The Cleveland Browns meant it when they said there was not going to be a quick hook for Brian Hoyer. Head coach Mike Pettine intends on giving the veteran quarterback absolutely every chance to prove himself worthy of the starting spot before making a move under center. Coming off the bye week many wondered if Cleveland was prepping the Johnny Manziel Show, but so far that is not the case.
Cleveland currently sits at 1-2 on the season which is not exactly what they were hoping for. While the record might be dismal, the stats for Hoyer give some hope. Through three games played, he has been efficient putting up 716 yards and three touchdowns with a 64.2 completion percentage. He ranks 11th in the league with a 97.5 quarterback rating. The Browns might have a losing record, but it certainly is not a result of struggles from Hoyer and for that reason, no change under center will be taking place.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Browns have reevaluated their quarterback position and have every intention of sticking with Hoyer as the starter instead of inserting rookie Manziel. The former Texas A&M phenom has yet to make an impact in the NFL other than getting fined. The quarterback has seen action in two games this season. He has one pass attempt that went incomplete. That is not exactly what some were expecting, but the Browns are not interested in rushing those stats along right now.
While the quarterback position might not be changing for the Browns, the running back spot is. Entering Week 5, the Browns are hopeful that running back Ben Tate rejoins the lineup after spraining his knee in the season opener. The Browns have been operating their rushing attack with a rookie tandem that by all accounts is being very successful. Both Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West have flourished with the starting responsibilities, but once healthy, Tate will return as the starter.
"That's what we brought Tate here for, to be the starter," running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery said, via the Akron Beacon Journal. "He's the No. 1 running back in this offense. Right now, you can say we miss him. We miss his experience. We miss his leadership with the group. Speaking from that standpoint, we'll be open arms and welcome to have Ben back into the fold."
Fantasy owners should take note, with Tate back in the mix, West and Crowell's stock drops. Tate will return to being the workhorse for the Browns while the other two players rotate in. However, this will not be the last Tate injury of the season, so keep the young backs around.
