BEREA, Ohio -- Charlie Frye will start at quarterback for Cleveland's season opener Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Frye, who started 13 games last year, entered training camp slightly behind Derek Anderson in the quarterback competition. But he outperformed Anderson during preseason games and directed one touchdown drive against the Denver Broncos. Anderson produced no touchdowns when he led the offense during preseason games.
Coach Romeo Crennel said Monday the position will be evaluated on a weekly basis. But he wouldn't say if Frye's backup was rookie Brady Quinn, a first-round draft pick, or Anderson.
Quinn, selected 22nd overall in April, missed 11 days of training camp in a holdout, but led four touchdown drives in three preseason games, mostly against backups.
Crennel said Frye's experience playing against Pittsburgh and as a team leader was the deciding factor.
"I think that gives us the best chance to win," he said.
Frye said he's looking forward to facing the rival Steelers.
"Obviously I'm excited," he said. "I've been working hard. The competition's been going since minicamp, and I think all of us have benefited from it. It's going to help the team."
The Browns on Saturday released a fourth quarterback, Ken Dorsey, who acted as a mentor to Quinn during training camp.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
