Browns QB Colt McCoy is “Working Harder Than Ever,” But Will It Matter?
In an emailed response to The Plain Dealer, Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy said he’s a “competitor and I’m working harder than ever.” It’s a declaration that he’s not going to simply hand over the starting job to rookie Brandon Weeden, despite most people already assuming it’s Weeden’s to lose.
But isn’t it? Even though the Browns want to say it’s an open competition for the quarterback position, it’s no secret that they want Weeden to start sooner rather than later. And judging by his (very) early performance in the rookie minicamp, it’s tough to see that not happening this season.
Based on initial perceptions, the “quarterback competition” in Cleveland appears to not be much more than a farce. Unless Brandon Weeden falls completely flat on his face in OTAs and the beginning of training camp, fans can expect to see him as the starter. Colt McCoy surely knows that, but he’s not going down without a fight. It’s a fight he’s most likely going to lose, but you have to respect him for that.
At the same time, even if he loses the starting job, there is still a big reason for McCoy to prove his worth – the backup job is currently up for grabs between him and Seneca Wallace. If McCoy comes into these offseason workouts and camp and shows that he can be a viable backup – which seems incredibly feasible – then the Browns can be confident heading into this season with both Weeden and McCoy on the roster.
So, for Colt McCoy, there are plenty of reasons to compete and work hard. It’s just that none of them happen to be related to winning the starting job with the Browns.