5 reasons Josh McCown can lead Browns to AFC Playoffs
By John Buhler
Josh McCown should replace Robert Griffin, III as the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback. Here are five reasons McCown gets Cleveland into the playoffs.
The Cleveland Browns had a very rough start to their 2016 NFL season. They were manhandled by rookie quarterback Carson Wentz in laugher against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, 29-10. Cleveland saw its Week 1 starting quarterback Robert Griffin, III go on injured reserve with a broken bone in his shoulder.
While the Browns seem to be in a bad spot before next week’s game at home against the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens, one thing that Cleveland has going for it is a proven backup quarterback in Josh McCown.
McCown is viewed as one of the better backup quarterbacks in the game today. He is more than capable of leading an NFL team when thrust into the line of duty. McCown throws a great deep ball and is excellent in the classroom. Though it sounds insane entering Week 2, here are five reasons McCown can lead the Browns to the 2016 AFC Playoffs.
5. Gary Barnidge at tight end is going to be amazing, again
Part of what makes a quarterback good in the NFL is his ability to use the offensive weapons around him effectively. Cleveland has a top-10 tight end in the game in Gary Barnidge, yet Griffin couldn’t complete a pass to his safety valve in Week 1.
McCown knows that for the Browns offense to succeed Barnidge will have to play like a Pro Bowler. Great tight end play opens up the field for other receivers to make plays in the passing game. While the Browns have other weapons on the outside, Barnidge is the best playmaker on Cleveland’s roster.
Targeting Barnidge on crucial third down situations should allow the Browns to move the chains better going forward. Though McCown has comparable arm strength to Griffin, he understands that the mid-range passing game will ignite the Browns offense more than deep go-routes on the outside.
Cleveland lost a ton of strong players in 2016 NFL free agency, but the front office made a point to pay Barnidge handsomely this offseason. He is too good to not have any catches in an NFL game. McCown will feed his tight end often as the Browns starting quarterback.
Next: 4. Veteran leadership for a young team