Browns Schedule Favors Josh McCown: Here’s Why
By Joe Wedra
Browns QB Josh McCown will catch some criticism for being a starting quarterback in the NFL, but there’s a chance he comes through in a big way once the 2015 season starts. When examining the Browns schedule, there’s reason for a glimmer of hope for Cleveland fans regarding the potential offensive output.
Here’s why the early schedule says McCown can succeed and stick in the driver’s seat.
Week 2: vs. Tennessee Titans
Let’s bypass the first week for just a second. The Jets secondary is stout — that’s no secret. But, the Cleveland defense will keep them in the game and make it a good one. So, while McCown may not light it up, it should be a win for the Browns.
More from NFL News
- Patriots News & Rumors: Ezekiel Elliott talks fun in Foxboro; Mills to Packers?
- NFC East Buzz: Isaiah Simmons trade, Deuce Vaughn praise, Eagles rumors & more
- Should Trey Lance be considered an NFL draft bust?
- Jonathan Taylor trade rumors: 3 most alluring fits for Colts star running back
- Tua Tagovailoa: keep ‘my name out of your mouth’; Dolphins QB sends strong message
Looking ahead to the Titans, there’s a very good chance for big numbers going up against the Tennessee secondary. They’ve lost Jason McCourty for the early portion of the year and what they have behind him on the depth chart is one giant question mark.
With the amount of receivers Cleveland has, it should be no problem to burn guys like Coty Sensabaugh and Blidi Wreh-Wilson.
Week 3: vs. Oakland Raiders
Here’s another home matchup that sets McCown up very nicely.
In his third game of the year, he’ll get to continue building a rhythm in the offense against a weak opponent. The Oakland secondary, after DJ Hayden, consists of 2014 7th-round pick Travis Carrie, second-year youngster Keith McGill and a handful of former undrafted and unproven players.
The quantity of legitimate threats is at an all-time high for Cleveland this year and it’d be hard to see them not thriving against a secondary as weak as Oakland’s.
Week 4: at San Diego Chargers
After two weeks where McCown sets up very favorably, he faces a unit with a more positive 2015 outlook. Jason Verrett is a fantastic young option at corner and Brandon Flowers can play some football.
After that, however, there are opportunities to match up well. Dwayne Bowe, Brian Hartline, Andrew Hawkins and Travis Benjamin provide four legitimate hands to play against a Chargers unit that, while stout up top, falls very quickly deeper on the roster.
Combine that with a still developing pass rush, and you have an opportunity to get things done.
Hot Start = Driver’s Seat Filled
McCown’s play in the first three or four weeks can very easily decide his season. When you look at this early schedule, it’s not a reach to say the Browns can win three games. If that’s the case and McCown strings together a solid three starts heading into a matchup against oft-injured Baltimore, the Manziel cheers get quiet.
By no means does McCown have a “highly favorable” outlook for 2015. However, it’s hard to deny the chances he has early in his all-important season.