Does anyone remember the good old days? Back when there were years in which from one season to the next you knew who the Browns quarterback was going to be. And regardless of who the team drafted or signed, there was no doubt of who “the man” was when the season started. For the Browns those times are gone. It has become abundantly apparent that a quarterback controversy has become the “status quoi” in Cleveland. And the best example of this has been the Browns 2012 off-season.

Colt McCoy has become a polarizing figure in the eyes of many Browns fans. Some think he is the franchise quarterback who just needs some weapons, and still others feel Cleveland needs a new signal caller. And even when the talent level available to the Browns is less than proven, the debate rages on about whom the Browns should sign or draft. Unfortunately this is not a new trend. So let’s look back at some of the quarterback controversies we have had to endure in recent history.

Tim Couch vs. Kelly Holcomb

The first domino to fall in this quarterback “train wreck” occurred in 2002 with incumbent quarterback (and number one overall pick) Tim Couch versus Kelly Holcomb. A broken leg put starter Tim Couch on the sidelines for the teams first post season appearance in the young “expansion” franchise’s history. Enter career backup Kelly Holcomb who had started a grand total of just three games (sound familiar? Cough, cough, Matt Flynn). Holcomb's post season loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers was Holcomb's fourth start and catapulted the Browns into a QB controversy after he posted a 429 yard, 3 touchdown performance. The debate raged on into the 2003 off-season and by 2004 neither quarterback remained on the team’s roster.

Trent Dilfer vs. Charlie Frye

Trent Dilfer managed to stave off 3rd round draft pick Charlie Frye for 11 games in the 2005 season until a banged up right knee opened the door for the Akron native Frye. But even before Dilfer’s knee injury, the fans were clamoring for Frye after the youngster had an impressive preseason. Romeo Crennel who was the Browns head coach had also worked Frye into the lineup during two previous games allowing him to take the reins for two series against the Miami Dolphins and again for one play (an interception) against the Minnesota Vikings. Dilfer was traded after the 2005 season while Frye managed to stick around until 2007 when he became the one without a starting job.

Derek Anderson vs. Brady Quinn

Derek Anderson had himself a Cinderella 2007 season after replacing then starter Charlie Frye. Anderson made the pro bowl that year throwing for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns. He led the Browns to a 10-6 record that year barely missing the playoffs. But even an outstanding season such as Anderson had was not enough to keep his job the following year. Anderson struggled opening the door for 2007 first round pick (22nd overall) Brady Quinn. The Notre Dame graduate was a fan favorite whose name was constantly chanted by fans at Cleveland Browns stadium (Much like Tebow’s name will be in N.Y. this season). Even after his pro bowl performance it was clear that Anderson was on a short leash. The two QB’s battled it out until both were off the roster by the end of the 2009 season. Is anyone noticing the pattern here?

Colt McCoy vs. ???????

After a disappointing 2011 season the Browns fans are once again chanting for the head of yet another starting quarterback. But unlike previous years, there is no backup waiting in the wings to take over (No offense to Seneca Wallace). Instead the cry by the fans is to sign or draft anyone. Flynn, Weeden, Tannehill, and Kolb are just a few of the names that have been tossed about this off-season as possible replacements for McCoy.

At what point are we as a fan-base going to sit on our hands and give a young quarterback the chance to develop? It cannot always be the “instant” success story like we have seen in the league in recent years. Players like Flacco, Newton, and Roethlisberger have set a very high standard for what has become a quarterback-driven league. But what fans need to remember is that those players are the exception, not the rule. Payton Manning, Joe Montana, and John Elway all struggled as young quarterbacks. And even though I am not saying that Colt McCoy is the next Payton Manning, I am saying that we don’t know he isn’t. Only time and PATIENCE will tell.