The Cleveland Browns have repeatedly promoted the idea that Brock Osweiler is better than advertised, despite evidence to the contrary. We figured these comments were all part of a grand plan to potentially trade the former Houston Texans and Denver Broncos quarterback, Browns captain Joe Thomas has a different take on the matter.
“I think they’re grooming Brock to be the starter Week 1,” Thomas told reporters Wednesday, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.
“To be honest, I don’t think DeShone will be the starter in Week 1. It is a competition, but I would expect Brock to win because of his experience. And a rookie quarterback is the hardest position to get ready to play in your first year.”
Thomas also said “there’s no doubt” Kizer could win the competition, however. But based on everything he’s seen, and based on his personal belief that it takes 2-3 years for quarterbacks to be ready for the NFL, Thomas believes it’s going to be Osweiler behind center in Week 1.
The next couple of preseason games will be extremely important for Osweiler to prove he’s worthy of the job. He struggled in his first performance with the Browns, going 6-of-14 for 42 yards.
Kizer, on the other hand, was very impressive, albeit against lesser competition. He went 11-of-18 for 184 yards and looked comfortable in the pocket. Two of his passes showed off his tremendous arm strength, including the 45-yard touchdown strike to Jordan Payton, which occurred under pressure.
Osweiler is getting the start once again in Week 2 of the preseason, while Kizer will come in second. We’ll be watching this competition play out in the next few weeks with great anticipation.