Browns to make decision on quarterback this week
After two preseason games, Browns head coach Hue Jackson is ready to name a starting quarterback.
The Cleveland Browns have had to many starting quarterbacks to name since rejoining the NFL in 1999, and they may add another name or two to that list this season. Heading into their third preseason game, head coach Hue Jackson is ready to name a starting quarterback after Monday night’s game against the New York Giants.
"“I will watch the tape. There were some things that I felt on the sidelines just being out there watching the game, calling the plays and watching how things happen. Like I told you guys, I hope by Wednesday of this upcoming week we will have a decision of where we are headed, and I think that is what we have to do.”"
Jackson will name a Week 1 starter under center very soon, so let’s take a look at the three candidates.
1. Brock Osweiler
Osweiler has started the first two preseason games for the Browns, and he has gone 12-for-22 for 67 yards with an interception over six series of action. Prior to Monday night’s game Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Osweiler was the favorite to win the starting job, but a lackluster performance probably didn’t clinch it for him.
Osweiler may still get the nod for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his hold on the starting job will be tenuous and if he plays well he could become trade bait.
2. DeShone Kizer
Kizer, a second round pick this year out of Notre Dame, is the Browns latest attempt to find a quarterback of the future. He has the expected ups and downs of a rookie quarterback through two preseason games, with nice deep ball accuracy and running ability mixed with some bad decision-making and holding the ball a bit too long. But unlike Osweiler, and of course mostly against backups, Kizer has led the Browns’ offense to points in both of his preseason outings.
Kizer may not start Week 1, but it seems like a foregone conclusion he will make some starts as a rookie. Based on talent and upside alone, he would get the nod against the Steelers on Sept. 10.
3. Cody Kessler
Kessler was Cleveland’s theoretical No. 1 quarterback through offseason work, but he appears to be third in line now. He started eight games for the Browns last season as a rookie, suffering two concussions along the way. But he has experience in Jackson’s offense in meaningful games, and that shouldn’t be totally dismissed.
Kessler did go a perfect 7-for-7 for 50 yards on Monday night, he also lost a fumble on a botched hand-off. He would have to be standing out to make a strong push to start Week 1, and that hasn’t been the case over the first two preseason games.
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Any betting odds would favor Osweiler being named Cleveland’s starting quarterback, and taking the first snap against Pittsburgh in Week 1. But this is the Browns we’re talking about, and through circumstances beyond their control Kizer and Kessler seem sure to see action and make starts this season.