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Thanks Arch, I used to get all caught up in the coach speak and comments from the press and fans, but found that it usually drives me nuts. I'm getting older and now I like to look at things a little more open mindedly...is that a word  Anyway, these coaches and GMs have a lot of PR that they are responsible for, and taking anything they say too literally is not wise. IMO they have to keep the public interested along with the ticket holders. I just feel as fans, many of us just think this game is more complicated than it really is. Heck if you watch enough, you can learn alot. Just imagine if you also have the playbook in front of you and a library of film for reference. It's their profession, just as a welder, carpenter, or any other tradesman learns his craft, so do football players. It all comes down to the basics in the end.
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Thanks Arch, I used to get all caught up in the coach speak and comments from the press and fans, but found that it usually drives me nuts. I'm getting older and now I like to look at things a little more open mindedly...is that a word
Anyway, these coaches and GMs have a lot of PR that they are responsible for, and taking anything they say too literally is not wise. IMO they have to keep the public interested along with the ticket holders. I just feel as fans, many of us just think this game is more complicated than it really is. Heck if you watch enough, you can learn alot. Just imagine if you also have the playbook in front of you and a library of film for reference. It's their profession, just as a welder, carpenter, or any other tradesman learns his craft, so do football players. It all comes down to the basics in the end.
I agree and I took Heckert's statement to mean that Weeden has learned everything asked of him to this point and has shown no problems in grasping the concepts. (Not the literal interpretation)
There are ways to speed up that learning process, by making the terminology more user friendly as in the case with the Bengals and Andy Dalton. With that said I don't think that's the approach that we will be taking with Brandon Weeden, because we have an off season to work with him unlike last year.
True ... By know this is their trade and their thoughts and preparation should be to that end.
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j/c
You know, a lot of this could be explained. I mean how close was the system that Weeden ran in Oklahoma, other than the shotgun, similar to what we run? How about the signal calling?
The difference may be just that simple. From the routes and some of the plays I saw Weeden and Blackmon hooking up on, it could be the learning curve simply won't be all that steep.
Plus when you figure he does posess the arm strength to actually stretch the field, it may be they will be willing to open the playbook up more.
I think one must look at the differences and similarities in both the offense Colt ran at texas and the offense Weeden ran at Oklahoma to get a better feel as to which one would most easily adapt to the type of WCO our FO plans to run here to get a true gauge as to which one would make an easier transition.
From the pure point of having the ability to make all of the throws and have the better skill set to run it, I think Weeden would win hands down.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
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I don't know why we paying so much attention to what Heckert says. He's not a coach... and didn't Holmgren say that he believes that no rookie QB should play at all the first year. To be honest, what I saw in the rookie camp was Weeden moving very slow out of center, he has an arm no question, and he looked very lethargic in drills. It is all Pointelss rhetoric at this point only to boost confidence in Weeden and the Dawg Pound. If he works out great.... but I'd rather have Decastro/Colt. If Colt didn't get it done with a full offseason then we would of been in prime position to get a good YOUNG QB next year.
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I didn't see a ton of QB video from the rookie camp, so I can't go by anything except what the reporters and coaches said. It seemed like everyone was pretty universally in sync with their praise for Weeden's work from the pocket in rookie camp. What I read said that he barely took a shotgun snap at all during that camp. As far as today ...... here's some analysis from someone there, a reporter who has covered the Browns for a couple of decades ....... Browns: McCoy hoping for ‘fair competition;’ Weeden showcases better arm - news-herald.com http://news-herald.com/articles/2012/05/22/sports/doc4fbbdeb8f3993071190228.txt?viewmode=fullstoryBy Jeff Schudel JSchudel@News-Herald.com@jsbrownsinsider Round 1 in the battle between Brandon Weeden and Colt McCoy fought Tuesday on the practice fields in Berea clearly went to the rookie from Oklahoma State. Whether McCoy can last 15 rounds — or at least until the start of training camp the last week of July — only time will tell. McCoy could be traded or released before then. Or he could rally, as he plans to do, and surprise everybody by beating out Weeden. On Monday night, General Manager Tom Heckert said he fully expects Weeden to win the competition. “I can only go by what they tell me,” McCoy said after the 90-minute session to open OTAs. “This is the card that has been dealt. I’m working as hard as I can. I thought today went great. One of my favorite quotes by the Navy SEALs is, ‘The only easy day was yesterday.’ “As a quarterback, you have to be able to thrive in, if you want to call them difficulties. I don’t want to make this me vs. Seneca or me vs. Brandon. I want to make this about what is best for our team. I don’t want there to be any distractions about ‘Am I the quarterback or is Brandon the quarterback?’ Hopefully, the best person will play.” Weeden said essentially the same thing Tuesday, as he has since the night he was drafted on April 26. He is a 28-year-old rookie who does not act or sound like a rookie. He proved that at one point in the morning when he took charge in the huddle. “They (other players) were talking about the previous play and I came and made a point,” he said. “I said, ‘Hey, listen.’ I can’t tell you what I said because you can’t write it. But, yeah, I think these guys, they understand it. They’ve been here before. “Once I step into the huddle and I have the play, they know to be quiet and they know it’s my huddle. Up until I step in, the center and everybody else can kind of do what they do. But I stepped in one time and they were still chirping a little bit. It stopped pretty quick.” Coach Pat Shurmur juggled the lineups so at times Weeden was with the first group and at others McCoy was with the starters. McCoy was with the first group in 11-on-11 when his pass intended for Mohamed Massaquoi on an inside route was picked off by linebacker Chris Gocong. Earlier in a 7-on-7 session, a pass by McCoy on the left sideline was broken up by defensive back David Sims. Weeden had more heat on his passes. That helped him complete a slant to Massaquoi in front of cornerback Joe Haden, rifle a pass to tight end Benjamin Watson through a tight window and find Greg Little in between defenders about 20 yards downfield. He also showed touch on a pass he threw about 15 yards over Carlton Mitchell’s outside shoulder. Players wear helmets but no pads in OTAs. There is no tackling, which is good for Rod Windsor. Weeden floated a pass over the middle Windsor jumped and caught. Had it been a real game, a safety could have taken aim and split Windsor in half. “I think they (Weeden and McCoy) did some good things,” Shurmur said. “I think they practiced fast and they made some good throws, although there were some errors in there. We’ll go in there and correct them when we see the tape.” What a difference for McCoy. He was 2-6 as a starter in 2010, lost his last three starts, combined for one touchdown pass and six interceptions in losses to the Ravens and Steelers and was still named the starter for 2011 even before Shurmur was hired as the head coach. The 2011 season ended with McCoy on the sideline for the last three games recovering from a concussion. One of the last things team president Mike Holmgren told him as players headed home for the offseason was to expect competition in 2012. The rumbling grew louder in March when the Browns offered the Rams three first-round draft picks for the No. 2 overall pick. They would have used it on quarterback Robert Griffin III. When that gambit failed, they used the 22nd pick on Weeden. “You can imagine a little bit (what McCoy was thinking), I guess,” McCoy said. “But for me, I’ve read what was said. I heard what was said. I guess my attitude is I’ve always just wanted to let everyone say what they needed to say. I understand the idea, and if it’s a fair competition, then that’s all you can ask for. “I mentioned it earlier. I don’t want this to be a situation where it’s me vs. him or him vs. me. Let’s make it about the Cleveland Browns being a great football team next year. And if that’s the case, I’m all in.”
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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Okay...some fascinating perceptions happening here...
Why is a cliche a cliche...because its founded and based in fact. So what cliche shall I use to make a point here...ah-ha...
Actions speak louder than words.
For those of you who still take every word spoken by guys named Holmgren, Heckert, and Shurmur as gospel, I would invite you to step out of the world of sheep so you can start thinking for yourselves. Frankly, I'm amazed that so many of you still hang on their words and embrace them as the truth. Sure, its human nature to be compelled to believe those who stand as authority figures, but we must learn to believe in what we see...even if it means we are wrong sometimes.
So...the pro-McCoy crowd has either decided on their own that he is no longer a viable starter, or they've been swayed by exterior forces. Since McCoy has not thrown a pass in months, it can only be assumed that exterior forces have done this. So what are those forces? Words by H&H? Nope...ACTIONS.
I truly LOL'ed when word came out that the Browns were content to put pieces around Colt after we failed to get Griffin. I didn't laugh because of the report, since the media were just "reporting" what the Browns said. I laughed because people bought it. ACTIONS people, ACTIONS.
These talking authority figures will say the right things, things which must NOT to be confused with, or construed as, the truth.
So let's not get all wet when reading reports of how great Weeden was in these ota's. I've never seen a rookie qb have a bad one. 
Wanna grade Weeden? You either have to use his college games or you have to wait until the first actual games. Whatever you choose, resist the urge to believe what you hear and read from the Browns or the media.
If you take everything Holmgren says as gospel, then he's a lunatic who contradicts himself left and right and therefore should be fired with all haste.
It won't take 3 years to get the WCO. If that were true, it means they expect Weeden to "get it" at the ripe young age of 32. Yikes. If that were true, McCoy is getting screwed because he didn't get 3 years.
