Cleveland Browns: Don't Expect A Successful Debut For Kessler

Expect a long and frustrating afternoon Sunday during the Cleveland Browns game.

News surrounding the Cleveland Browns rarely has been positive for quite some time. That is no surprise and it is very unfortunate. Remember, the Browns have not always been as bad as they are and good teams will eventually play in NE Ohio again.

Still, good teams are not in the near future. The turnaround could occur with rookie Cody Kessler at the helm, but that is far from a guarantee. Maybe in time he will do a solid job, but do not expect his debut Sunday at the Miami Dolphins to be special or even solid for that matter.

Even with a healthy supporting cast, I would have my doubts. Cleveland has lost multiple players left and right, which forced Kessler into the position he is in.

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The Browns can only hang their hat on the left side of their offensive line. Having already shuffled the line, along with key play-makers on offense, Kessler’s debut is going to tough to watch.

Rookie wide reciever Corey Coleman is out multiple games with a broken hand and the only other legitimate talent on offense in tight end Gary Barnidge should not be much of an impact.

Expect the Dolphins’ defense to load the box early and often against the Browns’ rookie signal-caller. Along with their alignment, Miami blitzing will be a regular sight this weekend.

Given all that Cleveland has gone through already and come end up dealing with going forward, I’m doubting my win prediction. Initially, I had predicted them to win three games this season. Due to all of the news that is announced and their on-field play, that number should be lower.

That all said, had the Browns’ offensive line been able to start a respectable, five man group to start, Kessler’s debut would be more exciting to watch. That is because then, he would at least be able to make a few plays.

Cleveland’s running game is not going to be able to help as a whole either. However, running back Duke Johnson could make somewhat of a difference in the passing game. That may be the Browns’ only hope of opening up the offense and making plays this Sunday and going forward.

Starter Robert Griffin finished Week 1 with a stat line of 12/26 for 190 yards and an interception. In Week 2, backup QB Josh McCown did a better job before getting injured going 20/33 with 260 yards and two touchdowns and two interceptions. Overall, Cleveland has had average QB play.

So, looking to Sunday, I expect Kessler’s stat line to be in the ballpark to that of his fellow quarterbacks, leaning more towards Griffin; Somewhere along the lines of 12/30 for 160 yards and an interception in a loss.

Next: Two Games In, Two QBs Down, And Wentz

Had the injury circumstances not exist and better talent surrounded Kessler, projections would have been better. Hopefully he exceeds what has occurred at the quarterback up to this point. However, if he does not, we must remember it is just the beginning of the process.

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Cleveland Browns: Don’t Expect A Successful Debut For Kessler

By Ryan Rosko | Sep 22, 2016

Expect a long and frustrating afternoon Sunday during the Cleveland Browns game.