The Cavs had extra motivation to win Game 6: Training Camp Blog
September 27, 2016The Thrill and The Agony of Playoff Baseball
September 28, 2016The new series Pitch on FOX was entertaining,1 but the introduction of Ginny Baker to MLB seemed ridiculous. Throwing 11 straight pitches to the backstop is not something even someone with crazy, impossible expectations would do if they were capable enough to navigate a MiLB system to make the Majors. Well, that was the thought until seeing the Cody Kessler’s introduction to the NFL. A delay of game, fumbled snap, and strip-sack on a player’s first drive is the rough equivalent of that Ginny Baker performance.
Kessler was able to instantly lower expectations on himself over the course of that series as many fans of the Cleveland Browns had flashbacks of bad quarterbacks past. However, he demonstrated through the rest of the game he was not nearly as bad as that drive. So, what should we expect from Kessler?
Does Terrelle Pryor taking snaps at quarterback mean anything about Kessler?
Head coach Hue Jackson needs to utilize all of his weapons from a razor thin roster that was dulled by injuries. There is no reason to handcuff the imagination of Jackson nor is there to state it is a condemnation on the skillset of Kessler.
Jackson knew he had a rookie quarterback who would be missing the hotshot rookie wide receiver (Corey Coleman) and facing a defense that should have an easy time with the right side of the Browns offensive line (John Greco moving to center, Alvin Bailey making his first start at right guard, and Austin Pasztor facing Cameron Wake).
The Browns have enough issues in the short-term. Let’s not give them any more limitations.
How good did Kessler perform?
Kessler threw the ball in a way which was expected by many who have dissected his film from USC—with accuracy, hitting receivers in stride, resulting in seven of his passes going for more than 20 yards. Kessler also had a solid pocket presense even as he was pressured more often than not.
The rookie did hold onto the ball too long many times as he learns to read through his progressions. He will need to be able to diagnose the defense quicker (or better pre-snap). The Miami Dolphins did not seem overly concerned that Kessler would beat him over the top, and he did not make many such attempts.2
Overall, he finished 21-for-33 for 244 yards, zero touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 7.39 YPA.
Here is what PFF had to say.
Kessler completed 16-of-20 aimed passes under 10 yards and, surprisingly, completed five-of-seven beyond 10 yards. The rookie quarterback from USC would top all quarterbacks from the 1 p.m. games with an adjusted completion percentage of 81.8 percent.
Should Josh McCown be the starter when he gets healthy?
McCown is a 37-year-old quarterback on a team not built to win in 2016 (or probably 2017). He is reportedly a valuable asset in the film room, and he can be as a backup quarterback to ensure that the Browns do not have to dip into the Austin Davis, Connor Shaw levels of talent should Pasztor continue to allow the signal-callers to get repeatedly hit.
The argument comes down to whether McCown can help the rest of the roster develop more than Kessler could. Given the initial action, Kessler did not show himself to be a detriment. Then again, with McCown’s propensity to get injured coupled with the right side of the OL, it might not matter even after his shoulder heals.
What about Carson Wentz?
Suggestions that Kessler should be held to the Wentz standard do not make sense. There is a reason the Philadelphia Eagles gave up a multitude of assets for Wentz to be drafted with the No. 2 overall pick, while Kessler went in the third round with the No. 93 pick. Even draft experts who were not high on Wentz still had him as the better overall prospect.
It is unfortunate Wentz has done so well, so early as it hurts the future assets that the Browns obtained from the Eagles. However, his performance should not affect anyone’s evaluation of Kessler.
Has anything changed with the Browns long-term outlook at quarterback?
There have been 22 quarterbacks selected in the third round of the NFL Draft since 2000. Of those players, Russell Wilson has become a franchise quarterback and Matt Schaub was a legitimate starting option for several years. After those two players, the next best player is either the backup quarterback career of Josh McCown or the one Chip Kelly offense induced season of Nick Foles. Colt McCoy, Charlie Frye, Trent Edwards, and Mike Glennon are among the third round quarterbacks with the most games started this century.
If the Browns continue down their current path, then they could wind up in a prime spot to draft one of the 2017 NFL Draft’s best quarterbacks be it Brad Kaaya, Deshaun Watson, or Deshone Kizer. Kessler has a ton of work to do in order to make the Browns go a different route.
So, what exactly should be the expectations for Kessler?
Kessler performed in line with most reasonable expectations in his first NFL start. He was accurate, poised, and capable of putting his skilled players in positions to succeed. His limitations in arm strength and knowledge (he is still a rookie) will be challenged in the coming weeks. Both Kessler and Jackson will have to figure out a game plan that can either limit the young quarterback’s weaknesses from being exposed or prove that those scouting reports are false.
Kessler doesn’t need to prove he is a franchise quarterback. If he can continue to improve and solidify himself as the Brown’s backup quarterback of the future, then he was a worthy third round pick. Of course, no Browns fan will complain if he does more.
26 Comments
Ok, based on how Kessler ultimately performs, I’m starting to lean toward Myles Garrett as our #1 pick. Garrett on one side, Nassib on the other. Gimmie some of that.
