McDonald Puts More Zip on Ball : Schottenheimer Is Pleased by Reaction of Former Trojan

Paul McDonald has not panicked.

His house is not for sale, he is not having a garage sale, and he is “putting more zip” in his passes--but not changing his zip code.

Not yet, anyway.

“When Bernie Kosar became a member of the Cleveland Browns, I had two reactions,” said McDonald, the Browns’ veteran quarterback and last year’s starter.

“First, I was happy that we could get such a talented player. Second, I was determined to hold onto my starting job.

“If Bernie wants it, he’ll have to earn it. Paul McDonald isn’t going to hand it over. When the Browns also obtained Gary Danielson (from Detroit), my determination doubled.”

Needless to say, Cleveland coach Marty Schottenheimer likes to hear that sort of talk.

“I think Paul McDonald has had a fine camp to date,” he said. “He’s throwing with more accuracy--his passes are faster and crisper.

“Most of all, I think Paul has much more poise than he did last year. There were times he seemed frustrated in 1984, but that’s easy to explain if a guy’s been sacked 53 times.”

McDonald, who completed 271 of 493 passes for 3,472 yards and 14 touchdowns last year, says his new-found optimism stems largely from quarterback coach Greg Landry.

“It’s easy to talk about quarterbacking with Greg because he’s been there,” said McDonald, a former USC quarterback. “When I discuss my release with him, I know he knows what I’m talking about.

“When he mentions my footwork, I have respect for him because I know what he’s talking about. It’s a good two-way street for all the quarterbacks concerned.”

Schottenheimer said McDonald, Danielson and Kosar will get 20 plays each in Saturday’s controlled scrimmage against Buffalo.

“Nothing is set in stone just yet,” Schottenheimer said.