By: Tyler Ward
It was reported earlier this week that the Cleveland Browns will start rookie QB Colt McCoy against the Steelers on Sunday. The team had not expected starter Jake Delhomme or Seneca Wallace to play this week, thus leading to McCoy's NFL debut. With only one quarterback on the roster, the team signed Brett Ratliff to be McCoy's backup this week against Pittsburgh.
Earlier this week, coach Eric Mangini said he was leaning towards starting McCoy, although no formal announcement was made. However, Delhomme and Wallace missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, which paved the way for McCoy to start. The former Texas QB has taken first-team reps all week.
Delhomme, sidelined with an ankle injury, played in the opening game, but missed the next three games. He returned last week against the Falcons, but re-aggravated the injury and has been listed doubtful for their game against the Steelers. Wallace supplanted Delhomme as the starter after the former Panther's injury, but he also injured his ankle against the Falcons last week. McCoy was thought to not see the field during his rookie season, but he will this week. But, even though he will start and play in his first career NFL game, could it have come against a better team? The Steelers currently rank 4th in total defense and have been spectacular against the passing game. So, it will be difficult for McCoy and it may be a forgettable first game for the NCAA's all-time winningest quarterback.
With that being said, what do I predict for McCoy? Hmmmm...
My projected stat line for the QB: 9-23, 87 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT (Browns lose 31-10)
