Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown does not boast the best win-loss record of a starter in the NFL. For his career, he is just 21-55. Not exatly HoF material.
But Sunday's loss to the San Diego Chargers can't be pinned on McCown, and it can't be used as an argument to put backup Johnny Manziel back into the starting spot just yet.
The defense allowed the Chargers to march down the field for a game winning score and an offsides on a missed field goal with no time remaining was the primary culprit for Cleveland's loss. Notice that McCown was not involved in either.
Overall, the veteran journeyman threw for 356 yards and two touchdowns, including a two-point conversion to tie the game at 27.
"McCown was everything the Browns thought he would be when they signed him," Bud Shaw of the Northeast Ohio Media Group wrote. "A veteran quarterback who would give them a chance to win games, develop playmakers (like Duke Johnson Jr.) and maybe even contend with support from a tough defense and determined running game.
"Not good enough for a win in San Diego. But good enough to turn the conversation away from Manziel.
"That's nothing personal to Manziel, who has shown some improvement. But we see why the Browns believe they can run more of their offense with McCown at quarterback and that he can involve more receivers (Dwayne Bow, though, is apparently immune)."
In two games this season, Manziel is completing 53.8 percent of his passes and has thrown for 354 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Though he's shown progress on the field, he hasn't yet done enough to merit franchise QB honors. McCown is no one's idea of a long-term option, but Cleveland's biggest issues right now appear to be on the other side of the ball and on the sideline.
"Fact is, McCown played well enough to win on the road, matching big throws with a franchise quarterback.
"The more pressing statistic is that Pettine has now lost eight of his last nine. And, defense, remember, is his thing."
