Pagel Expects to Challenge for Browns’ Quarterback Job

Quarterback Mike Pagel is used to seeing his name listed second or third on the depth chart, but he’s consistently managed to overcome that.

“I’m thinking of starting,” Pagel said at the Cleveland Browns’ Lakeland Community College training camp, although he’s currently considered to be behind second-year pro Bernie Kosar and veteran Gary Danielson in the Browns’ plans for 1986.

Pagel, acquired in a May trade with the Indianapolis Colts, could move up to the second spot on the list if Danielson’s shoulder recovers more slowly than anticipated. Danielson injured his right shoulder last season and underwent major surgery at the end of the year.

Even a move into the backup slot, however, won’t keep Pagel happy.

“I’d like to (start),” he said. “I have to think that way. If I don’t start, I want to push the guy who does and be ready for any emergency.”

Pagel has been in this position before. He was chosen in the fourth round of the 1982 draft, the same year the Colts chose Ohio State’s Art Schlichter in the first round. Pagel won the job away from Schlichter, who later was suspended for one year by the National Football League for gambling.

“There’s so much pressure on a quarterback drafted in the first round. It took a lot (of pressure) off me,” Pagel said.

Ernie Accorsi, the Browns’ executive vice president, was assistant general manager of the Colts when Pagel and Schlichter were battling for the starting job.

“He beat out Schlichter the first day of camp,” Accorsi said. “One pass and there was no question who was the better quarterback. He had the best rookie training camp I ever saw a quarterback have, including (former Colt) Bert Jones.”

But Pagel’s four years with the Colts were never easy. Coaches Frank Kush and Rod Dowhower were never sold on Pagel, who was reputed to be an inconsistent thrower and an “overthinker.”

He completed 51% of his passes in four years with the Colts, throwing for 39 touchdowns with 47 interceptions.

“I still feel good about my career,” Pagel said.