| McCoy says he loves the fans and the city, he's just looking for some consistency. (US PRESSWIRE) |
The Cleveland Browns are working to sign their two 2012 first-round picks, running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden, before training camp begins later this month. Meanwhile, Colt McCoy, the starter on 13 occasions last season, has been reduced to just hoping for an opportunity to compete for a job.
A 2010 third-rounder, McCoy's NFL journey has been the opposite of smooth. Injuries to Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace forced him onto the field as a rookie where he showed glimpses of potential. But in 2011, an unimaginative offense and an uninspiring season (not helping: the 32 sacks punctuated by James Harrison's hit in Week 14) have all but sealed his fate as the Browns' starter.
Weeden appears to be destined for the gig, but McCoy isn't willing to cede it to him without a fight.
"That's part of my nature," McCoy said Tuesday according to the Joey D. Richards of ReporterNews.com. "You're getting everything I have, whether that's working, preparing, studying or practicing. Unfortunately, a lot of things are out of my control. The main thing for me is not to worry about those things I can't control. I have to go in, do my job and have high character and compete my tail off, if the opportunity's available. Other than that, there's not much you can do. So that's what I try to do every day."
This spring, there were rumors that McCoy might seek a trade or that the Browns would beat him to the punch. Last month, team president Mike Holmgren said that "Right now the plan is not to" trade or release either Wallace or McCoy," before hedging: "That's not to say we might not change something.''
Not that we need confirmation (we've seen the Browns play), but McCoy admits that his NFL career has been … well, eventful.
"It's been a rough ride thus far," he said. "We've had our ups and downs. I've had three (offensive) coordinators going into my third year. Two head coaches in two years. There's been some ups and downs and things you have to fight through. Most are things out of your control. But for me, I would just like a little consistency. I love the town. I love the fans. I think they truly deserve a winning football team. That's what I want to do. I want to be there for the ride of turning that thing around. We'll see what happens."
If it's any consolation (and we imagine it's not), while both Holmgren and coach Pat Shurmur may favor Weeden for the gig, they've previously conceded that "nothing gets handed to anybody -- (Weeden's) going to have to show us.'' We're guessing it will take a collapse the likes of which not even the Browns organization has seen for McCoy to emerge atop the depth chart by Week 1.
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