During the 2016 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected a quarterback from USC by the name of Cody Kessler. Although he didn’t have the biggest arm of the draft class, he was a total analytics darling. With a career 67.5 completion percentage and a beautiful 88-19 touchdown to interception ratio, many math-based scouts were firm believers. And it looked like Browns coaches and fans were believers too. But this year, something horrible has happened. In truth, it is now time for the Browns to move on from quarterback Cody Kessler.
Cleveland Browns Should Move On From Cody Kessler
Regression, Not Progression
Last year, Cody Kessler showed flashes of not only quarterback competence, but quarterback prowess. Was he going to be a franchise quarterback with the weapons the Browns had? Well, no. However, he did (at times) look like a guy that Hue Jackson could be a team around. After all, Jackson is a quarterback wizard of sorts. So, what happened?
Well, who knows, really. Kessler himself noted that he had done a lot of work this past off-season. Some analysts and beat reporters noticed that he looked stronger and looked like a proper quarterback. But then, training camp rolled around. According to some, Kessler now looks like the worst quarterback on the roster. And that includes fifth-round Kansas City Chiefs draft pick (and former practice squad member), Kevin Hogan. So, what’s his problem?
Too Smart for His Own Good
Cody Kessler has a problem; he’s an incredibly cerebral quarterback. Now at first, this might seem like a good thing. Kessler is a very mindful player, and so is Tom Brady. But that is where Kessler’s problem lies; in his own mind. Often, Kessler will overthink his way into horrible situations. Although he probably did this in college, it was okay for him to do it. As any football fan worth their salt will tell you, the college game is much slower than the professional game. Therefore, Kessler had a bit more time to think about his decisions. But now, that’s just considered overthinking. Even behind the Browns revamped offensive line, Kessler cannot hold the ball as long as he normally does. That just isn’t okay at this level.
Better Options
This past Thursday, the Browns took on the New Orleans Saints in the first week of preseason. With Cody Kessler second on the depth chart, fans would have to wait until the second quarter to see Kessler’s sophomore campaign begin. Brock Osweiler started the game, and he looked serviceable, at least. But the entire aura and flow of the game seemed to change when Kessler came in. And of course, you’d expect that from a backup quarterback coming into the game, but it seemed that the game just…stalled. To make a long story short, rookie DeShone Kizer came in at halftime. Even though it was the preseason, Kizer looked great. Seriously, it was very nice to see. Kizer stayed in for the rest of the game, throwing for two touchdowns and leading the Browns to a 20-14 win.
Conclusion: Keep, Cut, or Trade?
Again, making a long story short, the Browns have at least one better option at quarterback. Kessler, as sad as it is to see, isn’t really needed on the roster as a player anymore. Notice how that said, “as a player.” The Browns still have a use for Kessler as a mentor to DeShone Kizer. And one day, Cody Kessler will be a much better coach than he ever was as a player. And as Hue Jackson might say, you’re just going to have to trust me on that one.
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