Despite Rob Chudzinski’s Comment, Brandon Weeden Will Likely Be Browns’ QB

During offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s introductory press conference on Wednesday, head coach Rob Chudzinski said it was “premature” to say that Brandon Weeden would be the Browns’ starting quarterback in 2013.

Naturally, this began a whirlwind of speculation.

To be honest, it doesn’t mean anything. Chudzinski isn’t about to make the mistake of simply naming Weeden the starter, not when he struggled the way he did for the second half of last season. Plus, if you’re a follower of Total QBR, the only thing that kept Weeden from last place (36th) in the league was the Jets’ Mark Sanchez. Yes, Brady Quinn had a higher QBR.

It is obvious that Weeden does fit the new offense (or re-introduced offense, considering Chudzinski has been here before) well. Both Turner and Chudzinski like to air it out downfield, and Weeden has a cannon for an arm. His accuracy needs work, but he has the touch needed to excel in the Browns’ offense.

Chudzinski’s comment was merely the foreshadowing of some healthy competition for Weeden. He will likely win the job – this year’s  draft class is nothing like 2012’s and free agency is a crapshoot – but it shouldn’t just be handed over to him. After all, if he struggles in training camp or the preseason, there has to be some sort of fallback option.

A new coaching staff should obviously reserve the right to evaluate its personnel before making any major decisions. This is nothing new and it doesn’t signify the end of Weeden’s time in Cleveland.