Daily Dawg Tags: It is DeShone Kizer’s team now

Cleveland Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer has grabbed the starter’s role for the upcoming season. For better or worse, it is his team now.

Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson made the inevitable a reality on Sunday as he named DeShone Kizer the starting quarterback for the 2017 season.

The rookie from Notre Dame beat out Cody Kessler, Brock Osweiler and Kevin Hogan for the right to be Cleveland’s 10th different opening day starter in the past 11 seasons, as well as the second rookie to start the season opener since Brandon Weeden in 2012.

Now that he has made the decision, Jackson is planning to ride or die with Kizer this fall, according to clevelandbrowns.com:

"“This is not just for the moment. We are going to get with DeShone, ride with him through it all and work with him through all of this. You said it, those things are going to happen, and I think we get that. He gets that. We are not going to blink about it. We are just going to correct it and keep moving forward.”"

Jackson is still deciding if Kizer will receive any playing time on Thursday night when the Browns close out the preseason with a road game against the Chicago Bears.

Kizer may have won the job by default, but how long he keeps it is now squarely in his hands.

Cleveland Browns news:

3 positive takeaways from preseason game No. 3

The Cleveland Browns remained a perfect three-for-three in preseason games following Saturday night’s win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Browns are 3-0, the reality of the regular season and the horrors of the AFC North are still two weeks away, so let’s quickly look at three positives from Saturday night’s game.

Josh Gordon reportedly still eyeing a return to the NFL

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon remains on the league’s suspension list, but he reportedly went to rehab over the summer in a bid to change that.

DeShone Kizer named Browns starting quarterback (clevelandbrowns.com)

"DeShone Kizer will be the Browns starting quarterback this fall, head coach Hue Jackson announced Sunday on a teleconference. The former Notre Dame star and second-round NFL Draft pick is set to be the first rookie to start a season opener since 2012."

Will DeShone Kizer start a new era for the Browns? (ESPN)

"DeShone Kizer gets the chance to start a new era at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Not shabby for the youngest quarterback on an NFL roster — 21 years, 236 days as of Sunday, per ESPN Stats & Information. In making the announcement Sunday, coach Hue Jackson said the team is committed to Kizer not just for a few games, but for the long term and through the struggles a rookie quarterback can expect."

Refocused: Cleveland vs. Tampa Bay (Pro Football Focus)

"Jacquizz Rodgers and Jameis Winston tried to lead the Buccaneers to an early scoring drive, but Winston was picked off by Jabrill Peppers just outside of the endzone on their first drive. DeShone Kizer was able to lead the Browns to a field goal scoring drive off that interception. The first touchdown wouldn’t be scored until after the two minute warning, but it would prove to be the difference. A Kevin Hogan pass found Jordan Leslie in the endzone and would put the Browns up for a final score of 13-9. With that. we give you our PFF exclusive takeaways from the contest for each team."

NFL news:

What the Julian Edelman injury means for the Patriots (SI.com)

"I was soliciting opinions from rival coaches and execs on Saturday morning on exactly what Julian Edelman’s injury means for a loaded Patriots team, and there was one text that pretty much summarized how all the respondents felt."

Outsiders underestimating the Bengals (cincinnati.com)

"Given that it’s prediction season, we thought we’d take a look at what’s being forecast for Cincinnati this fall. It’s the only time when the national curtain gets pulled on the wizards, to reveal just how out of touch they can be. So, pull up a stool and let’s have a few barleys. We’ll invite Geno Atkins to join us."

Jets claim Kony Ealy off waivers (NFL.com)

"The Patriots let go of Kony Ealy after just five months on Saturday, but the former second-round pick isn’t going very far. Ealy was claimed off waivers by the Jets on Sunday, the team announced. Ealy’s cousin, defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, is also on the team and could help the jettisoned pass rusher settle into a more permanent home."

Bengals Vontaze Burfict facing five-game suspension for illegal hit (ESPN)

"Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict is facing a five-game suspension for an illegal hit against Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman this month, league sources tell ESPN."