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Can Josh McCown lead the Browns to a victory?

By Steven Kubitza

Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Josh McCown will get another chance to lead the Cleveland Browns to a victory in 2016, but he has not had much luck in his two years in town.

Josh McCown is a warrior.

The veteran quarterback may be at the helm of an 0-11 team, but he will at least give the Cleveland Browns’ offense an experienced leader who will never complain or make excuses after a loss.

The problem is that this team desperately needs to win at least one game in 2016, and McCown’s grit and toughness may not be enough to get that elusive first and likely only win.

When healthy, McCown has a problem with protecting the football. He has decent vision downfield, but he seems to ignore common sense and tries to make a big play when it is just not there. His five interceptions in only four games this year are mostly a result of chucking the ball deep and hoping for the best .

The most memorable interception came in Week 2 following a horrible taunting call on Terrelle Pryor. The Browns still had a chance to score a late touchdown, but an interception ended the game and led to beer bottles being thrown on the field.

But McCown’s biggest problem is staying healthy. The hit he took last week against the Steelers looked like it could send him straight to the hospital, and was a result of him trying to make a big play with his feet when he needs to just slide and live to play another down. It was how he got hurt on the opening drive of 2015, and will likely lead to another injury in the final five games.

The only way McCown can be the one to lead this team to a win is if he plays smarter, but after playing like this for two decades, he is not going to change his style of play now.

Sunday may be his final chance, as Robert Griffin III could potentially be the starter in Week 14 after the bye if the Browns fall to 0-12 this Sunday. It may not be a popular move with fans, but he opened the year as the starter and at least deserves a chance to try to prove himself.

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So if McCown cannot get the job done with Sunday against the Giants, he may end his career in Cleveland with only a single win, which came in 2015. He has been solid during his tenure, but he has done nothing to change the culture of losing in Cleveland. This is not entirely his fault, but his carelessness with the ball and disregard for his own safety have not helped the cause.

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