The Browns of the last half of the 1980s had a great starting quarterback in Bernie Kosar.

Because quarterback is the most important position in team sports, his play was a big reason for their success in the five-year period from 1985-89.

But aside from that, the main reason the Browns qualified for the playoffs five straight times and won four Central Division en route to making three AFC Championship Game appearances, was the fact they also had great backup quarterbacks. From Gary Danielson to Mike Pagel to a guy by the name of Don Strock, who was coaxed out of retirement and signed while coming off a golf course, those men stepped in and saved the Browns when Kosar got hurt. That was especially true in 1988 when their starting quarterback was knocked out of the game due to injury five different times. Despite that, the Browns that year went 10-6 and got into the postseason as a wild card.

We bring all this up to indicate not only only how important backup quarterbacks are — injuries to starters happen all the time — but also to point out that the Browns haven’t signed one after the departure of Jacoby Brissett to be the starter for the Washington Commanders. It’s great that they have a quality starter in Deshaun Watson, but it would be even better if they had a quality backup. 
Are you listening out there in Berea?

Steve King