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2015 Cleveland Browns roster analysis: The quarterbacks

By Eric Szczepinski

Dec 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 33-27. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh McCown

Age: 36

Experience: 13 years

Contract status: Free agent in 2018

The veteran quarterback signed a 3-year, $14 million deal this past offseason. The 36-year-old journeyman appealed to the Browns because of his leadership and his ability to serve as a bridge as the starting quarterback.

Most fans and media members were dumbfounded when the Browns did not re-sign hometown favorite Brian Hoyer and elected to go with the older McCown. However, McCown surpassed expectations and was the least of the Cleveland Browns worries this season.

The Browns felt McCown was the better option for the team as he served as mentor and coach to younger players on the offensive side of the ball. McCown was committed to helping second year quarterback Johnny Manziel develop and grow as an NFL quarterback grooming him to surpass himself as the starter.

A season ago Brian Hoyer was fighting for his NFL career and a starting opportunity and didn’t have time to assist Manziel. McCown took Manziel under his wing this season and was a godsend for the entire offense.

In terms of play on the field McCown showed he was a more than capable starting option for the team. Although the Browns record was worse than a season ago, he posted better statistical numbers than Brian Hoyer and proved he was a more accurate passer. McCown’s season was halted after only eight starts by a number of nagging injuries, ultimately leading to the audition of Johnny Manziel.

2015 Stats:

ATT         COMP     YDS     COMP%    TD       INT

292          186         2,109       63.7          12           4

2016 outlook:

McCown is under contract until 2018 so it is likely McCown will be back next season. However, with the uncertainty of what new head coach Hue Jackson wants it is unknown what McCown’s role will be. With Manziel in the news for the wrong reasons again it would be reasonable to expect McCown to serve as the Browns bridge starter until they can permanently find the franchise quarterback.

B. McCown was everything the Browns wanted and more from the veteran quarterback. McCown served as a great team leader while surprising most with strong play on the field.. QB. Cleveland Browns. JOSH MCCOWN

Next: Johnny Manziel

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