As was expected, the Cleveland Browns will start rookie quarterback Coly McCoy Sunday at home against Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. The decision was officially announced Friday afternoon by head coach Eric Mangini.
"I think with each experience, it helps you, because you recognize some things better and you get more comfortable adjusting," Mangini said.
Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme, Cleveland's other two QBs, both missed Thursday's practice as they continue to recover from high ankle sprains, both suffered in the game against the Falcons on Oct. 10. Neither have practice since then. Wallace could be active for Sunday's game, as the No. 2 or No. 3 option, while Delhomme will likely be inactive against the Patriots. Brett Ratliff is the Browns' other option for back-up.
Sunday will be McCoy's third NFL start, and his first at home. In his first two games, at Pittsburgh and at New Orleans, McCoy was 32-of-49 with 355 yards and touchdowns.