The Cleveland Browns have a quarterback competition on their hands that they did not intend on taking on prior to OTAs beginning. The team signed Jason Campbell as a backup quarterback during the offseason with Brandon Weeden as the presumed starter. However, as practices get underway, Campbell has emerged as the top guy. Now, the Browns have signed Brian Hoyer as another quarterback, putting more pressure on Weeden to step up in his sophomore season.
Weeden has made it known that he wants to be "the guy" for the Browns in 2013. But in order to do so, he is going to have to beat out some rising competition. Weeden did not exactly shine in his rookie campaign. He threw 14 touchdowns and 17 interceptions in what became another mediocre season for the Browns. At 29, it is clear that Weeden might not be viewed as the future of the franchise.
Weeden has been taking most of the first-team reps during OTAs. Head coach Rob Chudzinski confirmed that Weeden was working as the No. 1 guy but is not committed to naming the full-time starter just yet. He is content with seeing how things play out. Because of that, Campbell has a legitimate shot as taking over as the starting quarterback.
In the last two seasons, Campbell has played for both the Oakland Raiders and the Chicago Bears. He has thrown for eight touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 61 percent of his passes. Campbell has gotten praise from Cleveland coaches for his arm strength and overall size, gaining comparisons to Ben Roethlisberger.
The Browns have now added Hoyer to spice up competition even more. After being cut by the Arizona Cardinals, the Browns swept him up in a move that surprised Weeden.
"I was surprised, but that's the nature of the beast. It's part of this business and if you start worrying about it, that's too much to worry about. That's my mentality going forward," Weeden said.
Hoyer is placed as the No. 3 guy with a chance to climb up the depth charter ladder as practice continues. Browns general manager Mike Lombardi has praised Hoyer in the past. Back in 2011, he was quoted saying he would have rather had Hoyer under center than Colt McCoy. While Weeden would prefer to not have to watch his back with each practice, the Browns are doing a great job of keeping the pressure on him.
