Many believed that the Cleveland Browns (2-2) were "mailing it in" regarding the 2013 NFL season, after having traded starting RB Trent Richardson, in a rare mid-season trade, for draft picks, as well as starting their third string quarterback over their designated back-up Jason Campbell.
Instead, naming Brian Hoyer the starting quarterback and trading Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts, the Browns have won two straight games, having beaten the Minnesota Vikings and AFC Central division rival Cincinnati Bengals. Hoyer - a native of Cleveland - threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns in Cleveland's victory against the Bengals.
"He's been the spark that I had hoped for," said Browns rookie head coach Rob Chudzinski.
Going into Thursday night, Hoyer - despite the short turnaround and Weeden back practicing with the team - is looking to become the first Cleveland Browns quarterback to win three straight starts games since Otto Graham did it in 1946. The Browns are hoping that Hoyer can give the Browns their first winning record since through five games since 2001.
"Brian's done a nice job for us coming in, providing that spark," said offensive lineman Joe Thomas. "He had two nice games already making the right throws, getting the ball out on time, just making sure everybody's on the same page."
Standing the Browns way are the Buffalo Bills - with rookie QB EJ Manuel and rookie head coach Doug Marrone, coming off a huge 23-20 victory against the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens. Manuel threw for 167 yards, finishing 10-of-22 with a touchdown, including a 42-yard touchdown to rookie WR Robert Woods, becoming the first rookie quarterback to beat a defending Super Bowl champion in the month of September.
"It was a huge win for our team," said Manuel. "We're 2-2 now and moving forward to a quick turnaround with Cleveland coming up on Thursday."