Cleveland Browns: Grades from home opener vs. Ravens
Quarterback: B
Despite failing to score at all after the first quarter, quarterback Josh McCown is one of the few Browns players who deserves a substantial amount of credit.
He had a good first quarter, throwing two touchdown passes, but appeared to be injured after his second to Corey Coleman, and went into the locker room. The veteran soon emerged and didn’t miss a snap. But the 37-year-old didn’t seem the same for the remaining three quarters as he was continually taking hits and being abused physically by a merciless Baltimore defense.
McCown's toughness garnered universal respect in locker room. "Warrior" thrown around by multiple players.
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) September 18, 2016
“I don’t want to miss snaps. Unless it’s going to fall off … let’s make it work.” — Josh McCown on not sitting out due to his shoulder
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 18, 2016
McCown also took a shot from C.J. Mosley after he gave himself up early in the game, a play that seemed to easily warrant a personal foul. Despite this, the hobbling quarterback continued to persevere, making sure that rookie Cody Kessler would not have to be inserted into the game.
McCown’s final stats were not overly impressive, though he did complete 20 of 33 pass attempts for 260 yards. Both touchdown passes came early in the game, and his two interceptions came at the worst possible times, one leading to a Ravens score going into halftime and the other sealing the game.
In the end, McCown’s play was not the main issue behind Cleveland’s loss. Not to make excuses for a veteran player, but circumstances outside of the quarterback’s control were what really led to the loss. McCown put forth a valiant effort which should be recognized, even though he was not rewarded with a victory.