Written by Dave Kolonich

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In perhaps the least surprising piece of offseason news to unfold in years, Eric Mangini has affirmed that Jake Delhomme is the team’s starting quarterback.  Depending on which camp you fall into, you’re either bored to tears or crying that you can’t write about a QB controversy for the next two months.

Or, you’re a rational thinker who clearly understands that NFL teams don’t pay backup quarterbacks seven million dollars.

Mangini – It’s Jake Delhomme’s Job to Lose

Anyway, all of this “talk” means one thing – the success of the 2010 Browns will largely be dictated by whether Delhomme can return to his past Pro Bowl form – or continue his long slide into oblivion.

Although this appears to be a huge gamble – considering the Browns’ tenuous state of improvement shown late last season – it is encouraging to think that Delhomme offers a huge upgrade over last year’s available options.

Also, since Delhomme represents the rare QB who possesses some veteran upside, it’s worth taking a look at past history.

Having said that, let’s examine a few veteran QB’s who found themselves in a situation much like the one Delhomme is set to enter in 2010.

1. Jim Harbaugh – 1995 – Indianapolis
7-5 Record – 63.7 Completion Rate, 2575 yds, 17 td and 5 Int.

We’re reaching a bit back into time here, but the Harbaugh example could have some clear parallels to this year’s version of the Browns.  Although technically 1995 was Harbaugh’s second year in Indy, the veteran QB willed a talent-challenged team to the brink of the Super Bowl.  Using a short passing offense and relying on the occasional big downfield play, Harbaugh’s Colt offense did just enough to mask their weaknesses and revive a mostly dead franchise.

Delhomme Connection:

Harbaugh was an athletic force – something that Delhomme is not.  However, the intangibles of veteran leadership are the most apparent connection to be found here.

2. Vinny Testaverde – 1998 – NY Jets
12-1 Record – 61.5 Completion Rate, 3256 Yards, 29 td, 7 int.

Perhaps the gold standard of veteran QB resurrections, Testaverde played at a superhuman level for most of 1998.  Or, perhaps more correctly, Testaverde finally harnessed all of his natural ability and limited the crippling mistakes of his past - leading the Jets to their first playoff appearance in years.  Playing within a mostly ball control Bill Parcells offense, Testaverde became a devastating play action passer.

Delhomme Connection:

The Browns’ best bet to improve their moribund passing attack is through play action.  Since most defenses the Browns will face will stack the line against the run, Delhomme could channel his inner Testaverde – hopefully in a good way.

3. Jon Kitna – 2003 – Cincinnati
8-8 record – 62.3 Completion Rate, 3591 yds, 26 td, 15 int.

From a pure numbers perspective, Kitna’s 2003 season was an unbridled success.  In a manner most striking to the past few seasons of Cleveland QB play, the early 2000’s Bengals ran through a series of horrid characters, including Akili Smith, before returning to stability under Kitna.  While this particular Bengals’ team was not a playoff contender, Kitna brought some much needed stability to the franchise – until help arrived in the form of Carson Palmer.

Delhomme Connection:

Who knows when the proverbial “help” will arrive to replace Delhomme – but if only for a season, such numbers would give the Browns some much needed stability.

4. Kerry Collins – 2008 – Tennessee
12-3 record – 58.3 Completion Rate, 2676 Yards, 12 td, 7 int.

It seems like Kerry Collins does this every four years or so.  In 2008, he practically rescued the Titans’ season after Vince Young’s meltdown.  Although his 2008 numbers are nothing sensational, Collins played off the Titans’ strong rushing attack and did what he could within an offense that lacked any true playmakers.

Delhomme Connection:

Strong rushing attack and a lack of any true playmakers?  Sound familiar?

5. Rich Gannon – 1999 – Oakland
8-8 record, 59.0 Completion Rate, 3840 Yards, 24 td, 14 int.

Perhaps one of the most underrated QB’s in recent history, Gannon revived the Raiders – turning them into a playoff contender during the early part of the decade.  In a nearly perfect blend of veteran QB and QB friendly coach, Gannon and Jon Gruden fused their talents together and created one of the more efficient passing attacks in recent memory.  On a veteran team, Gannon’s fiesty demeanor was the perfect complement to Gruden’s innovation.

Delhomme Connection:

Other than Delhomme’s leadership – not much.  Gannon’s Raiders teams were filled with accomplished veterans, while Delhomme is playing with an assortment of raw offensive talent.  Also, Delhomme’s potential relationship with Brian Daboll could prove interesting – how far into the future can you envision this partnership lasting?

6. Drew Bledsoe – 2005 – Dallas
9-7 record – 60.1 Completion Rate, 3639 Yards, 23 td, 17 int.

It’s probably easier to cite Bledsoe’s first season in Buffalo, but for the sake of comparison – Bledsoe was clearly in the twilight of his career during his stay in Dallas.  However, after burning through a series of underwhelming QB’s, Bledsoe brought some stability to Dallas and helped to turn around a disappointing franchise.  

Delhomme Connection:

While lacking the arm of Bledsoe, it’s worth noting that both QB’s like to take shots downfield.  Bledsoe’s yardage totals reflect his QB personality, much in the way that Delhomme will help to make the Browns’ 2010 offense a bit more vertical.

7. Chad Pennington – 2008 – Miami
11-5 – 67.4 Completion Rate – 3653 Yards, 19 td, 7 int.

For a more contemporary model, Pennington’s 2008 season was one of the most efficient  in league history.  Much like Collins and Testaverde before him, Pennington’s play complemented the Dolphins’ strong rushing attack.  Although never dominating, Pennington was incredibly accurate and perfectly executed the team’s offense.

Delhomme Connection:

In most respects, Delhomme is simply a caretaker of the Browns’ offense - a type of veteran bridge to the mythical QB of the future.  If 2010 is Delhomme’s only year in Cleveland, following Pennington’s example would be a wise move.

8. Jake Delhomme – 2008 – Carolina
12-4 – 59.4 Completion Rate – 3288 Yards, 15 td, 12 int.

Isn’t it funny what a five-interception playoff performance followed by a half-year meltdown will do to a guy’s reputation?  Although it seems like years ago, Delhomme was a solid veteran QB who led his team into the playoffs.  Playing off a strong rushing attack, Delhomme limited his mistakes and made the occasional big play en route to January.  Of course, then some things happened.

Delhomme Connection:

Wouldn’t it be great if we got “this” Delhomme – as opposed to the 2009 model?

The Pick

While all the above examples are not perfect fits considering the current state of affairs in Berea, there is one simple truth to be found.  In the cases of all the above QB’s, each player represented a dramatic upgrade over what came before them.

While none of the above names had much playoff success, except for Harbaugh in 1995, they brought a genuine level of competence and consistency to a position that lacked such qualities prior to their arrivals.

From a personal standpoint, all of the above names were on their second or third NFL teams – meaning that there is something to be said for having a clear, late career motivation to excel.  In most respects, a “last chance” in the NFL could prove to be the “best chance.”

And in Cleveland, 2010 is clearly Delhomme’s time to test this theory.