17 August---In a decision Butch Davis described as "Frankly, a gut feeling" long time back-up Kelly Holcomb was named the starter at Quarterback for the Browns 2003-2004 season. Being careful not to make any statement which could be thought to be a slight about either QB, Davis spoke highly of both Holcomb and Tim Couch. He characterized both men as highly competent and that "The Cleveland Browns are very fortunate to have two excellent QB's, both of which are more than capable of winning against any team". Noting that he felt that "Kelly had earned the right to have an opportunity to lead this team", Davis said he "knows that Tim will handle this like a man and as a competitor, and that he'll be ready if called upon".

 

Davis said that he pulled both men into his office this morning (Sunday), Tim Couch first and Kelly Holcomb second, described to them his decision, and explained his desire only to win, and for the Browns to win, and felt that this scenario gave them the best situation to do so.

 

He also mentioned that Couch took the news as he expected to, with disappointment, but with renewed determination to win the starting job back, and to support Kelly Holcomb. Couch was quoted as saying "It's a tough day for me but I am a young player and I'll be around along time, so this is just a minor stumbling block". "This isn't gonna do anything to me but make me hungrier, but I was surprised by the decision". Further he mentioned "I will prepare as always and given an opportunity, I'll be prepared to make the most of it". Finally, Couch was asked about the possibility of restructuring his enormous contract, Couch said, "I am willing, I just want to help this team win". About a trade, he said, "I don't know about that, we'll have to look at that at the end of the season, right now I just want to be ready for what happens this year".

 

Holcomb, interviewed after Davis press conference was stoic, but excited about his opportunity. He did mention that he "Knows what Tim is going through, I've been there, its tough." Asked how he reacted when Coach Davis told him the news he chuckled "I was numb". As far as the reaction of his team mates, Holcomb said it was "business as usual". Holcomb did joke a bit by saying that this could help sales of his mustard and B-BQ sauce.

 

Holcomb, for whatever reason, seems to seem more at ease in this offense, makes his reads quicker (which is essential in Bruce Arians scheme), and finds the open receiver. Couch is getting better, but still has "happy feet" and struggles to find the right guy.

 

Remember when the popular Mike Phipps was replaced by unhearalded and untested Brian Sipe? Let's hope this move produces the same kind of excitement and more importantly, wins, which is all that matters....scoreboard.