Cleveland Browns: In what world is Brock Osweiler not the starter?

Talk of a quarterback competition promises to dominate the Cleveland Browns, but how does Brock Osweiler lose the job heading into Week 1?

Locally, get ready, because the Cleveland media is ready to escalate the Brock Osweiler, DeShone Kizer quarterback competition.

“Brock Osweiler’s failed to produce a point in the preseason!” ESPN Cleveland’s Aaron Goldhammer exclaimed.

He’s right, but Goldhammer’s argument is weak because it fails to take into account any context of Osweiler’s Training Camp, or preseason.

First, the numbers. Osweiler: 12 of 22, 67 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 16 rushing yards on two attempts; Kizer: 19 of 31, 258 yards, 1 TD, 47 rushing yards on eight attempts.

Obviously, Kizer’s numbers are better, but wait a second, who was Osweiler’s starting left tackle against Jason Pierre Paul and Olivier Vernon? Oh yeah, it was Rod Johnson. No disrespect to Rod, but no one expected him to start anything this season. The only reason Browns fans have come to know his name is because Myles Garrett harassed him daily early on in camp while Joe Thomas was resting.

John Greco, who filled in at left guard for Joel Bitonio, gave us a cold slap in the face, reminding us how devastating injuries can be, especially on an offensive line that has little depth.

So Kizer’s shown flashes, albeit against mostly backups, and Brock’s stunk.

Jackson said he hopes to name his starter for Saturday’s game against the Buccaneers on Wednesday, however, don’t be surprised if sticks with The Big Osweiler.

How can he make Kizer, who often looks indecisive while holding onto the football for too long, the starter? Plus, there’s that whole level of competition thing we probably all need to pay attention too.

Three of Kizer’s four series against the Giants were against first teamers, and it was noticeable. Yes, Kizer did lead score a touchdown against the first team, but only after he was given favorable field position following a turnover. It didn’t change the fact that he looks way better against backups than he did against the starters.

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Don’t confuse this as anti-Kizer. The kid’s got promise, and should make double-digit starts for this team in 2017.

But to think the coach is going to take away the job from Brock after three, subpar preseason series?

Ultimately, the preseason can be jumbled into a big pot of gunk, or Fool’s Gold, if you will. It that wasn’t true, both Charlie Frye and Brandon Weeden would be gathering up bronze for busts in Canton.

So while Osweiler’s been unimpressive, Jackson has to be well aware that his quarterback hasn’t played enough to get in a rhythm, was without his No. 1 running back against the Giants, while his future Hall of Fame left tackle was also sitting out to get rest.

Next: Voice of the Fan: Browns still have much work to do

Kizer’s time is coming, just not yet.

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