The New York Giants job may have just gotten easier when they take on the Cleveland Browns as they’ll be without rookie QB Cody Kessler.
Big Blue has been preparing for the Cleveland Browns this weekend without fully knowing who they’d face under center. With rumors swirling around the return of Robert Griffin III, the Giants were preparing for three Cleveland quarterbacks: Cody Kessler, Josh McCown, or RG3.
Although RG3 has returned to practice since breaking the coracoid bone in his left shoulder, he has yet to be cleared for full contact. Griffin hopes to play again this year, but will not see action against the Giants, despite taking reps with the second team in practice this week.
Cody Kessler was thrust into the starter’s role after injuries to both RG3 and Josh McCown. Kessler has been about what you expect out of a rookie. He has protected the ball well and had shining moments, but has also been met with the struggles a rookie usually incurs starting, especially before they are fully groomed. Kessler has thrown for 1,369 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions in eight games this season
Kessler would have been the starter for this contest against the New York Giants, but a concussion that knocked him out of the Week 11 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The concussion was Kessler’s second of his rookie season, and it was announced Friday he will miss the week 12 bout against the Giants as he remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
So, this Sunday, the Cleveland Browns will throw out 14-year veteran and journeyman quarterback Josh McCown. McCown has seen action in four games this year starting in two of them.
McCown has played against the New York Giants twice in his career, and although he is 1-1 against them, the Giants have done a good job containing him. McCown has only completed 50% of his passes against the Giants for 142 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.
