The last time Trevor Siemian started against the Cleveland Browns he attempted only six passes before suffering a season-ending leg injury.
"It’s part of the game, obviously, but not a lot of great memories from that night," said Siemian on Tuesday in Florham Park. "I think I played a quarter and then that happened. Yeah, not one of the highlights of my career for sure."
More than four years later, the 31-year-old Siemian is set to lead the New York Jets up against Cleveland and the NFL's top-ranked defense on Thursday Night Football. The Browns limit opponents to a league-low 4.46 yards per play.
"They’re good at all three levels. Upfront obviously with the two edge guys, their whole front is great, they have players at linebacker, and then their DBs are sticky," said Siemian.
It'll be his second consecutive start in what is his second stint with the Jets' organization. Prior to signing onto the Practice Squad this past September, Siemian's only other career start for the Jets was the 2019 primetime affair against the Browns. The veteran quarterback subsequently made stops in Tennessee (2020), New Orleans (2020-21) and Chicago (2022) before landing back with the Jets.
When Zach Wilson entered concussion protocol midway through a Week 15 road game against Miami, the Jets called upon Siemian to take the reins. The 2015 seventh-round draft pick was serviceable in a 30-28 victory over the Washington Commanders on December 24. He threw for 217 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Siemian inherited an offense that was struggling mightily to score points. The Jets recorded only 13 offensive touchdowns through their first 14 games. Against Washington, New York managed three touchdowns on offense for only the second time this season.
"We’re just trying to find that consistency and stay in that flow, and if we do that, we have a chance," said Siemian.
The Jets (6-9) visit the Browns (10-5) for the final Thursday Night Football game on the 2023 NFL schedule. The game kicks off on December 28 at 8:15 pm ET on Prime Video.
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