Cleveland Browns: How Many Quarterbacks Will Start In 2016?

Key Is Kessler

Kris Grimes

When it comes to the quarterback position, the Cleveland Browns are consistent in inconsistency. On Sunday, Cody Kessler becomes the 26th different quarterback to start for the franchise since 1999. He’s the third quarterback this season, playing in the team’s third game.

So it does beg the question of how many quarterbacks will the Browns use this season? Seriously, who could have guessed that the Browns would find themselves down two quarterbacks two games into the season?

Ironically both Josh McCown and Robert Griffin III have either collarbone or shoulder injuries. That means they are getting hit and getting hit hard.

If it were based off the first two games, I’d be inclined to say the Browns could start 16 different quarterbacks in all 16 games. However, there is the potential of Griffin or McCown coming back at some point, so I want to believe that it won’t be 16 different quarterbacks.

So how many? How about four.

I’m hoping that Kessler can stop the bleeding on Sunday and make it at least two, if not three weeks until McCown is healthy enough to return. Yet, the Browns fan in me knows that Kessler will take a lot of hits on Sunday.

Thus, I’ve decided that there is the potential that newly signed Charlie Whitehurst may find himself starting at some point. That would make the fourth different starter.

From there, there’s the potential that McCown will be back, and RG3 could be back by season’s end. So to say there would be more than four means that someone finds themselves out for the season. The most possible scenario is RG3’s season ending due to his injury, but he isn’t ruled out yet. The key will be Kessler, and if he’s able to avoid the big injury.

So what’s to come for young Kessler on Sunday? Well, I’m expecting Miami to load the box and send the rush quite often. That means the offensive line will be tested due to Cameron Erving’s injury at center and their patchwork along the offensive line.

Guard John Greco will be moving to center. That weakens an already vulnerable right side of the line. On the left side Joe Thomas and Joel Bitonio are stout. However, facing eight or more defenders and a pass rush will undoubtedly overwhelm them too.

Kessler is going to be pushed out of the pocket often on Sunday. Then when he does get a pocket, it may collapse quickly. Hopefully the Browns offensive coaching staff lines up some quick developing routes. If not, Kessler may be taking more hits. More hits equals more potential for injury, and injury means another quarterback.

I’m hoping that doesn’t happen. I’m praying that this team doesn’t have to start dragging in every journeyman quarterback.

If the Browns find themselves doing that, then there are major concerns that need to be addressed going into 2017. Especially if the Browns are going to draft a quarterback at the top of the 2017 draft.