Delhomme eager to prove himself

Newly-minted Cleveland Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme doesn't hesitate to discuss what happened during a horrendous season last year that spelled his departure from the Carolina Panthers.

After throwing five interceptions and fumbling once in a 2008 playoff loss to the Arizona Cardinals, he threw a career-high 18 interceptions. He managed just eight touchdown passes and a career-worst 59.4 quarterback rating.

So, what happened?

"I didn't play good football," Delhomme said today in remarks distributed by the team. "I'm not going to blame anybody else or anything. For whatever reason, I didn't play good football. Very simple. I can sit here and blame this, blame that. but ultimately it doesn't do anybody any good. I didn't play good football from Week 1 on. 2009 year football-wise wasn't fun.

"We didn't have the same continuity on offense as we've had in years prior, and I probably tried to press way too much," he said. "I don't think there's any doubt I probably tried to do too much. It didn't work. I wasn't just being me. For six out of the seven years I started there, I was just me."

Delhomme, who's expected to face some competition from Seneca Wallace for the job, acknowledged that his confidence was affected.

"It probably took a good hit, I'm not going to lie to you," Delhomme said. 

Now, Delhomme is eager to move on from last season after receiving $7 million in guaranteed money and another chance to be a starter in Cleveland.

"I've got to go out and prove it," Delhomme said. "I can feed you whatever kind of line you want me to feed you, but I don't know what good that's going to do. I've just got to go out and play well and that's how you get it turned around. ..

"One, I'm a glass half-full guy. And two, it's a fresh start for me. That's why I'm excited. It's learning a new system, new players. That's what's great. That's been the most refreshing part about being here so far."

Follow me on Twitter: RavensInsider

Comments

Add a Comment