You’d be hard-pressed to find a football fan in Cleveland that hasn’t weighed in on this year’s version of the annual quarterback controversy.

2009 brings in two familiar candidates, each one completely different from the other.

One is a well-spoken Golden Domer from the Midwest.

The other a clumsy beaver from Scappoose.

One is first-round draft pick and has graced the covers of several magazines.

The other a sixth-rounder who only graces the mountains of Northwest America.

In the court of public opinion, there is no controversy.

But what if the roles were reversed?

Imagine, for a second, the Cleveland Browns drafted a quarterback with the 22nd overall selection of the 2005 NFL Draft. That quarterback, a thoughtful young man from a reputable collegiate program, grew up in Ohio and had the charm and appeal of a franchise signal-caller.

He was a media darling.

He said all the right things in public, hosted public events, and even appeared in his share of commercials.

For all intents and purposes, let’s call this quarterback Derek Quinn.

In our imaginary situation, let’s say Derek Quinn sat on the bench and learned his entire rookie season. Let’s say he doesn’t get his first real taste of game action until late the following year—when he sparks a come-from-behind thriller against a 9-7 team with playoff aspirations.

Call that team the Kansas City Chiefs.

Derek Quinn goes on to finish out the year as the starter, providing fans with the hope in their potential franchise quarterback.

Come 2007, the Browns select a tall, awkward passer from a small college in the sixth round of the draft. He didn’t have the charm or appeal of Derek Quinn, but he is young, hungry, and willing to do anything it takes to win.

This quarterback is named Brady Anderson.

So the Browns go into the 2007 with their incumbent starter, and these two young passers with unlimited potential.

At the onset of the season, the incumbent goes down, opening the door for the charismatic Derek Quinn. The first round pick doesn’t disappoint, throwing for 29 touchdowns and more than 3,700 yards en route to a 10-6 season and a Pro Bowl appearance.

Brady Anderson watches from the sidelines.

The situation, as it has been developed to this point, has already resolved itself. Regardless of what happens the following year, there could never be a quarterback controversy in Cleveland.

How could there ever be one?

Ohio’s native son has transformed the city’s beloved Browns into playoff contenders, and nothing short of complete and total regression could change the fact that the Browns finally found the face of their franchise.

Despite the situation bearing striking similarities to the one the Browns will face this fall, Cleveland still does not have a franchise quarterback.

Even with a Pro Bowl on his resume, Derek Anderson is still viewed as a lowly sixth-round draft pick without the credentials to succeed long-term. He is looked down upon for not possessing the outgoing personality and charm of a Brady Quinn.

If the situation were different and their personalities reversed, the quarterback situation in Cleveland would look very different from the polarizing contest it is today.

And I have a feeling the name Derek would be a whole lot more popular in Cleveland.