5 Realistic Goals for Cleveland Browns QB Colt McCoy

Since the return of the Cleveland Browns, we the fans have yet to witness a quarterback take control of the offense this early in the preseason.

After his three-touchdown performance against the Detroit Lions, Colt McCoy has many Clevelanders believing that he may be the franchise QB we've been waiting for.

Personally, I believe this notion to be a bit premature, but I do believe that McCoy has all the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback.

It would be misguided to think that McCoy is going to put up statistics comparable to those of Tom Brady or Peyton Manning during this season.

However, I have compiled five realistic goals that, if Colt can stay healthy, he should be able to achieve.

1. Complete 64 Percent of Pass Attempts

Colt has shown himself to be an accurate QB (60.8 percent completions in 2010). With the addition of the West Coast offense, Colt has a chance to build on his 2010 numbers.

The new offensive system isn't going to allow for many downfield passes for McCoy and his wideouts. Instead, it's going to demand good timing on short patterns which, if run correctly, should turn into many more completions for the Browns offense.

However, more pass attempts equal more opportunities for incomplete passes.

Completing 64 percent of his passes may be a little too high for a second-year quarterback, but if Colt is able to complete above 61 percent, he'll be on his way to a successful season.

2. Pass for 3,300 Yards

This could have been an attainable goal last season if McCoy were to have played all 16 games, but he played in only eight games and passed for 1,576 yards.

So, with a year under his belt and a quarterback-friendly offensive system, Colt should be able to pass for at least 3,300 yards. 

McCoy will have to throw for an average of 206.25 yards per game, which, barring any major injuries, should be a realistic goal for this offense.

Also, the Browns receivers need to help with yards after the catch. 

Last Friday against the Lions, the receivers weren't able to run after they caught the ball, and McCoy ended up with only 96 yards on 10 completions. 

3. Throw 22 Touchdowns

So far this preseason, McCoy has thrown four TDs to zero interceptions in just over three quarters of play.

Now, I highly doubt that he will able to keep that TD/INT ratio for the entire season, but, if Colt can throw 22 touchdowns in his second season while playing within the tough AFC North, Browns fans will be thrilled.

Hillis is the only other Browns player that may hurt McCoy's TD numbers. Peyton will get a bunch of touches within the red zone due to his ability to get positive gains in short-yardage situations.

But, this offense is built for the QB to throw for around 20 TDs, so don't be surprised if Colt throws for more than my predicted 22.

4. Two 4th-Quarter Comebacks

What is it that separates good QBs from elite QBs?

Their ability to play well when it matters: the fourth quarter.

As a young Browns fan, I have not had the luxury of witnessing many late-game heroics, especially from the quarterback position.

Last season against the Jets, McCoy could have had a comeback win if it weren't for the horrendous offensive system ran by Brian Daboll.

Hopefully, if the offense is put in a comeback situation this season, Coach Shurmur will call some good plays for Colt and the offense to give them a chance to win the game.

If McCoy is able to amass at least two fourth-quarter comebacks this season, I would be inclined to believe that maybe he is our QB of the future.

5. Win 8 Games

A record at or above .500, is that too much to ask for? I don't think so.

I understand that the team record doesn't fall completely on McCoy's shoulders, but it will be a good indication of how well he leads the offense.

Plain and simple, McCoy is a winner (45 wins at Texas). Winning is what's most important to him, and I believe he understands that it's important to all us Clevelanders as well.

So, if McCoy is able to lead the Browns to eight wins, there will be no need to place the team in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes.

There will, however, be a need to build this team around Colt for the long term and hopefully win a Super Bowl.