Cleveland Browns rookie QB DeShone Kizer makes solid bid to keep starting job

Hue Jackson said earlier this week, after naming DeShone Kizer the Cleveland Browns' preseason Week 3 starting quarterback, that the rookie had passed every test placed in front of him to date.

Jackson wouldn't officially anoint Kizer as his regular-season starter after Saturday night's performance, but that announcement will probably be forthcoming soon enough.

Kizer won't get an 'A' after his first NFL action playing with and against first-string talent, but it's fair to say he earned another passing grade and will almost surely be under center when the Browns host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 10, opening day.

Though the second rounder's numbers (6-for-18, 93 yards) in one half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers weren't necessarily impressive, Kizer looked comfortable and played with poise, especially on third downs, showing a nice combination of mobility and a live arm. His receivers also failed to help him on a few catchable balls on a rainy Florida evening.

He led Cleveland to three points on the opening series, orchestrating a 10-play, 57-yard drive.

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"I thought he did some good things. I know the numbers wasn't like I would like or he would like, but I thought he moved the team, made some plays. I think our surrounding cast has to continue to help him," said Jackson.

"I feel comfortable with him, I thought he handled things really well. His eyes were good, conversations we had was what you want with your quarterback."

Kizer was picked off once, though it came off a deflection by the Bucs' Lavonte David and will probably serve as an important lesson about the closing speed of NFL linebackers on a ball that was otherwise on target down the middle of the field.

"He's doing everything I ask him to," continued Jackson.

"He did not fall flat on his face. He didn't. As a matter of fact, he did some even better things than I thought he would."

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