The Cleveland Browns pulled off the Cleveland Browniest loss of all time last night, after having their game-winning field goal blocked in overtime, only to see the kick returned for a game-clinching touchdown. Here it is one more time for good measure.
The game wasn’t the only thing the Browns lost, as starting quarterback Josh McCown left the game after taking a hit from Ravens defenders Timmy Jernigan and Courtney Upshaw. While it hasn’t officially been confirmed by the team, multiple reports suggest the 36-year-old broke his collarbone and could be done for the year.
#Browns McCown has possible broken collarbone, probably done for the year.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 1, 2015
Head coach Mike Pettine remained coy when asked about McCown’s injury.
“We’ll see,” said Pettine told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “We’ll rely on what the trainers say. If he’s cleared to play, then he’ll play. If he is not, then he won’t.”
The injury puts the Browns in an interesting position. Should McCown miss time, who do they turn to? Austin Davis, who did an excellent job in relief going 7/10 with a touchdown, putting the Browns within a blocked field goal of a victory? Or, the enigmatic Jonny Manziel? Who’s fresh off being reduced from starter to third-stringer for lying to the team following another alcohol-related incident.
Josh McCown could end up missing time with a collarbone injury. If so, would Pettine really stay with Austin Davis over Manziel? What a mess
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 1, 2015
Pettine didn’t tip his hat following the loss but did say how he was impressed with Davis coming in and giving the club a chance to win.
“I credit Austin for coming in,” Pettine told Cabot “He did a heck of a job on the touchdown drive. He made plays. That’s a credit to the quarterback room, that those guys are prepared. I know he was a little shaky. It’s tough for anybody coming in and your first plays third-and-10. I thought once he got out there next time, settled in, he was solid.”
Would the Browns go to Davis, a quarterback who’s on his fourth team since going undrafted out of Southern Mississippi, for the rest of the year during a lost season? You’d think they’d want to see what they have in Manziel, even if his behavior probably justifies benching his ass, but here we are. Pettine is known to be stubborn, so I wouldn’t bet on any decision regarding starting Manziel a sure thing, even if it makes clear sense.
At least Cleveland Browns fans are remaining optimistic.
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