Browns' QB depth chart up in the air
Jackson might sit Kizer, start Hogan after halftime benching against Jets.
Browns coach Hue Jackson is undecided BEREA— about his starting quarterback.
Jackson benched struggling rookie DeShone Kizer at halftime of Sunday’s loss to the New York Jets, replacing the 21-year-old with Kevin Hogan, who moved Cleveland’s offense and threw two touchdown passes. Jackson said Monday that he’s still weighing whether it would be beneficial to sit Kizer, who has thrown a league-high nine interceptions, including four inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. The Browns play at Houston this week.
After replacing Kizer, Hogan finished 16 of 19 for 194 yards, but the Browns (0-5) dropped to 1-20 in two seasons under Jackson.
Jackson wants to do what’s best for the team while trying to develop Kizer and win. Jackson said he still believes in Kizer, but he won’t tolerate turnovers.
When asked if he was worried about Kizer’s confidence being shaken, Jackson said, “My confidence is shaken.”
After Sunday’s game, Kizer said he’ll respect whatever Jackson decides to do. “I expect to come back and learn from my mistakes from this game, do whatever I can to become a better player and let those decisions be in the head coach’s hands as they always have been,” he said.
Hogan was Cleveland’s No. 4 quarterback in training camp, but the 25-year-old, who began last season on the practice squad, could be the Browns’ short-term answer this season.
Hogan isn’t focused on his playing status or starting. “I am just doing what I can to get better and help this team get a win,” he said. “This whole season, I have only focused on what I can control.”
SUNDAY’S GAME
Browns at Texans, 1 p.m., WHIO-TV Ch. 7, AM 1290, News 95.7