Browns-Broncos: Six Random Thoughts For a Heartbreaking Setback

3. Reality bites, Josh McCown

McCown threw for over 300 yards in three consecutive games and was the AFC’s Player of the Week following his 457-yard, three-touchdown performance in last weekend’s thrilling 33-30 overtime win over the Ravens.

Everyone – even the most ardent of McCown supporters – knew that the chances of McCown making that four games in a row would be virtually impossible against Denver’s No. 1 ranked defense. And, the statistics show that he completed 20-of-39 passes for 213 yards with two touchdowns – both to emerging tight end Gary Barnidge – and two interceptions for his worst day as a Browns starter.

And yet, he had the Browns in position to win the game not once, but twice and took one of the NFL’s best teams into overtime. And, it could be argued that he looked better at times than the legendary Manning, who continues to struggle with his lack of arm strength.

McCown’s interceptions were the result of poor throws and decisions. One was returned for a touchdown by Aqib Talib. The other came with 40 seconds left on a poor throw intended for Barnidge that McCown was trying to throw out of bounds. Fortunately for the Browns, Denver ran out of time – Emmanuel Sanders was ruled to have dropped a long pass at the 15 – to set up overtime.

The only good thing was that the stadium wasn’t exactly chanting for Johnny Manziel to come in after the bad throws. Manziel pretty much dug his own grave with his little brush with the law earlier this week. Like it or not, the journeyman McCown is the Browns’ best and most reliable option at quarterback and gives the Browns their best chance to win.

Oh, by the way, our old friend Brian Hoyer threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Houston Texans to a win Sunday. Just saying …

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6