The Buffalo Bills play the Cleveland Browns on Thursday. Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m. ET. Listen to the live radio broadcast HERE and HERE.
Cleveland found an unlikely hero in quarterback Brian Hoyer. The 27-year-old, who began his stint with Browns as the third-string quarterback, has led Cleveland to two straight wins since getting the starting nod.
In two games this season, he's completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 590 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.
"Brian's done a nice job for us coming in, providing that spark," said Browns tackle Joe Thomas, via ESPN. "He had two nice games already making the right throws, getting the ball out on time, just making sure everybody's on the same page."
Despite the Browns now sitting at 2-2, coach Rob Chudzinski declined to name Hoyer the starter for the remainder of the season. Incumbent starter Brandon Weeden has resumed practicing after suffering a thumb sprain, but Hoyer could make a strong case to remain the starter with another win on Thursday.
Buffalo, meanwhile, looks to continue its success and push to a 3-2 record with a victory over Cleveland. Rookie quarterback EJ Manuel has completed 56.9 percent of his passes for 856 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions.
The burden of scoring may fall on Manuel's shoulders with running backs C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson both dealing with injuries. Spiller (ankle) and Jackson (knee) are both expected to play, but how effective they'll be against Cleveland's No. 3 defense is anyone's guess.
Despite dealing with injuries, including injuries to defensive backs Jairus Byrd and Leodis McKelvin, Buffalo is confident in its ability to win - especially after shutting down the Baltimore Ravens last week.
"It just shows you, like I've heard Fred (Jackson) saying, 'We're not the same Bills,'" said Bills safety Da'Norris Searcy. "I would say fans are starting to believe. And we're going to keep believing and keep pushing."
