not wasted work," Mangini said. "At some point they may have to play there. When you have a situation when suddenly someone like Kamerion or Joe isn't there, that opens up a window for somebody else."

STRONG FINISH -- Anderson moved the Browns second-team offense 76 yards in eight plays for a winning touchdown in the two-minute drill at the end of Wednesday's practice. Phil Dawson's extra point gave the offense a 17-16 lead over the defense with 18 seconds remaining.

The winning points came on third and 10 from the 21, when Anderson dropped back and lofted a pass into the left corner of the end zone for Mohamed Massaquoi. Anderson looked for Massaquoi a play earlier, but that pass was incomplete.

"We had a high school ref out here and he didn't actually get the pass interference call," Anderson joked. "It was a totally different play. Mo actually got mugged. He was running a fade and pretty much got tackled.

"I went back the next play and gave him a chance," he continued. "The kid made a good catch."

Anderson went 5-for-7 on the drive, including two passes to Brian Robiskie and Noah Herron along the right sideline, which stopped the clock.

"Early in camp, we kind of struggled with the two-minute," said Anderson. "I think guys are starting to get used to it. Having to do it every day, fighting through the tiredness and staying focused, we've been doing a lot better.

"Everybody was a little bit tired," Anderson added. "I thought we had a good day."

WHAT'S AHEAD -- The Browns wrap up their public practices for the week Thursday with one practice from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

--Matt Florjancic also contributed to this report