Trent Dilfer
threatened to retire rather than return to the Browns in 2006, despite inking a
handsome four-year contract the year prior. The thought of subbing for Charlie
Frye while enduring another year of Mo Carthon was just too much.
Understandable, but watching his failed tenure in Cleveland unfold, I lost a lot
of my respect for Dilfer.
Phil Savage salvaged
a measly seventh-round pick and Ken Dorsey when he traded Dilfer back west. Now, with
49ers starter Alex Smith injured, possibly for the year, Dilfer is thrust back
in the saddle after looking anemic coming off the bench last week. Now he'll
face the Baltimore Ravens. For that reason alone, I'll be rooting for him.
Fortunately, the game will be broadcast throughout Ohio following the Browns/New
England contest, which also will be seen in more markets than
usual.
Rooting for Dilfer,
huh? I suppose it's easier than pulling for Jeff Garcia, who utterly disgraced himself in Cleveland, but more
conflicting than cheering on the Vikings' Kelly Holcomb. (Tim Couch: out of the
question.) Even if Smith goes on IR, I'd be surprised if the 35-year-old Dilfer
lasts the rest of the year as the San Francisco starter. The Browns host the
'Niners in the season finale.
Behind Dilfer on the
depth chart is Shaun Hill, a six-year veteran who has yet to throw a pass in a
regular season game. His QB rating this preseason was an atrocious 44.4. Look
for a signing soon. And if Dilfer is healthy when it happens, look for him to
gripe about it.