I'm saying this because we're still using quotes as basis for opinions. That's a mistake on our part. The only truth I see out of their mouths is that they truly hope Weeden takes the job, but are leaving the door open in case they have to turn to Colt.
Save the formed opinions for after Weeden has played in a few preseason games.
***Gordon, I really didn't think you could be this stOOpid, but you exceeded my expectations. Wussy.
Manziel, see Josh Gordon. Dumbass.***
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Save the formed opinions for after Weeden has played in a few preseason games.
I will try to control mine till Weeden has played his first few years.
I AM ALWAYS RIGHT... except when I am wrong.
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I agree and think it would be eye opening as well to go back to previous Q.B. O.T.A. reports/coach' s quotes on the subject. Put them side by side and see the similarities season to season and just not the Browns
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I am trusting my eyes. My eyes tell me Colt lacks the arm strength and accuracy to be a complete QB and make all of the throws it takes to stretch oposing D's. My eyes tell me that as long as he's the starter, we will always face 8 men in the box and never have a productive O week in and week out.
My eyes also tell me that Weeden poesses these very things Colt lacks. He posesses accuracy, arm strength, touch and seems to be able to have very good ball placement for the most part.
Now how that will tanslate to the next level is still in question. It's a HUGE question but still, to me, it's the only question. Not saying he will be a great QB in the NFL. However, he does posess a much better skill set than Colt. Everything else remains to be seen.
That is based on what my eyes have told me, not news reports. And for those who somehow feel Colt desreved another season.... If you couldn't see his innacuracy and lack of arm strength to stretch the field all of last year, then I suppose you have a right to that opinion.
But in my book, continuing to move forward with a QB who simply lacks the ability to push the ball down the field makes no sense. What I believe we can get out of some of these articles is the fact that all who see both of them throw see pretty much the same thing. Weeden has better arm strength and is more accurate on a more steady basis,
And that's what many have said the Colt lacks. Otherwise? Yeah, the FO BS is just that, BS. I do believe that Weeden grasps the concept of the WCO simply because many of the plays I saw Oklahoma run in the passing game fits the WCO. Otherwise, he has to learn the playbook just like anyone else.
Most of what I'm reading from obsevers of the OTA's simply backs up what I saw and my opinion. It doesn't form my opinion.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
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I agree with your thoughts.
The issue I have is I have seen Colt with my eyes and now the reports my eyes are reading are about passes behind receivers.
I don't need to see that any more. Put the new guy in and readjust in a year or two if that doesn't work out. Wallace and the Cherub are essentially the same QB other than the fact Wallace knows he is a back-up QB. Play him if Weeden needs a break for some reason.
At this point I'd trade Colt for a box of jumbo paperclips. Keeping him around isn't serving anybody's best interests.
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I agree with your thoughts.
At this point I'd trade Colt for a box of jumbo paperclips. Keeping him around isn't serving anybody's best interests.
I am warming up to Weeden however, I have seen too many seasons with multiple QB's on IR.
I don't know if I could handle another season with "Johnny No-Depth" as the backup.
If Colt loses the starting job, he could at least come in for The Saffron Slinger and (if/when Weeden gets hurt) I am pretty confident he could do better than Wallace. The best part (if that terrible thing were to happen) is that if Colt does well, it drives his trading price thru the roof. The worst that could happen is that Colt and everyone else knows he is just a backup.
Hunter + Dart = This is the way.
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eryz...I'm just trying to keep it "real", pointing out that Heckert is engaged in some PR work here.
Some of our folks take a comment and run with it, putting their own spin on it to fill their own personal bias/agenda.
As you correctly pointed out, the front office commented about McCoy teaching the offense at Camp Colt last season...and we saw how that worked out once the real football started Refreshing our memory about those front office comments last season should drive the point home on just how much stock to put into Heckert's comments.
That said, it would be better PR if Heckert didn't comment that Weeden was drafted to be the guy and he fully expects him to be the guy...and "stuff" like that. Not a thing wrong with coaches and management thinking and talking that stuff among themselves but they don't need to say it publicly.
When I read comments like these (below), before the first OTA has taken place...is there any doubt that the competition is already over?
..."The best guy is going to play and we fully expect Brandon to be that guy,''
..."That's our goal is to have him be the guy."
..."I think when we say, open competition, the best guy's going to play, that's just the way it is. But we drafted Brandon Weeden to be that guy. (You) draft a guy 22nd in the draft, you think he's going to be that guy.''
When Heckert puts his thumb on the scale in this way, any creditability to the thought of a real competition taking place, should be dismissed. Not a thing wrong with Heckert making such comments, but they should be made after Weeden has been named the starter...after he has been declared the winner of the "so called, competition".
