The Cleveland Browns are terrible at tanking. Last week was a roller coaster for the Browns after they traded away former No. 3 overall draft pick Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts and announced third-string quarterback Brian Hoyer would be starting over both Jason Campbell and Brandon Weeden. All seemed lost for the Browns and their 2013 season, until they beat the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Now, there are even more questions than before.
Hoyer at quarterback proved to not be as disastrous as many predicted. The NFL journeyman went 30-for-54 in passing for 321 yards and three touchdowns. There are still plenty of people asking why the Browns are throwing the ball that much in the first place, but a win is a win no matter how they got it. Hoyer looked like a true veteran leading the offense down for a game-winning drive with less than three minutes remaining on the clock. The 55-yard touchdown drive was good enough for first win of the season.
"Not everything was perfect, and I think that is a mistake that some people make, thinking that in a two-minute drive everything has to be perfect. A few throw-aways, a few quick plays, and in the end, it worked out. You just have to keep going until you get the right opportunity, Hoyer said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Hoyer was not perfect, but he played well overall. Three interceptions in the second half were bad, but his performance was good enough to leave some wondering if Weeden's days as a starter are over. As of now, Weeden is out with a thumb injury. It was reported last week the quarterback is avoiding surgery and could be back as early as next week. The Browns will once again hold off naming a starting quarterback until Wednesday, but it might not be Weeden's name that gets the call.
It is no secret the Browns' confidence in Weeden is shaky. They waited until the last possible moment to name him the starter in the preseason, while general manager Michael Lombardi is a big supporter of Hoyer.
There is the argument that Hoyer had more offensive weapons in Week 3 than Weeden did as wide receiver Josh Gordon was out due to a suspension. However, Hoyer did something that Weeden could not and that was provide a much needed spark. He made big plays and key throws. He even faked a punt and a field goal. After a down week, the backup put some light into the Browns' season.
The Browns are set up to draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2014 draft, so any move right now is not permanent. Hoyer has the hot hand and could keep Weeden on the bench for weeks to come whether his hand is healthy or not.
