Delhomme Won't "Rock the Boat"

[BernietheKid]

Delhomme Won't "Rock the Boat"
		By Fred Greetham OBR Browns Reporter Posted Nov 11, 2010 | More Fred Greetham reports from Berea, where veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme vows to support whatever is best for the team. Plus, an update on Marcus Benard and injured Browns.
BEREA, Ohio—Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace were both practicing on Thursday. It was the first time the pair has been on the field together since Oct. 10, when both were injured against the Falcons. There has been a lot of speculation about what Eric Mangini will do when all three quarterbacks are available. Mangini has said that there will be a ‘discussion’ between himself, Brian Daboll and Mike Holmgren. Mangini was asked if that has taken place yet. “They’re not all healthy, yet.” Mangini was asked if he was ready to name Colt McCoy the starter and his answer was similar to what he said in previous weeks. “We’re heading in that direction.” Mangini maintains he’s happy with all of the quarterbacks. “What I’m saying is that we’ve got three guys that we all feel very good about,” Mangini said. “I think Colt has done a really good job and I like the way that he is able to take more each week and it’s a great thing and it’s fun to watch. I’m proud of what he’s done. Now, it’s just a function of getting all of our guys healthy, seeing where we are and making the best decision.” Both quarterbacks were asked about the situation regarding the play of McCoy. Both sound as though and if he should remain the starter. “I think it’s a good problem to have,” Delhomme said. “Colt has played outstanding. You didn’t get to see a whole lot from him in the spring and training camp because Seneca and I got most of the reps. “The game doesn’t seem too big to him,” he said. “He’s made adjustments extremely well and I’m proud of him. (Who plays) will play itself out. Seneca and I need to get healthy. “We’re not going to rock the boat, I’ll tell you that much,” Delhomme said. “Whatever is best for the team. Whatever happens is going to happen.” Wallace said a couple of weeks ago that he felt he stated his case to start when he was healthy. However, he backed off that on Thursday. “I’m not going to rush it,” Wallace said. “Colt is playing well, so I’m not going to rush it. “We’ll see how the week goes. “The guy who is established and playing well and moving the ball should keep playing.” Delhomme has been impressed with McCoy’s play. “The guys do believe in him,” he said. “The game is not too big for him.” Both quarterbacks sound like they’re not ready to play yet. ”I’m taking baby steps right now to get on the field, “Delhomme said. “I have to knock off a little rust,” Wallace said. “Rust is obviously going to be a question. I just have to continue to work in practice on my timing.” The season, obviously, has not gone the way Delhomme was hoping it would. He suffered a high ankle sprain in the season opener against Tampa Bay and after sitting out several weeks, re-injured the ankle in a substitute role on Oct. 10 against the Falcons. Delhomme might have lost his starting job to not only Wallace, but McCoy. “With the NFL, you never know what hand you’re going to be dealt,” Delhomme said. “I’ve played a quarter-and-a-half of healthy football. You can’t feel sorry for yourself, but just make the most of the situation.” Mangini has been impressed with the way Delhomme has handled himself. “He’s been a great teammate, leader and mentor.” Notebook Benard Update: LB Marcus Benard was ‘alert and stable’ after being taken to a local hospital after collapsing in the locker room just before Thursday’s practice. It happened during the portion of the locker room that is open to the media. Neal Gulkis said there will be updates later. Injury Update: Mike Adams (head), QB Jake Delhomme (ankle) and DL Shaun Rogers (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, while OL Kenyon Coleman (knee, OL John St. Clair (ankle) and QB Seneca Wallace (ankle) were limited. Mangini said that all the players would practice on Thursday, including Delhomme, with the exception of Coleman, who is resting his knee. Mangini said that Adams suffered a mild concussion against the Patriots, but would practice Thursday. Hillis Key Component: Mangini said that in the trade of QB Brady Quinn to Denver, RB Peyton Hillis was a key component in the deal, not just a throw-in as many thought at the time. “He was a key part of the deal,” he said. Mangini said he talked with Hillis after the trade and told him there was no reason he couldn’t come here and be a 1000 yard rusher and play a big role in the Browns offense. He liked his ability to play fullback, as well to be effective catching passes on third down. The trade happened before the draft and the Browns still traded up in the second-round to select RB Montario Hardesty. “You can never have enough good players at a position with injuries,” Mangini said. Scout.com: Delhomme Won't "Rock the Boat"

[Enigmatic Evil]

I'm glad that our QB's, at least for now, aren't going to make a scene out of this. It seems this team has always been bogged down by QB drama that's created by the coach or the players. Mangini's trying to keep neutral for obvious reasons but I'm glad to see Delhomme taking the veteran approach. He knows his role with the team and wants to see the team win above anything else. People like to give Delhomme a hard time because he's not a great QB when he's trying to play with one good leg but I still gotta respect the guy for taking a back seat to the hot hand when you know he probably wants to start just as bad as Wallace and McCoy do.

[Sez.EJ]

Both these QB's have been around long enough to know how this works. I don't know too much about Wallace as a locker room guy...but considering Holmgren liked him enough to bring him in.. he's probably going to fall in line.. As for Delhomme..he's always been a class act and I am sure is working hard with Colt to help him as much as he can.

[hammertime]

I'm surprised at the lack of Benard info. Anyone got anything more??


Jake who by the way and what fricking boat is he talking about?

[BrownieBornAndRaised]

i heard he was released from the hospital... he should be fine, but im not sure if he'll be ready for Sunday

[Jax Dawg]

Originally Posted by Sez.EJ

Both these QB's have been around long enough to know how this works... As for Delhomme..he's always been a class act and I am sure is working hard with Colt to help him as much as he can.

They were talking about that during the Patriots game. The announcers said McCoy picks up Delhomme every day at 7:00 AM to go study film together, made Delhomme sound like a true professional, mentor and leader.

[Tobalaz]

Hey, Jake can't rock any boats with sprains in every part of his leg!
You ever try to rock a boat with an ankle sprain?
I have, it sucks!
I fell over twice!

[Crow]

jake has no more fight left in 'im

[hiwaygal]

Didn't Bernie mention in a interview the other day that the FO needs to treat the vets with respect. Not that they don't, I'm sure, but the comment was made about this particular situation and how benching a vet for a rookie can look bad for other vets on the team.

Yeah, these guys are professionals. They've been in the game long enough to know how it works. You win, you play. It's fleeting sometimes and it sucks sometimes but that's how it is.

You have to admire Delhomme. I think he knew that his time here was limited and a "stop gap". He wanted to do well for us, but it didn't work out that way. He seems to be handling the situation with extreme professionalism in finding other ways to help (i.e. working with Colt). Perhaps we owe him a lot more than we know.

I'm also glad to see Seneca backed off a bit as well.

No offense to either player, and I'm sure they know that. But we gotta keep the kid in if we are winning. I've heard so many coaches say that over the past few weeks.

[grumpy_dinosaur]

On the radio after the game on Sunday, Bernie was saying you need to stick with the "hot hand" as well and said there's no question McCoy should be starting.

I agree though, I think Dellhomme's been great as a coach/mentor, maybe they should just keep him on as a QB coach

[OzDawg]

He who rocks the boat seldom has time to help row it.
I agree Jake has been good as a mentor, and I believe Wallace will accept the coaches decision on who starts.

[Legendary]

Good to have Jake helping out Colt and nice to hear from him. Jake will take him time recovering and work on his sharpness, so he can be ready when we need him for some reason. For now Colt is top dog.