I wanted to see McCoy, Weeden and Wallace compete for the starting job because I'm a believer that real competition, earning your starting job, benefits the players involved. Competition brings out the best in football players...it forces the players to raise their game to higher levels. It sends a message to the rest of the team, that you earned your starting job and there is a degree of respect that is earned when a player competes for and earns his position on the team.
The only way "this" becomes a real competition is if McCoy forces it to be a competition because Heckert already declared Weeden the winner.
FOOTBALL IS NOT BASEBALL
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j/c
I thought the FO would get some pieces around McCoy and give him one last shot to be the starter...and that they would use all their high picks on positions other than QB once they were out of the Luck/RG3 sweepstakes.
I made that thought based on how the entire offense played, the lack of playmakers, the OL, etc.
While I understand Toad's point about the sheep, I think it was/is completely reasonable that there was/is merit to seeing what McCoy can do with some competency around him.
I also understand that the FO clearly...CLEARLY...believed that they needed better play at QB...and they had/have enough doubts about McCoy that they felt the need to draft a QB early and see if that player could provide better QB play.
I like the player in Weeden, but not the pick.
I like Heckert and his performance thus far.
It's all good.
Last year is over and the slate is clean for everyone...just like it is every year for every team. I think the FO is building that mentality and that will only make this team focus and compete better every year.
The spotlight for now is at QB...someday that spotlight will be on LT...or MLB...or wherever. It's inevitable.
We've been so inept for so long that we are starved for a player that elevates the team and makes us competent...we are silly in thinking that any one player will take us to competency or better.
H&H are building this team thru the draft...it's going to take some time. And the QB position just happens to be the first position where there is some debate about replacing the incumbent.
There was no doubt about the WR, RB & RT need prior to this draft.
Hopefully, the angst next year is over a pick that is seen as an upgrade to a position that already seemed solid - DQ, Ward, TE etc. THEN we will know we have reached a talent level that can compete league-wide.
That foundation was put in place the second Heckert became the GM. You can see it coming...just not as quickly as we'd like...and our "guy" very well may be the next guy upgraded on the roster.
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Words by H&H? Nope...ACTIONS.
I truly LOL'ed when word came out that the Browns were content to put pieces around Colt after we failed to get Griffin. I didn't laugh because of the report, since the media were just "reporting" what the Browns said. I laughed because people bought it. ACTIONS people, ACTIONS.
Just quoting this to remind you that you were content going into the season with McCoy as the starter when we missed out on RG3....there just was no way we'd do that. As I reminded you before the draft, it was either Tannehill or Weeden as they represented the last 2 short and long term upgrades to Colt ....as a REAL GM you can't wait to upgrade the most important position when it screams right in your face to get upgraded....it was bad logic then and it always will be armchair GM rhetoric: just because you missed out on option no1 to upgrade, you don't punt the fix to next offseason....GMs dont do so with other positions, so why should they treat the QB position any differently? An upgrade is an upgrade....you upgrade to get better, you don't wait for the next Manning to fall into your laps to finally pull the trigger....you NEVER draft not to bust....we finally have a GM in place who gets it
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Maybe Heckert just believes McCoy isn't worth a fart in the wind. I mean first day of OTA's and McCoy gets out played by Weeden. If anything, I would expect my veteran QBs to destroy the rookie at the beginning of OTA's.
I think Heckert is just looking for an excuse to dump McCoy and his daddy and being outplayed by a rookie in OTA's might be enough to do it.
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Love this little blurb, add to it the fact the Media is already all-systems-go playing their part. Most of what I read about Colt yesterday was either spun to be incredibly negative, or to at the very least make him pale in comparison to the mighty rookie Weeden who could do no wrong on his first day. I don't think I ready anything that even came across as constructive criticism with Weeden's name attached. Granted, it's day one, but when you put it the way you have. It's clear to me that the Team's "picked" a winner and is just saying what they need to say to appear un-biased (what NFL team wouldn't be biased as to what QB they want to start?) and it's clear the Media has also picked the winner as well without a single game snap. It's Weeden's job to lose, and really it was the second we took him at #22 overall. Quote:
When I read comments like these (below), before the first OTA has taken place...is there any doubt that the competition is already over?
..."The best guy is going to play and we fully expect Brandon to be that guy,''
..."That's our goal is to have him be the guy."
..."I think when we say, open competition, the best guy's going to play, that's just the way it is. But we drafted Brandon Weeden to be that guy. (You) draft a guy 22nd in the draft, you think he's going to be that guy.''
