Rookie QBs in the NFL are going to struggle. They will have a hard time adapting to the speed of the NFL game, the complex coverages, the pre-snap looks they get from opposing defenses and the enormous game plans that go into each and every Sunday.

Some are of the belief that you should protect your rookie QBs, have them sit for a season and then slowly increase their development into their second seasons as a pro. In Cleveland, we should expect that to be the case with Colt McCoy.

Unlike Sam Bradford in St. Louis—who might see action on the first weekend of the season—and Jimmy Clausen in Carolina, who could win a job over last year’s starter Matt Moore, McCoy should have the luxury of sitting behind Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace.

However, as Mary Kay Cabot writes in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Holmgren was quick to point out on ESPN2’s Mike and Mike in the Morning today when talking of McCoy, “if he is the guy, he plays.”

Holmgren has to say this, just as he would for every other position on his football team. The best player should be on the field come Sundays this fall regardless if it is the QB or a free safety. We know that, but even after Delhomme’s dreadful season in Carolina last year, it is going to be tough for a rookie to not only take his spot, but to also leap a Holmgren favorite in Wallace.

Even Holmgren said that there are exceptions to the rule. Players such as Mark Sanchez of the Jets and Joe Flacco of the Ravens. Rookie QBs who saw success because of the defense and the running game that carried their clubs throughout the season.

Unfortunately, Cleveland doesn’t have that yet under head coach Eric Mangini--who also isn't ready to close the door on McCoy seeing the field in 2010.

And, that is even more of a reason to allow McCoy to compete—just like the rest of the roster—but hope that the veteran QBs take control of this offense in August. There is no need to throw a rook into the fire at QB for a team that is rebuilding on the fly.

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