We all know that there’s far more wrong with the Cleveland Browns’ offense than the quarterback.

It’s still time for Charlie Frye.

I never thought that I’d be writing this so soon this season. That’s because I never thought that the Browns would lose 19-16 to the Houston Texans, which is their fourth loss in five games.

I never thought that the season would be seven games old, and that the Browns would, yet, to have a rushing touchdown.

Or that they’d have scored only four touchdowns in their past five games.

I never thought that veteran Trent Dilfer would have nine turnovers in the past four games.

Or that he’d take a sack in a key late-game situation as he did Sunday, eliminating even any prayer of a possible tying field-goal attempt.

After seven games, I’m not shocked that the Browns are 2-5. I am stunned by the ineptitude of the offense.

When a team is 2-5 . . .

When it’s offense is getting worse instead of better . . .

When the team did draft a quarterback who is supposed to be the future . . .

The future has just arrived for Frye.

I write this knowing that I’ve been preaching patience when it comes to switching quarterbacks. I write this realizing that their is a risk Frye could take a physical pounding, and perhaps a shock to his confidence. I write this because I see no other choice.

Defenses clearly have taken away a few of Dilfer’s favorite plays, and he has not been able to adjust.

The Texans had allowed 34, 42 and 38 points in their past three games.

In their past three games, the Browns have scored 3, 10 and 16.

Why should the Browns switch to Frye for this week’s game against the Tennessee Titans?

Because it gives some hope and meaning to a season that is quickly running out of optimism. It gives Frye a chance to learn what it means to be a starter in the NFL, and Dilfer (a true team guy) can be a real asset to him.

Dilfer has been sacked 16 times in seven games. The line is decent. Frye is more mobile than the 33-year-old Dilfer.

The Browns privately have a lot of faith in Frye. They were impressed with how he played in the preseason, and how he has prepared each week as Dilfer’s backup. They like his maturity and poise.

They also know this will be a different game for the third-rounder from the University of Akron.

How much?

For Frye and the Browns, it’s time to find out. They really have reached the point where they have nothing else to lose (but more games), but plenty to gain if Frye can prove himself a worthy quarterback of the future.

Terry Pluto is a columnist for the Akron Beacon Journal.