When Heckert puts his thumb on the scale in this way, any creditability to the thought of a real competition taking place, should be dismissed. Not a thing wrong with Heckert making such comments, but they should be made after Weeden has been named the starter...after he has been declared the winner of the "so called, competition".
The only way "this" becomes a real competition is if McCoy forces it to be a competition because Heckert already declared Weeden the winner.
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Quote:
Quote:
Words by H&H? Nope...ACTIONS.
I truly LOL'ed when word came out that the Browns were content to put pieces around Colt after we failed to get Griffin. I didn't laugh because of the report, since the media were just "reporting" what the Browns said. I laughed because people bought it. ACTIONS people, ACTIONS.
Just quoting this to remind you that you were content going into the season with McCoy as the starter when we missed out on RG3....there just was no way we'd do that. As I reminded you before the draft, it was either Tannehill or Weeden as they represented the last 2 short and long term upgrades to Colt ....as a REAL GM you can't wait to upgrade the most important position when it screams right in your face to get upgraded....it was bad logic then and it always will be armchair GM rhetoric: just because you missed out on option no1 to upgrade, you don't punt the fix to next offseason....GMs dont do so with other positions, so why should they treat the QB position any differently? An upgrade is an upgrade....you upgrade to get better, you don't wait for the next Manning to fall into your laps to finally pull the trigger....you NEVER draft not to bust....we finally have a GM in place who gets it
Don't get it twisted.
I was never content with McCoy. I was content with a rebuilding program where the present was sacrificed for the future. I would have been just as content with Wallace in that situation, and I'm not content with Wallace. The difference between the two is that Colt is much more affordable and there's a greater chance for upside.
If that concept confuses, clarity of my position can be found in remembering I'm all about losing meaningless games for higher draft picks. That means I was for another full-on rebuilding year instead of buying high on guys named Tannehill and Weeden...
***Gordon, I really didn't think you could be this stOOpid, but you exceeded my expectations. Wussy.
Manziel, see Josh Gordon. Dumbass.***
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Good backup quarterbacks are valuable, and Colt McCoy could be that for Cleveland Browns: Terry Pluto | cleveland.com http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2012/05/good_backup_quarterbacks_are_v.htmlCLEVELAND, Ohio — A large number of media people and fans keep insisting the Browns have to cut or trade Colt McCoy. Why? Because McCoy was the starter last year? Because a guy whose career record as a starter is 6-14 and he will "divide the locker room" if rookie Brendan Weeden takes his job? Or because McCoy will be looking over Weeden's shoulder in practice? No, he won't, unless McCoy is on a stepladder. The fact is, watching McCoy and Weeden at the Browns' organized team activities, Weeden is the superior physical specimen. He is taller, wider and has the stronger, more accurate arm. Anyone can see that, including McCoy and his teammates. That's critical because players are bottom-line guys. They want to win and win now. If Weeden looks like the better player, they will want him to start -- regardless of how much they respect McCoy, or if they believe McCoy was not given a fair shot. In pro sports, talent rules. Is McCoy thrilled with being in camp, knowing the team is committed to Weeden? Of course not. Does he sense that, for all the talk of "competition" for the starting quarterback's job, it belongs to Weeden unless something drastic happens? Yes, he does. Does he like it? Obviously not, but he handled questions about it professionally, trying very hard not to say anything controversial. While he talked about earning a starting job as a high school and college quarterback, this is the first time in his life that McCoy knows someone else will take his spot in the lineup. That's never happened to him. But it happens to most NFL quarterbacks at some point. How many times has everyone from Derek Anderson to Frank Ryan to Rex Grossman to Ryan Fitzgerald to Kyle Orton to Vinnie Testaverde to Tim Couch been in and out of the lineup? Yes, Tim Couch. In 2002, the Browns were 9-7 and made the playoffs with Couch. But he was injured, and Kelly Holcomb had a huge playoff game during a loss in Pittsburgh. The next season, coach Butch Davis opened the year with Holcomb. There was no outcry that Couch had to be traded. He stuck around, won the job back and eventually lost it again as his body was turned to raw meat after all the sacks and pounding of his early days with the Browns. The rarity is the quarterback who starts and remains a starter for the same team for most of his career. McCoy should realize that, just as he must know that no team was demanding his services -- or he would have been traded already. So why should the Browns walk away from a 25-year-old quarterback who has started 20 games and should improve in his third season? The only reason to do so is if McCoy creates a distraction with his attitude, and that doesn't appear to be the case. Besides, it's likely the backup will start some games -- no matter who opens at quarterback. Only once (Couch in 2001) did a Browns quarterback start all 16 games. Yes, the Browns have Seneca Wallace, another veteran quarterback. Weeden praised Wallace for being extremely helpful in the early days of camp, a good move for Wallace's career. But if there is a choice between a 31-year-old Wallace making $3 million a year and McCoy at $550,000 -- remember, these contracts are not guaranteed -- why not go with McCoy? He is younger, cheaper and far more likely to take a step forward in his career than Wallace. If McCoy is smart, he will "compete" for the starting job, embrace the backup role if that's his assignment, and the Browns would be wise to give him the chance to do so.