Cleveland Browns: Evaluating quarterback situation

When it comes to the Cleveland Browns, they are indeed a team looking to bounce back nicely in 2015. Last season was considered a disappointment by many as the Browns know most of their issues came from an abysmal defense that was unable to stop the run and their struggles at quarterback. Between Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel last season, both didn’t really prove their worth when it came to executing plays effectively on offense. Needless to say, Hoyer found his way out by heading to the Houston Texans via free agency and the Browns are now working with four quarterbacks at this very moment.

The Browns went after and landed quarterback Josh McCown this offseason. Manziel had to enter a special rehab program to work out his demons to ensure a much more successful sophomore season in the NFL both on and off the field. The Browns also have the returning Thaddeus Lewis and Connor Shaw battling it out for the third and final spot on the depth chart at quarterback.

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After doing a fantastic job this offseason acquiring better talent on their wide receiving corps in Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe, better offensive drives should be on the way for the Browns. Of course it won’t mean much if the Browns don’t have stability, execution and consistency when it comes to their quarterback situation. That’s why it makes sense to give the nod to McCown right off the bat.

McCown is currently the starter heading into training camps this summer as he gives them the very best option of winning plenty of football games this upcoming season compared to what is around him. The Browns are hoping that his forgettable season last year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was just a product of being on one of the worst teams playing in the NFL at that time. In his lone season with the Buccaneers, McCown contributed 2,206 yards on 184 completions for 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

Manziel is looking to silence his critics and prove that he can continue being a polarizing quarterback at the pro level. In his rookie season last year, Manziel played in just five games and started in two that ultimately saw him contribute 175 yards on 18 completions for 0 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The jury is still out if he can successfully play in the NFL which will take some time to determine.

Could his stint at rehab inspire him to live up to his mantra of being “Johnny Football” and play to his utmost potential? This could be what puts him on the forefront to dethrone McCown this summer and take the No. 1 spot at quarterback but the odds are stacked against him due to his poor performance in the past. Expect to see McCown emerge nicely over the summer as the clear-cut option at starter with Manziel securely at No. 2 as his primary backup.

May 26, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to say who will end up being the third and final quarterback on the Browns’ depth chart. Lewis was brought in this offseason mainly for depth and as insurance in case something happens whether it be injury or a decline in play.

He showed signs of hope back in 2013 as a member of the Buffalo Bills as the Browns are hoping he can step up should his number be called in the heat of the moment during the regular season.

While Shaw is a highly intelligent quarterback that has promise, he will most likely end up being placed on the practice squad as Lewis should do just enough to be the No. 3 quarterback on the Browns’ final roster.

Shaw has potential but is just nowhere near ready to be under center this upcoming season.

Overall, if McCown can deliver consistently throughout the summer, it should hopefully bring much better results this time around for a franchise that is looking to be a playoff-caliber team this upcoming season. If not, the Browns might be in for another long year due to not having the most important piece of the puzzle under center.

Next: Browns mishandling Manziel from a football perspective

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