The Cleveland Browns are in need of second-year quarterback Brandon Weeden to step up this season. After showing flashes of talent in his rookie debut, Cleveland brought in quarterback guru Norv Turner to assist in Weeden's sophomore season. Many have doubted whether Weeden would be a lasting talent in the NFL, but in the team's first preseason game the quarterback looked every bit the prime starter for the team.
Weeden went 10 for 13 for 112 yards and a touchdown in his 2013 debut. That is a pretty big improvement off of last year's preseason debut where he went 3 for 9 for 62 yards, a fumble and an interception. While Weeden insists that his mindset has not changed despite the addition of veteran Jason Campbell, he understands the urgency to improve and play better.
"(I want to) string together consecutive good plays, string together a couple good drives, just get the feel of the game,'' Weeden said via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Obviously there's going to be some emotions and there's going to be a lot more adrenaline. I just want to manage the game and move the ball up the field.''
Weeden credits his improved abilities to first-year offensive coordinator, Turner. Weeden likes the fact that Turner expects him to be perfect on every play. Weeden's arm strength is tailor-made for Turner's passing attack. Turner's biggest question for the quarterback is how quickly he can continue to pick up the new system.
"It's getting everybody on the same page," Turner said. "It's...little details. A process. At the end of the day, you have to produce and it has to show up on the field. We'll see how everything fails."
Head coach Rob Chudzinski is recognizing a difference in Weeden since the arrival of Turner.
"I thought he did a good job,'' said Chudzinski. "He was efficient and led us to some drives. Ultimately, doing that is what his job is all about.''
Being efficient is what will allow Weeden to keep his job as the team starter. Turner has been working with the quarterback on better controlling his deep ball passes and making smarter decisions. Weeden can be a true gun slinger, but he built up a reputation of overthrowing balls and causing turnovers.
"I'm an aggressive thrower,'' Weeden said. "That's just my personality. I like to make throws in tight windows. But knowing when to take those shots and be aggressive and knowing when to check it down and use our backs, that's one thing I've missed a lot of.''
As Weeden continues to improve so does the Brown's overall offense. While Trent Richardson will provide some much needed relief on the quarterback, Weeden is carrying this team on his back. With Turner as his new mentor, it might just work out.
