Colt McCoy Is Clearly Not the Long-Term Cleveland Browns QB, so Who Is?

What in the name of Bernie Kosar, Brian Sipe and Otto Graham is going on in Cleveland?

While the team seems to be displeased with Peyton Hillis and the running game, the passing game is in need of a major overhaul if the Browns are ever going to get back to prominence like the 1980s.

I'm talking a major change at the game's most popular position, because right now it does not appear that Colt McCoy is the long-term answer for this team to move forward.

Two years ago when the Browns took the Texas passer in the third round, management thought it had unearthed a gem and a "steal" in terms of popularity, a marketing dynamo and someone who could move the chains and find receivers on pass patterns.

Remember, it thought the same thing about Tim Couch, and look what happened to him after the 1999 NFL draft.

The Browns need to be prominent again, like the Packers, the Cowboys and the Raiders. It appears at least two of those three other choices are moving in that direction.

However, for now the Browns are mediocre at best and in need of someone to take over the leadership role in the passing offense.

These players may fit into that position for team president Mike Holmgren and head coach Pat Shurmur.

7. Rex Grossman

A hunch here.

John Beck played in the game against Philadelphia. Grossman was awful during the contest with four interceptions.

Will he get another look this week, or does he ride the bench? I suspect Daniel Snyder will go after a quarterback next season. Grossman can start in the NFL for a few teams.

This is one of them.

6. Matt Leinart

For some reason (why, I do not know), I think this kid can still play.

If he is in the right situation where he is "The Man" and in an environment where the short passing game can be implemented, he can be successful.

He still has a good arm, and maybe the Browns could use his skills.

5. Shaun Hill

I still think this quarterback should be starting in the NFL.

He was good filling in for Matthew Stafford last season when he was injured. The Maryland graduate has a good arm and is cool in the pocket. The Browns need a guy to open up the passing game.

Hill might be the one.

4. Andrew Luck

This only happens after the season and a few things have to happen.

The Browns would need to secure the first pick in the draft, and after 1999 and their luck with Tim Couch, is that such a good idea?

Second, if they don't have the first pick, they can package a deal for Luck. However, I am not sure they have enough pieces to make a deal.

In any event, it's nice to think of as a late Christmas present.

3. Carson Palmer

Is it blasphemy for a team within the same division to covet your quarterback who will not come to play on your own playground?

Well, if it is, too bad.

Palmer could be the missing piece to the puzzle. A strong arm and a quarterback who has not taken a hit this season, so he is injury free.

And he has a great arm to spread the field.

2. Kyle Orton

Again, a very obvious choice. You would figure with Tim Tebow under center he would want to get out of Mile High as fast as he can.

And now rumors are flying that he has asked to be traded. (However, according to Mike Klis of The Denver Post, Orton doesn't want the trade.)

Orton is not as bad a passer as people think. He has been in the league a long time, long enough to know what it takes to manage a game.

In Cleveland, managing a game is as good as winning a game. If the team keeps Hillis and lets him do what he does best, Orton can find receivers in the slot and down the field.

1. Brett Favre

As long as there are openings in the NFL for quarterbacks and he gets a mention here or there, he still remains relevant.

It's a cold-weather team that needs a shot of youthful play. You cannot say Favre isn't a kid out there when he is on his game.

And for the record, I am kidding.