Why Cody Kessler is Cleveland’s best option
Since their rebirth in 1999, the Browns have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position. Cleveland has fielded 26 different starting quarterbacks since rejoining the league, consistently failing to find that elusive franchise passer. The Browns acquired Brock Osweiler from the Texans and have also been linked with a trade for Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason, and could even turn to the Draft despite a weak quarterback class.
But what if the Browns have already found the future at quarterback? I think they have, and his name is Cody Kessler. I researched Kessler’s college career at USC, looked at his statistics, and watched all of the tape from his rookie year to figure out whether he is the best option for the Browns.
After injuries to both Josh McCown and Robert Griffin III in the first two weeks of the season, Kessler started Week 3’s game against Miami and would effectively keep the starting job until after Week 11. The Browns had a chance to beat the Dolphins, but two fumbles by fullback Malcolm Johnson and running back Duke Johnson cost them chances. Kessler also threw an interception that sealed the loss.
However, Kessler’s film reveals his talent. Kessler is an extremely accurate quarterback, and also plays as a traditional pocket passer. After the pick against Miami, he would throw just one more interception all season in a 31–20 loss to Washington in Week 4. Kessler can also make all of the NFL throws and is accurate on the move when flushed out of the pocket. He displays good poise and awareness in the pocket, even when being pressured. He keeps his eyes downfield and is still accurate even if he takes a big hit on release.
The Browns were unlucky not to beat Tennessee in Week 6, as head coach Hue Jackson’s unsuccessful two point conversion late ultimately cost them. Kessler kept the Browns in that game, leading several impressive drives and also displaying excellent touch on several passes in what would be his best game of the season. He completed 63.4% of his passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns. Cleveland’s offensive line struggled to protect Kessler for much of the season, and he was sacked six times against the Titans.
In many ways, Kessler was exactly the kind of player Cleveland needed. In his five seasons at USC, Kessler weathered four head coaching changes and still managed to be a three year starter who led the Trojans to two Bowl wins in three appearances. At the end of his college career, Kessler had completed 67.5% of his passes for 10339 yards, 88 touchdowns and just 19 interceptions in USC’s pro-style offense. Kessler never completed less than 65% of his passes in any season.
Kessler was also the leader for the Trojans and was a pillar of stability for the team through all of the upheaval with their coaches. Kessler became the starter in 2013, when the Trojans finished 10–4. he led them to a 9–4 record in 2014 and an 8–6 campaign in his final season in 2015. He was drafted 93rd overall in the third round by Cleveland in 2015.
However, as with any young quarterback, there are some problems. Kessler must learn to throw the ball away at times or have a quicker release rather than taking sacks. Several of his throws also came on check downs in the flat, and some of his medium and deep passes were under-thrown, forcing receivers to adjust. He also struggled to pull the trigger on deep balls.
There are also concerns regarding his durability. Kessler left Week 5’s game against the Patriots with a shoulder injury. He suffered a concussion just under halfway through the first quarter against Cincinnati in Week 7 and missed the next game. He was benched against the Ravens in Week 10 despite Josh McCown’s three turnovers and failure to add to Kessler’s points. Then, in Week 11 against Pittsburgh, Kessler suffered another concussion and would throw just three more passes all season.
But Kessler shows great promise, and can flourish in Cleveland with better protection and a better supporting cast around him. The Browns had a 1–15 record last season, but had luck gone the other way, Kessler would’ve almost certainly led them to two more victories at least. His film also shows growth throughout the season, as Hue Jackson trusted him more and more. In his first start, the Browns rushed 32 times compared to Kessler’s 33 pass attempts. Against Washington, the Browns rushed 28 times while Kessler had 40 pass attempts. Against Dallas, Kessler passed 27 times against 13 rushing attempts.
Kessler has been working hard to get better this offseason, working with quarterback guru Tom House on improving both his deep ball and making quicker decisions in the pocket. He has continued to take a leadership role, working out with Browns receivers Corey Coleman, Ricardo Louis and Rashard Higgins in Dallas and building chemistry with his team-mates; something you expect from your starting quarterback.
But what about Brock Osweiler? Can Kessler beat Brock for the starting job? I think he can. I compared Kessler’s stats to Osweiler’s 2015 Broncos and 2016 Texans numbers. Kessler’s 65.6% completion rate was higher than either of Osweiler’s (61.8% and 59% respectively). Although Kessler averaged the fewest yards per game by far, he averaged 7.1 yards per attempt. Osweiler averaged 7.2 for Denver and just 5.8 for Houston. Kessler threw six touchdowns to just two interceptions last year. Osweiler had 10 touchdowns and six interceptions for Denver and 15 touchdowns to 16 interceptions in Houston.
Perhaps the best way to determine whether Kessler is the answer for the Browns is to apply Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells’ seven rules on drafting quarterbacks;
1 — Three year starter? Yes.
2 — Be a senior in college? Yes.
3 — Graduate from college? Kessler graduated with a degree in Sociology
4 — Start 30 games? Kessler started 41.
5 — Win 23 games? Kessler won 27.
6–2:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio? Kessler’s ratio was almost 5:1.
7 — Complete at least 60% of passes? Kessler completed 67.5% across his college career.
Some quarterbacks who have met all seven criteria: Drew Brees, Andrew Luck, Eli Manning, Marcus Mariota, and Philip Rivers. Although Cody Kessler may not be quite as talented as the players on that illustrious list, he can certainly be the answer for the Cleveland Browns this year, and maybe even beyond…
