FOUR GOOD QUARTRBACKS? YES!
By STEVE KING
A few thoughts on the Browns’ 21-18 preseason victory over the host Indianapolis Colts on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium:
*Unlike the 30-10 rout of the Washington Redskins in the opener, when they exhibited very few flaws, the Browns were plagued with mistakes, including committing a slew of penalties. The second half was hard to watch.
*The Browns have four keepers at quarterback in starter Baker Mayfield, who, according to head coach Freddie Kitchens, did not play in the game after getting all of his work in, in the two days of joint practices between the teams on Wednesday and Thursday; Drew Stanton, the veteran who is the presumed No. 1 backup; Garrett Gilbert, who played the entire first half and threw for 151 yards and two touchdown; and rookie David Blough, who played all of the second half and passed for a touchdown.
Because of the talent of the players behind Mayfield, and the fact that quarterback is the most important position in team sports, Cleveland should keep three quarterbacks in Stanton and Gilbert to go along with Mayfield. I would also try to sign Blough to the practice squad.
With all of the issues the Browns have had at quarterback in the expansion era, it is a real blessing to have this kind of depth at the position. My, how times have changed.
*Conversely, the Browns don’t have any kickers on whom they can count. Still. Indeed, the position remains a mess, and that is a really, really, really big deal. There is no way that they can expect either rookie Austin Seibert or incumbent Greg Joseph to hit a field-goal attempt when it matters. They’re going to have to bring in another kicker.
*Speaking of young players with the first name of Austin, second-year pro Austin Corbett, an interior offensive lineman who was the No. 33 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, is a bust as of now. The Browns have given up on him at right guard and he is working almost exclusively at center, as a backup. Yikes.
*Finally, again on the offensive line, I am concerned about it as a whole. It may be the weak link of the team. Can it protect Mayfield? I’m not sure at all.
