Colt McCoy: What Can Cleveland Browns Fans Expect?

Getting thrown into the fire might not fully explain it.

Asking Colt McCoy to start for the Browns this week in Pittsburgh is the toughest thing that could be asked of a rookie quarterback. With Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace both nursing dreaded high ankle sprains, that's exactly what Eric Mangini will be forced to do.

The former Longhorn great struggled in the preseason with a QB rating of 65.3 and had no plays longer than 17 yards. He got sacked six times, threw two interceptions, and failed to throw a touchdown pass.

Take into mind that this was coming against defenders struggling to make NFL rosters. On Sunday, he would be going against perhaps the best overall unit in the NFL.

The Steelers' defense leads the NFL in points allowed and is fourth in total defense. They are the best team in the league in defending the running game and haven't given up a gain on the ground longer than twelve yards. With Peyton Hillis' status for the game in doubt, it's safe to say the Browns' offense will need to rely heavily on the pass, forcing McCoy to grow up quickly.

However, the Steelers are giving up an average of 226.8 passing yards per game - good for twentieth in the NFL.

If there was a positive to be pulled from McCoy's preseason performances, it was that he completed a 71.8 percent of his throws. He is known to be an accurate passer and will need to be if he expects to have any sort of success in Pittsburgh.

On another note, injuries are really killing the Browns. Josh Cribbs is nursing an ankle injury and remains questionable for Sunday. Cribbs' game-breaker ability can help bail out a struggling offense with a big gain on any given play.

If he plays, the Steelers would likely key on Cribbs and force Cleveland to make someone else beat them. The plan will be to stack the box and force McCoy to try and beat them over the top.

With Troy Palumalu and his locks roaming the secondary, it's impossible not to like Pittsburgh's chances.

McCoy will have to play within himself and not force unnecessary throws. If he gets rid of the ball quickly and avoids turnovers and big hits, he could do enough to not be the reason the Browns get killed on Sunday.

No matter what happens, it will be a valuable experience for McCoy. He will know that this might be one of the most difficult games he will ever be forced to play and it will toughen him up going forward. Cleveland didn't invest a third round pick in McCoy without wanting to see what he's capable of. Why not throw him to the wolves and see if he can learn to dance?