Then as I watch out other first-rounder fade into the distance, then maybe go with QB Kaaya, or CB Lewis.
The more I watch Kaaya, the more I will be surprised to see him fall outside the Top 10
As of today, SI has him going at #26, and is projecting our Philly pick to be #23.
So, as I listen to the national sports media falling all over themselves trying to demonstrate who can be the most grief stricken over the death of Jose Fernandez, declaring it the most tragic thing EVAR…allow me to remind them of two gentleman named Steve Olin and Tim Crews.
Rant over.
One loss doesn’t diminish the other.
The “hitting receivers in stride” thing was really nice to see. With QBs like Brian Hoyer competing passes, so often were receivers unable to get yards after the catch due to having to make adjustments on the ball. Kessler may not be able to throw the ball 60 yards, but if he hits a guy in stride 20 down the field, there are chances to extend for 40 more.
Yeah, but Sept 2015 had Wentz as a mid-round pick. Not many guys are doing a full dig on these prospects and analyzing them in great detail.
I do appreciate that more of these guys are coming around to my thinking though. Before the season, Kelly was the defacto third QB. Now, it is Kaaya.
FWIW, CBS has Kaaya at #15: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/2017/all
Too many places are still going by “consensus” though such as Walter Football that has this line:I personally like Kaaya more than Watson, but the consensus view right now is that Watson would get selected higher.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2017QB.php#AYCgbfa1f1IMQrfO.99
Most tragic in sports loss will hopefully always be the Marshall Football team (as in, I hope nothing ever tops it).
I can understand those who would find the loss of Fernandez a greater tragedy than Olin/Crews. Fernandez was during the season, not before the spotlight was being shone. Neither Olin nor Crews was the best pitcher in MLB (as Fernandez was in 2016 despite being only 24 years old).
I agree with Scott, one loss doesn’t diminish the other. But, I can see their POV. The good thing is that it has brought back up the Olin and Crews memories so that we might remember them again. That is a positive thing IMO.
That would leave us with the possibility of Jackson in 2018.
I love draft talk. 😀
I’m drooling over the potential of Nassib/Garrett.
Yes. Also, we often complain about QBs hitting WRs at the seven yd mark when they need nine for a first down. Well, if you hit them at seven in stride, then they can still get to the sticks.
I wanted to include a comparison section above, but I didn’t have any former Browns QB that is an accurate comparison.
Frye/Colt – Kessler is more a pocket guy and makes proper reads. Nope.
Quinn/Campbell – Kessler wasn’t throwing deep much, but he also wasn’t looking deep for 3 seconds, then dumping it off to a still RB.
Weeden/DA – Kessler doesn’t have the arm strength
The best comp I could come up with as I went through “The List” was Tim Couch, but that one is not fair for immeasurable reasons. At least, not yet.
Me too (as you know).
I want my QB. Plenty of potential good defenders in the late first round.
I’m not quite at SAMMY level yet on Garrett, but I’m trending that way…
Intelligent, noddle-ish arm, limited physical skills, last name starts with a “K”…
We can always dream, right?
I agree that Wentz and Kessler should have nothing to do with each other. But it does make for a good 2 hours of mindless, easy sports radio.
and from the University of Miami —- oh, you said noodl-ish arm. Couldn’t be Kaaya.
Yes, yes, yes. Probably the most important thing that can happen after the ball leaves the QB’s hand, and it’s a matter of fractions of degrees that critically impact the play. A 22-year-old guy can still gain some arm strength, but accuracy is a mental trait best acquired at birth.
Kessler —> Kos…
Unless you’re on the listening end of that radio. Nothing easy about that!
http://media.giphy.com/media/cc1FbZ4tAnF84/giphy.gif
Kessler should remain QB the rest of the year … last year under Pettine , it would’ve been different. Pettine was coaching for his life & would’ve immediately went to McCown , because he thought he would give us the best chance to win.
Realistically , even i know the Browns aren’t playing for anything this year … and we obviously need to know if we have to address the QB situation again in the next draft , or at least do we need a QB in the 1st round , or can we wait until the later rounds if Kessler ends-up being the guy.
Kessler … “smooth as silk” https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ddf966212dd9b0942c98b23824d62d617313cca091a2af9c0357001833e29b44.jpg
Kessler Origins
http://orig02.deviantart.net/6e2f/f/2013/080/8/7/_game_cover__infamous___kessler_origins_by_lunestavideos-d5yruny.jpg
I’m buying a copy for each person on the Browns offensive line
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-G5BgXeAa3M/maxresdefault.jpg
It’s all downhill from here?
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/75cb18bd3e8d6ed09ae196070b8f3d24b495b26ea2194322fe66ab14cb184717.jpg
QB’s get all the hot chicks … https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/0a0a6e1942cdf75377549826f576529cf9880e3e1cf066a24ce4924017de0d6f.png
Bernie had a very good arm, and the best touch on the deep ball of any QB I have ever seen. You must be thinking of Montana – now there was was a noodle-ish arm.