Good moves? Bad decisions? Preseason had its share

By JOANNE KORTH, Times Staff Writer
Published September 2, 2007

The drudgery known as the preseason finally, mercifully, has ended. But it wasn't without a few interesting story lines, debates and dilemmas. A look at the preseason decisions that make plenty of sense and a few that could backfire:

Good calls

Frye over Quinn: Even after rookie Brady Quinn's 11-day holdout, there is little doubt who the best quarterback is in Cleveland. It's Quinn, whose fluidity only serves to show just how clunky Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson are. But Frye is the right choice to start opening day against Pittsburgh. Quinn can play the hero in Week 6.

Signing Culpepper: The Raiders drafted JaMarcus Russell No. 1 overall but haven't been able to come to terms on a contract. The late signing of Daunte Culpepper looks like a stroke of genius. The ninth-year veteran looks mobile on his surgically repaired knee. And, now, there's no pressure to cave to Russell's demands.

Huard over Croyle: Chiefs coach Herm Edwards wanted to play the kid, but Brodie Croyle's miserable performance in the third preseason game made it impossible. Edwards named career backup Damon Huard his starter, and that's a good thing. The Chiefs play three of their first four on the road. If the Chiefs are playoff contenders by midseason, great. If not, Edwards can go to Croyle, 24, and get a head start on next season.

Patient Falcons: Ever since commissioner Roger Goodell told Michael Vick to stay away from training camp, there has been speculation Atlanta would acquire a quarterback. But general manager Rich McKay, realizing there is no such thing as a quick quarterback fix, didn't panic. Teams pared their rosters to 53 on Saturday, so the Falcons' options are more attractive this morning. McKay can look to add a third quarterback with an eye toward the future, not just the present.

Changing the guard: After coming much too close to losing quarterback Jason Campbell to a knee injury on a blindside sack in the preseason - it turned out to be a bruise - the Redskins traded a fifth-round pick to the Jets for left guard Pete Kendall, an 11-year starter for the Seahawks, Cardinals and Jets. Problem solved.

Bad calls

Strahan's holdout: Whether about money or retirement, defensive end Michael Strahan's decision to stay away from Giants camp now looks like a mistake. He is in nowhere near football shape, and Justin Tuck has played well in his absence.

Going Green: Miami was beaten 7-0 in its final preseason game against New Orleans. Shutout? In preseason? Seems veteran Trent Green is still shaky after missing most of last season with a serious concussion. Seems, too, the Dolphins' quarterback problems continue.

Not Backing Byron: So, Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio washed his hands of quarterback Byron Leftwich on Friday. Del Rio gets credit for a bold move but leaves himself open to a wave of second-guessing if David Garrard doesn't get it done.

Picking Russell: Word is, Russell isn't all that keen on playing for Oakland and might skip the season. Hindsight is 20/20, but the Raiders could have had Culpepper and consensus can't-miss receiver Calvin Johnson.

Dissing Donovan: Apparently, Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb took exception to coach Andy Reid drafting the quarterback of the future, Kevin Kolb, in the second round. In the past two weeks, McNabb publicly criticized the release of veteran linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and Reid's decision to remain at work rather than be with his troubled sons.

Joanne Korth can be reached at korth@sptimes.com or 727 893-8810.

[Last modified September 1, 2007, 20:01:04]