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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And, to offer a contrary view ...... our old friend Pat McManamon. Colt McCoy and his future (?) with the Browns – Blog Sports Ohio http://fanmonster.com/?p=2041By Pat McManamon Colt McCoy addressed the media Tuesday for the first time this offseason and he seemed baffled and rattled about his future with the Browns. Perhaps baffled isn’t the right word. Perhaps he was, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on draft night, blindsided by the team’s selection of Brandon Weeden with the 22nd pick. McCoy looked and sounded defeated Tuesday, and though he put up the good verbal front — or at least tried — he seemed rattled that the Browns did not deed him the starting quarterback spot. In a way his reaction is kind of surprising. McCoy didn’t play all that well last season, and he was told when the season ended that there would be competition in 2012. He’s got it, full bore. Now the Browns have to make a difficult decision. And that is whether they are better off with McCoy as the backup or with McCoy on another team. Because he only thing that would keep Weeden from starting against Philadelphia on Sept. 9 would be catastrophe in the sense that he’s terrible or he’s injured. Injury is always possible, but a team can’t plan for disaster. Weeden looks far from terrible. Then again, it’s still practice in shorts. The argument for McCoy being Weeden’s backup are the same old ones that have been trotted out the past 13 years when the Browns chewed up a quarterback. He knows the offense. He’s a competitor. He’s a good guy. He cares. He believes. He walks little old ladies across the street every chance he gets. He even trims his parents shrubbery, with a hand trimmer. All this really is meaningless, because his presence on the team comes down to ability and the team. And the concerns about McCoy staying might carry more weight. Though McCoy was noble in his statement that he didn’t want the Browns offseason to be about him and Weeden, it’s almost inevitable if both are on the team. D’Qwell Jackson admitted the quarterback spot will be the talk of the town. Every pass Weeden throws will be measured, and if he struggles early there will be calls for McCoy. Somehow a fan base that wanted to run McCoy out of town all last season now seems sympathetic and supportive of him. It just doesn’t work — as the last 13 years have shown. Every time the Browns had a quarterback competition or controversy or companionship it blew up in their face. The Washington Redskins named Robert Griffin III the starter already. They removed any and all doubt. The Browns keep saying they will have this competition, and McCoy said he was promised he would compete. Tuesday, it was McCoy running with the first team. The early returns are in. Weeden is bigger, stronger, throws harder and his ball gets to receivers faster. An 11-on-11 drill in OTAs is not definitive, but McCoy’s first throw was an interception. Weeden will struggle, too. He’ll throw picks in games and there will be tough days — especially with that gauntlet of a first six games. But the sooner he gets in with all the starters, the better. McCoy gave the Browns his all, and he’s to be commended for that. But sometimes a player’s all is not enough. McCoy played in brutal circumstances, but he didn’t help himself much either. He’s also not the first guy to face a change after playing in brutal circumstances. Some of his words Tuesday are more than understandable. It’s tough to see someone brought in to take your job, and when you care it’s double-tough. But some of what he said sounded a bit entitled, which has been a constant theme of the Browns at many positions since 1999. While McCoy sounded rattled, Weeden said he really preferred not to be named the starter because he wanted to compete and prove he deserved the job. “I want to go out and win the job,” he said. Perhaps too much is being made of McCoy’s words and demeanor. Perhaps it’s the way he is. It wasn’t too long ago that Jon Gruden was challenging him to be more assertive when he spoke on that silly quarterback show. But at this point it just seems better for all involved to cut through the murk and give McCoy a chance elsewhere. Way back on April 28 I opined that it was “better for (McCoy), better for Weeden and better for the Browns” to give McCoy a new beginning with another team. That truth seems more self-evident today.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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But if there is a choice between a 31-year-old Wallace making $3 million a year and McCoy at $550,000 -- remember, these contracts are not guaranteed -- why not go with McCoy? He is younger, cheaper and far more likely to take a step forward in his career than Wallace.
If McCoy is smart, he will "compete" for the starting job, embrace the backup role if that's his assignment, and the Browns would be wise to give him the chance to do so.
First, there is no real competition for the starting job and comments by Heckert made that clear, regardless of what the Browns say publicly...it's Weeden.
