The Cleveland Browns will set unsightly quarterback records in back-to-back weeks to start the 2016 season.
After making Robert Griffin III the team’s 25th different starting quarterback since 1999 (an NFL high during that span), the Browns are now set to become the first team in NFL history to start at least two different quarterbacks in 15 straight seasons.
From ESPN’s Field Yates:
In Week 2 the Browns will become the first team in NFL history to use multiple starting QB’s in 15 straight seasons, per Elias.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 13, 2016
Griffin III fractured his left shoulder during Cleveland’s Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He’ll go on injured reserve, giving the Browns’ Week 2 start to veteran Josh McCown.
The last time the Browns started only one quarterback in a season was 2001, when Tim Couch made all 16 starts.
The Browns have been close to snapping the streak in recent years. Brandon Weeden got the start in 15 games in 2012, while Derek Anderson started 15 games in 2007.
It’s been especially ugly at quarterback since 2013.
The Browns have started at least three quarterbacks in each of the last three seasons, and that streak will extend to four years in any major injury happens to McCown during his next few starts. It’s certainly possible Cody Kessler—Cleveland’s third-round pick—will become the Browns’ 26th different starting quarterback since 1999 at some point this season.
