Did the Browns Expect Too Much from Brandon Weeden?

Brandon Weeden has been just about as good as the Browns should have expected. 

Some were surprised when the Cleveland Browns used their second of two first-round picks on the Oklahoma State quarterback in 2012 draft.

However, after 21 games with Colt McCoy and a 6-15 record to show for it, it was time to make a move at the game's most vital position. 

But did they really assume he'd take the Browns to new heights in his first season? 

Sure, they probably were hoping for a win through four games, and didn't think Weeden would have the lowest QB rating (60.4) among the league's 32 starting quarterbacks, but there are many reasons Cleveland should have seen disappointment ahead. 

First things first, the talent surrounding Weeden is far from formidable. 

Trent Richardson may emerge as a fine running back down the road, but outside of him—a fellow rookie—where are the playmakers? 

The lack of offensive talent was blatantly obvious over the past two seasons with McCoy under center, and was Cleveland able to add an influx of offensive talent on the outside for Weeden? 

No. 

Yes, he threw for over 4,700 yards with 37 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in his final season in Stillwater, but he did so with a physically superior talent in Justin Blackmon in a conference that clearly doesn't put a high priority on defense. 

Thus far, Richardson's sputtered in three of four games, the defense has been average and the receivers, well, they've been uninspired to say the least. 

The odd thing is, even with three touchdown passes to seven interceptions, the Browns have been in every game. 

Weeden undoubtedly deserves some blame for the team's 0-4 start, but the supporting cast in Cleveland should have made a disappointing beginning to his career rather predictable. 

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