Just when McCoy realizes it is a not a real competition and how he feels about it, might play a part in how McCoy feels about playing backup QB with the Browns.
If McCoy can accept a backup role, I believe he can be very helpful and supportive to Weeden, while working to improve his own game.
On the other hand, you have to love the chameleon like qualities Wallace is exhibiting, saying last year, he was not in Cleveland to be a mentor...then recently stating his willingness to be a mentor to Weeden.
You tell me, is Wallace sincere about helping Weeden or is he simply saying whatever it takes to insure his $3 million paycheck continues for another season?
It's too soon to know how McCoy is going to feel about the fake competition but IF he can accept the backup role here, I see him as a much better choice as the backup to Weeden.
The real competition is between McCoy and Wallace for the backup role.
FOOTBALL IS NOT BASEBALL
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It is a competition. First day, Weeden was throwing to receivers as McCoy was throwing behind receivers. Colt had the same reps, he threw to the same receivers and he had the same opportunity. That is a fair compeititon.
Colt has better mobility and he has a year in this offense and 2 year's as a starting NFL QB. Right now is Colt's time to shine as Weeden will only develop more chemistry with the receivers and continue to learn the offense. Right now Colt should be making everyone question whether taking Weeden was a wasted pick or not.
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Right now Colt should be making everyone question whether taking Weeden was a wasted pick or not.
 that's what should be happening. Not sure that IS what's happening however. Following some of the comments from reporters that are on site in Berea seem to point to Weedens arm and accuracy outshining anything that Colt is doing.
If Colt wants that job, he's gonna have to really step up his game,, even then, I'm not sure he'll stand a chance of winning it.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
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Damanshot
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Problem is we don't have the page where Dalton just chucks it up to Green. We don't have a receiver near the talent level of that freak of nature.
Carlton Mitchell
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Problem is we don't have the page where Dalton just chucks it up to Green. We don't have a receiver near the talent level of that freak of nature.
Carlton Mitchell
You're kidding right?
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So why should the Browns walk away from a 25-year-old quarterback who has started 20 games and should improve in his third season? The only reason to do so is if McCoy creates a distraction with his attitude, and that doesn't appear to be the case.
These are my sentiments too on the subject.
I don't see Colt McCoy being a me first type of man. This young man has integrity and the locker room will benefit from his presents on the team. I can even see Weeden benefiting from having him around.
Some day his number will be called on to help this team and when that day comes I think he will do all he can within his skills and talent to help his/this team win games.
I say keep Colt McCoy for as long as we can or until we find a better 2nd option.
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Problem is we don't have the page where Dalton just chucks it up to Green. We don't have a receiver near the talent level of that freak of nature.
Carlton Mitchell
You're kidding right?
Mitchell doesn't have the resume as an AJ Green, but physically, Mitchell definitely has the height as AJ and even a better build. He just hasn't had the chance to show if he can do those things on gameday.
Why? I don't know. I'm not at the practices seeing what the coaches see.
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Lots of guys have similar type height, weight, and build.
They still aren't the same player. Many NFL receivers fall into that 6'1" - 6'3", 210-220# range.
I hope that Mitchell becomes a "out of nowhere" type success story this year, but I'm not counting on it.
Green has absolutely amazing hands and very good route running ability that I haven't see any indication from Mitchell that he possesses. Green gets open, and goes and gets the ball no matter what. I haven't seen that ability from Mitchell yet.
We can hope ..... but that's like 4 areas where Green is far superior, and to hope for him to make that kind of jump in all 4 areas in a single year is kinda foolish IMHO.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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j/c
I really wish the team would just name Weeden the starter. Everyone knows that's the case.
Colt will be fine as the backup. Wallace is the one that should be worried with his previous years statements and his salary.........I think that's why he has changed his tune this year. He knows it's either him or colt that gets the axe - and he knows his options outside of Cleveland are......well, "limited" would be a good word.
Enough of this "competition" thing. Name Weeden the starter and let's get the show on the road.
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j/c
I really wish the team would just name Weeden the starter. Everyone knows that's the case.
Colt will be fine as the backup. Wallace is the one that should be worried with his previous years statements and his salary.........I think that's why he has changed his tune this year. He knows it's either him or colt that gets the axe - and he knows his options outside of Cleveland are......well, "limited" would be a good word.
Enough of this "competition" thing. Name Weeden the starter and let's get the show on the road.
If Weeden is everything they say he is, it won't take very long. it will be done in plenty of time. I mean,, what have we had.. one rookie weekend with a couple of practices and two days of OTA's... There really isn't any reason to rush it.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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Problem is we don't have the page where Dalton just chucks it up to Green. We don't have a receiver near the talent level of that freak of nature.
