Browns: A quarterback controversy that we don’t hate

Browns backup QB battle: Think outside the box

I started this discussion with what many of you think about the current quarterback competition and that most of you likely don’t think there is one. And maybe the brass in Berea doesn’t think so either. But, as I also shared earlier, any player at this level is a competitor and they aren’t playing for the practice squad, they’re playing for Sundays.

If the Browns aren’t considering the possibility of Lauletta as the primary back up I’d be disappointed in that lack of analyzing the potential, in this case, the youth movement, and Lauletta fits that bill much more than Keenum.

Keenum wasn’t drafted by an NFL team when he came out of college despite having a great career with the Houston Cougars. He made a solid career in the NFL and along the way earned the right to become a very successful starter for a brief window of time in his past.

Similar to Keenum’s start in the NFL, Lauletta has paid his dues and been competing and pushing NFL counterparts in his briefer career. He’s the young guy and has several more years in his prime to step into the backup role behind Mayfield.

Last Saturday, in the game against the Jags, Cleveland’s offense moved the ball between the red zones but couldn’t score touchdowns behind Keenum’s lead. And yes, Lauletta competed against slightly less competition as the night wore on, but he did throw and completed pass after pass, and connected on two touchdown throws to teammates.

Why can’t it be a competition? We have our franchise quarterback in Mayfield finally squared away for this franchise. Isn’t a little more competition good for the heart?

With Keenum’s age, I do believe the Browns should be looking beyond this year when evaluating the backup role. If the Browns did chose to go with Lauletta, you’re getting a younger version of Keenum with a bit more spring in his step.

Enjoy the game on Sunday and keep an eye on those other quarterbacks not named Mayfield.