BEREA, Ohio -- It wouldn't be fall without a quarterback controversy in Cleveland.

But this one's not the kind you're thinking of. Rookie Brandon Weeden isn't headed to the bench in favor of Colt McCoy.

Not unless Paul Ryan is calling the plays.

Ryan, the Republican vice presidential candidate,

after

.

While addressing players, Ryan praised Weeden, whom he recalled watching play for Oklahoma State, according to a pool report.

The only problem: The Wisconsin congressman was pointing to McCoy.

Ryan pleaded for mercy when he realized his mistake.

"You always had your helmet on," he said of the redheaded Weeden.

The running mate of Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney made the stop with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who also attended the Baldwin Wallace rally. The Alabama native is a noted Browns fan, and she posed for a photograph with rookie running back Trent Richardson, who attended the University of Alabama.

Rice told the players how she loved watching Browns legend Jim Brown play.

"Football is a game of taking territory," she said, according to the pool report. "Just keep taking territory. ... I'll be watching Sunday, and good luck."





Ryan, Rice and U.S. Sen. Rob Portman of the Cincinnati area were greeted at the Browns complex by newly approved team owner Jimmy Haslam. Haslam's brother is Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, a Republican and supporter of the Romney-Ryan ticket.