Coach Pat Shurmur says QB Thad Lewis starter in Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers – NFL News
Quarterback Thad Lewis is excited over winning starting role from the Cleveland Browns for the first time in the season as coach Pat Shurmur confirmed main offence leader Brandon Weeden and backup QB Colt McCoy is out of the side with respective shoulder
injuries.
Lewis had anticipated being given the responsibility of the offence this weekend when the Browns face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the final game of the season, although he was confirmed by the coach formally on Friday.
The third-string QB, who has been taking snaps with first offence team throughout the week, said the confirmation has helped him realise his childhood dream of playing as an offence starter.
He said:
"It's exciting. It's a blessing for a childhood dream come true."
Irrespective of the fact that he faces the league’s most daring defence studded with stars like linebacker James Harrison and safety Troy Polamalu, the coach has backed him to take reign of the offence.
Shurmur said:
"He's been preparing himself to play all year even though he wasn't on the active roster. What we expect is that he goes out and plays winning football."
Lewis attempted to downplay a suggestion that he might not feel comfortable while facing the Steelers’ strong defence in his first start. He said he was ready for the challenge.
He added:
"Part of my childhood dream was to be a starter one day in the NFL. Who it was against, I didn't have a visual of that. But it's a challenge and if you don't like challenges then you're in the wrong sport."
Meanwhile, the coach has confirmed that apart from Weeden and McCoy, they expect running back Trent Richardson to be absent in the final game of the season. Trent hurt his ankle in the last game.
With all three star players on the sideline, the Browns face a daunting task of beating the Steelers, who admittedly have issues of their own to handle.
Their key strength quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is nevertheless back in the side and hopefully will try to finish the season on a winning note.
Just like the Browns, the Steelers are already eliminated from the playoffs and result of the game will not matter for both sides as such.
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