By: Erik Drost
It maybe a little premature, but can we get a loud “woof woof” for the Browns? Even though it’s only the preseason, the Browns are now 2-0 after running over the Packers on Thursday. The Browns travelled to Lambeau Field, defeating the Packers 35-10. Though the win doesn’t count, anytime you can be a team like the Packers it’s still impressive.
Despite the win, I still don’t think the quarterback situation is completely clear cut. I was not a big fan of the Browns drafting Brandon Weeden. I may be a bit biased, because I’ve been a fan of Colt McCoy from the beginning, and I don’t feel he was given a fair shot with the Browns. Last year, the offensive line was awful, and McCoy was facing pressure on almost every snap. On top of that, the team lead the league in dropped passes, which would cause even the best quarterback in the league to look overrated.
In no way am I saying McCoy has the potential to reach the level of stars like Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady. However, I do believe that with the right supporting cast he could’ve been a reliable starting quarterback for the Browns. Seriously, this is the guy who set the NCAA record for career wins as a quarterback although his record was later broken.
If you look at any strong team, the team is built around the quarterback. They find the quarterback they want, stick with him, and then find the right pieces that compliment that quarterback. Since the browns returned in 1999, 17 different quarterbacks have started games for the Browns, assuming Brandon Weeden starts this year. None of those 17 quarterbacks have gone on to have strong careers after leaving the Browns. What does this say about the team’s upper management and their scouting ability?
Is Brandon Weeden ready for the NFL? Only time will tell. He did improve greatly in the win over the Packers on Thursday. He went 12-for-20, finishing with 118 yards and a quarterback rating of 76.7. And the 2 preseason games combined, however, he’s completed 15 of 39 passes for 180 yards and a quarterback rating of 47.9. It’s just the preseason, and Brandon Weeden may have jitters, but it’s evident he may not be ready to compete on the NFL stage.
In his limited playing time in the preseason games, McCoy has completed 10 of 14 passes averaging 10.4 yards per completion. McCoy has averaged a quarterback rating of 104.2. Granted, McCoy has played against opposing team’s second string defenses, but he’s also played with Cleveland’s second string offense. McCoy has shown signs of improvement from last season. He’s looked up the field more, rather than settling for short passes every play.
Cleveland’s coaching staff has made it obvious from the beginning that Weeden is therir guy. Once the regular season starts, we’ll have a better idea of whether or not Brandon Weeden has what it takes to lead the Browns to victory. However, if he fails, it wouldn’t be surprising at all if there was a different quarterback starting midway through the season. If that happens, we’ll be right back to rebuilding next year.
