Every struggling offense eventually starts looking for a spark. Sometimes it comes from a new play caller, a lineup change or a shift in the game plan. Other times, it comes from an idea that sounds a little outside the box. With the Browns still searching for answers in the first half of games, one longtime insider tossed out a creative suggestion this week.
Mary Kay Cabot discussed the Browns’ slow offensive starts on 92.3 The Fan and floated a new role for rookie quarterback Taylen Green.
“I would throw Taylen Green out there and see what he can do in certain situations,” Cabot said.
“They need something. I mean, they're not really necessarily scoring the points, especially when Deshaun has been back there.”
➡️ @MaryKayCabot joins @KenCarman & @SportsBoyTony to discuss the #Browns' slow offensive starts and floats the idea of using Taylen Green in certain… pic.twitter.com/K7MmMOUiaT
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) November 12, 2026
The Browns have been outscored by 52 points in 1st quarters this season, and the offense has scored only 13 touchdowns through its first 8 games. Most of Cleveland’s wins have come down to late scoring drives after the offense spent the early part of the game stuck in neutral.
Last week was no different. With Shedeur Sanders under center in New Orleans, the Browns had just 3 points and 80 total yards at halftime before the offense came to life late.
That is where Green comes in. The 6th-round pick stands 6’6 and brings the kind of athleticism that can stress a defense in ways a traditional pocket passer cannot. Using him in specific packages, such as short-yardage plays, the red zone or designed runs, could give defenses something new to prepare for and help jump-start drives.
The idea is not entirely new. Todd Monken suggested back in September that Green could see time in certain packages depending on the matchup, though that has not happened yet. Green has been the emergency 3rd quarterback on game days, including against the Saints.
There are practical concerns too. Rotating quarterbacks can disrupt the rhythm of the starter, and a rookie seeing his first regular-season snaps in the middle of a playoff race would be a risky move.
Still, the Browns cannot keep relying on 4th-quarter comebacks. Fixing the slow starts, whether through Green or something else, may decide whether this team stays in the race.
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