Carlton Mitchell
You're kidding right?
Mitchell doesn't have the resume as an AJ Green, but physically, Mitchell definitely has the height as AJ and even a better build. He just hasn't had the chance to show if he can do those things on gameday.
Why? I don't know. I'm not at the practices seeing what the coaches see.
Mitchell is Frisman Jackson until he proves he's Colston. Which I'm not holding my breathe for at all.
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Colston got thrown into the fire... they put him out there and there is where he proved to be a pretty good talent..
The Browns have rarely thrown Mitchell out there.. I've seen him on a few plays from time to time, but nothing consistent.
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Either way he's not AJ Green. Not even close.
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Either way he's not AJ Green. Not even close.
okay. i think that is understood.
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So why should the Browns walk away from a 25-year-old quarterback who has started 20 games and should improve in his third season? The only reason to do so is if McCoy creates a distraction with his attitude, and that doesn't appear to be the case.
These are my sentiments too on the subject.
I don't see Colt McCoy being a me first type of man. This young man has integrity and the locker room will benefit from his presents on the team. I can even see Weeden benefiting from having him around.
Some day his number will be called on to help this team and when that day comes I think he will do all he can within his skills and talent to help his/this team win games.
I say keep Colt McCoy for as long as we can or until we find a better 2nd option.
There's good money in being a #2 in the NFL. Keep that in mind. And McCoy is young. I can easily see him taking this setback in stride. Maybe he'll turn into a starter, maybe not. We need to keep him until we find a better #2.
"Let people think this is a dumpster fire," - Mike Pettine
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Actually I was kidding about Carlton Mitchell. I just wanted to make Tony Rizzo go off again in case he reads this. 
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Pluto is right and Pat McManamon is off base on this one.
McCoy is a valuable backup, at least as good as Wallace, and cheaper. Plenty of guys come into this league, get a shot at starting and end up as backups... there's no reason for Colt to have to go to another team to have it happen to him when we have him here rather inexpensively.
Browns is the Browns
... there goes Joe Thomas, the best there ever was in this game.
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For those of you who still take every word spoken by guys named Holmgren, Heckert, and Shurmur as gospel, I would invite you to step out of the world of sheep so you can start thinking for yourselves. Frankly, I'm amazed that so many of you still hang on their words and embrace them as the truth. Sure, its human nature to be compelled to believe those who stand as authority figures, but we must learn to believe in what we see...even if it means we are wrong sometimes.
I can't speak for anybody else, but I certainly don't accept H&H's words as gospel...
What I do however, is understand that I have no choice but to take them at face value and try to give them the benefit of the doubt. Then look at the facts that I see with my own two eyes and form an opinion of my own based on that. If what they are saying seems plausible, I regard it as truth. If it seems completely implausible, I accept that there is some level of smoke and mirrors inherent to their positions. It's called strategy. It's the same reason we don;t broadcast on the nightly news where our troops are going to be in the Middle East, or who our next target is. At the end of the day, if H&H did or said something that appeared to be less than transparent, then I chalk it up to strategy.
Lastly, I try to understand that regardless of what they do, or how transparent they are about their plans, we as fans will never know the full story. we will never have any control over the day to day operation of this team, and our sole purpose in life when it comes to the Browns is to support the team any way we can. We buy the shirts and the hats, we go to the games, we call in to the radio shows or discuss it on the forums, we download the apps to our cell phones and we scream our heads off at the games. That's the extent of our involvement. That will always be the extent of it.
At the end of the day, getting a straight scoop from H&H doesn't mean a thing to me. I'm going to be there every Sunday rooting them on whether H&H are transparent with their plans or not.
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I can't speak for anybody else, but I certainly don't accept H&H's words as gospel...
What I do however, is understand that I have no choice but to take them at face value and try to give them the benefit of the doubt.
that's a pretty fair way to look at it. I mean really, the choice is take them at face value, knowing full well that there may be times they tell us things that they truly believe, but circumstances change and thus they do what they say they wouldn't.
Kinda happens with every part of life if you think about it.
Overall, I get the feeling that two very important things are in place.
One, Holmgren, heckert and Shurmur have all spent time in winning organizations so they should know what works and what doesn't.
And two, if you look at the drafts, for the most part, they've been putting strong pieces together and letting the depth build on it's own.
#GMSTRONG
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Daniel Patrick Moynahan
"Alternative facts hurt us all. Think before you blindly believe."
Damanshot
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how do we know that Heckert and Holmgren have landed their QB of the present and future in Weeden?
since McCoy is lacking all this arm strength to whip the ball outside the hash marks and his decision making is less than stellar..why did they bother drafting him in the 1st place?
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