Cleveland Browns QB Colt McCoy has followed starter Brandon Weeden in both preseason games, but coach Pat Shurmur isn't one to make hasty decisions. McCoy and Seneca Wallace have performed well in the two victories. Despite rumors of trades involving McCoy, many believe the Browns will keep him around if he is deemed the better backup.
"I don't see any urgency to settle that," Shurmur said. "Everyone out there is working hard. Before Week 1 it will be unveiled who's No. 2 and who's No. 3. I've seen all the quarterbacks who were here last year play better."
The two have battled to a statistical dead heat in the preseason. McCoy is 10 of 14 for 146 yards. Wallace is 10 of 17 for 130 yards and a touchdown. Both seem to have benefited from their first full offseason studying the offense under Shurmur, as well as the additions of new offensive coordinator Brad Childress and special assistant Nolan Cromwell.
Run-stopping Rucker: The signing of free agent DE Frostee Rucker didn't have Browns fans turning cartwheels down Euclid Avenue. But for a team that ranked 30th in the league in rushing yards allowed last season, it was a good move.
According to Pro Football Focus, Rucker ranked first in the NFL last year among the 15 top run-stoppers. A stop is recorded for a tackle for loss, sack or solo tackle not made downfield. Rucker managed one per 14.9 snaps. But will he play in passing situations?
"I haven't heard much," he said. "I've done it all -- inside, upside, up, down. It doesn't matter. I just put my hand in the dirt and go."
Rucker could even move inside occasionally with the loss of DT Phil Taylor (pectoral surgery) for at least six games, although the Browns hope rookie John Hughes can fill that void. Rucker will certainly be a fixture on the line in run situations, but he will be wearing a knee brace the first couple weeks. He recently returned to practice after missing time with an undisclosed knee injury.
Playing time plans for Philly: Shurmur said he will be playing his starters about a half against visiting Philadelphia on Friday night, although some might play a bit more and others a bit less. It was the same approach he took Thursday in Green Bay.
The Browns will likely show less from their playbook against the Eagles because the teams meet in the regular-season opener two weeks later in Cleveland.
FB Marecic receives praise: Among the least visible players in camp has been FB Owen Marecic. That's to be expected for a second-year player who is mostly a blocker. But he's being pushed this year by rookie FB Brad Smelley, who brings a strong pass-catching element to the position. Marecic has been used little in that area.
Shurmur did mention receiving as strength of Marecic's when asked about him on Sunday.
"He's done a nice job blocking from the backfield, a good job with lead blocks," Shurmur said. "When you throw him the ball he catches it, and he's very good at knowing who to block in pass protection."
Smelley is a work in progress as a blocker. Shurmur said last week that Smelley would be the first to admit that he could have played better against the Packers. Smelley missed a couple blocks in pass protection against Green Bay.
Stay dialed in on the Browns on Twitter at @
