The Cleveland Browns have received a lot of criticism for what seems to be a lack of interest in free agent quarterbacks, along with their failure to acquire the #2 pick in the up-coming draft needed to grab former Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. This criticism is due to numerous sports analysts and fans opinions that Cleveland needs to replace Browns quarterback Colt McCoy. If one can set aside the disappointment of last seasons lack-luster offense and look at the true picture, they may find that these opinions have little merit.
By no means is this an attempt to claim that McCoy is the next Bernie Kosar, Drew Brees or John Elway--no-one knows that he will, but then--no-one knows that he will not! Setting aside the emotions and the heartbreak that many Browns fans feel from last seasons less than stellar outcome, let's take a close look at McCoy.
First, how about we spin the calender back to 1985, happiness on Lake Erie as Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar led the browns to a division title. Kosar would become a hero in the eyes of Browns fans, it is hard to speak of quarterbacks without Bernies name being brought into the conversation. It is seldom mentioned, however hard to overlook that Kosar had the pleasure of a very good supporting cast ( which McCoy does not ), that being Kevin Mack, Earnest Byner, Ozzie Newsome and Brian Brennan. Byner and Mack would both rush for over a 1000 yards and Newsome would make the Pro Bowl--now that's a running game that opens up the passing game--especially when you have a Pro Bowl receiver. Once again--Something McCoy does not have!
Speaking of McCoy, the quarterback the Browns need so desperately to replace, it is interesting to note that when comparing McCoy and Kosars first 16 games--Colt just may not be that bad! McCoy threw for 6 more touchdowns, close to 900 more yards and had a higher completion percentage--5% higher and doing so without the likes of a Pro Bowl receiver and two running-backs capable of keeping the opposing defense honest. It is also interesting to note that while the 1985 Browns averaged 17.9 points per game with Kosar, Byner, Mack and of course Newsome, the 2011 Browns averaged 13.6--yes a bit lower--but without such a powerful running game and of course Brennan and Newsome!
The quarterback is always in the spotlight and an easy target for criticism, causing fans and media to scream for a replacement, never taking into consideration that there are numerous other positions that have a direct effect on a quarterbacks performance--speaking of quarterback performances:
In the first 16 games McCoy threw for more TD's than John Elway, and more yardage than Drew Brees--who I might add has been known to throw a yard or two! But yet many consider McCoy to be lacking talent and needs to be "kicked to the curb".
No, you cannot compare McCoy to Kosar, Elway and Brees, they have proven to be great NFL quarterbacks while McCoy has yet to do so. However, you cannot truly evaluate McCoy until he has the necessary tools to succeed--kinda like Bernie did!
A.J. Hunley ( Senior Writer )
