Rookie QB Brandon Weeden first for reps to open Cleveland Browns training camp – NFL News
As expected, the Cleveland Browns pushed forward rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden to take starting snaps on first day of training camp, which has prompted coach Pat Shurmur to indicate earlier than the start of the regular season nomination
of their offence leader.
The Browns have denied all along that they will entrust Brandon with the starting role straightaway but on the surface of their talk and indications it looked certainly to be the case.
This was confirmed when Brandon officially took the snaps to mark opening of the camp. He threw pass to running back Trent Richardson, another rookie who, the team is hoping, will turn around their fortune this season.
With Brandon in the line first, the team made the incumbent QB Colt McCoy to follow him and other QBs Seneca Wallace and Thaddeus Lewis were handed the football at No 3 and No 4, respectively.
Although it is too soon to comment on the rookie leader’s performance, for the Browns coach Brandon he is their obvious leader. He said sooner they name the leader better it will be for the team and he insisted it should be done well before
the start of the season.
Pat said:
“I think it makes sense to name the starter well before the season. That's probably what will happen. When it comes to naming a quarterback, sooner is better."
The start made by Brandon appears set to clear the air around prospects of the incumbent McCoy, who as per prediction of many commentators is likely to be traded to another team for a backup position. The coach’s spoken urgency in deciding
their leader also reflected that the team could get to wrap up McCoy’s prospective trade timely enough.
So far McCoy has not offered his thoughts on being pushed at the no. 2 slot or as a backup for the rookie but this can be too early for him, as he is probably still thinking of challenging the rookie on the starting line.
The start certainly has pleased Weeden. He said of the opportunity:
"I wanted to be here, wanted to compete. From Day 1, my head was spinning so fast I couldn't see straight. The last OTA, I felt in complete control. I think I'm anxious, excited. There's no reason to be worried about anything."
The rookie is upbeat about it and said will compete with all those guys on the starting line.
Tags: