Editor's note: Tony Grossi covers the Cleveland Browns for ESPN 850 WKNR.

There’s been a quiet phenomenon occurring in the build-up to this Browns season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Nobody is talking about the Browns’ quarterback situation.

Now, this is different. Usually, the entire conversation preceding a Browns season-opener centers on the quarterback. Because there’s always a new one.

On Sunday, Tyrod Taylor will become the 29th quarterback to start a game for the Browns since 1999, and the sixth different opening day starter in six seasons.

So this played out as advertised back in March when Taylor was acquired from the Buffalo Bills for a third-round draft pick.

“Tyrod is our starter,” the Browns said.

Even after the Browns used the No. 1 overall pick on Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, the response was the same.

“Tyrod is our starter.”

Even after Mayfield demonstrated in preseason rare poise and unflappability, deft pocket presence, admirable patience, and a strong and accurate arm abetted by a quick release, there was no groundswell to stray from the organizational plan conceived in February.

“Tyrod is our starter.”

So Taylor settles in for his first Browns-Steelers game, and it’s almost like he’s been on the job for years.

On Thursday, the last hard work day of the week, coach Hue Jackson wasn’t asked about Taylor until his 18th question.

Offensive coordinator Todd Haley fielded 16 questions in his first media availability of the regular season before Taylor’s name was brought up.

And neither coach was asked a single question about Mayfield.

Is this a sign that the Browns’ quarterback plan is working? Or is it just that Taylor doesn’t inspire much buzz?

The plan revisited: The biggest misconception about the Browns’ quarterback plan is that Jackson favored Taylor over Mayfield because the coach believes he has a better chance of saving his job with a veteran quarterback at the helm.

In truth, the plan was devised mostly by GM John Dorsey, with significant input from Jackson. Dorsey called on his experiences in Kansas City and Green Bay to compose a quarterback room of 1. a veteran starter, 2. a young hopeful franchise QB, and 3. an older, wiser quarterback – Drew Stanton -- to double as a sounding board to the starter and a mentor to the rookie.

“That’s real important to have some veteran establishment in that room and have the young buck in there just to soak it all in,” Dorsey said.

Pressure cranks up: This week, Taylor was voted a captain by his teammates. His locker is away from the other quarterbacks – Mayfield and Stanton – and along a row in the locker room known as “leadership row” with other respected veterans such as Carlos Hyde, Jarvis Landry, Christian Kirksey and Joel Bitonio.

It’s evident the Browns don’t consider Taylor just a caretaker of the position until Mayfield is ready. He is expected to win.

“My expectations are high,” Haley said. “It is well documented. I have said it, everybody has said it, I think. This guy has come in and gone in head first with no hesitation. He is all-in. He works his butt off, off the field. He works his butt off on the field. He is a very good communicator, which is very critical at that position obviously.

“He has the ability to throw the ball and run the ball. He is very smart, which helps us in the run game. He has to make a lot of decisions there, getting us out of good runs. My expectations are high. I think that my hope is we have not seen the best of Tyrod Taylor.”

But as soon as Taylor takes the field against the Steelers on Sunday, the clock is ticking on his tenure. A missed throw on a key third down, much less an interception, may incite fans to chant for Mayfield.

The only Browns quarterbacks to defeat the Steelers with Ben Roethlisberger on the field were Brady Quinn and Brian Hoyer.

“The key to his future will be these kinds of games,” Jackson acknowledged. “This will be what people measure him on.”

I contend that Taylor is under more pressure than anybody on the Browns, including Jackson. He may be a lame-duck starter, but his market value in free agency in 2019 depends on his performance as the Browns’ “bridge” quarterback.

“That guy’s heard it all,” Dorsey said of Taylor. “He’s been the consummate underdog all the time and he always finds a way to prevail. As [long-time Virginia Tech coach] Frank Beamer told me, he’s one of the greatest leaders he’s ever been around.”

Judging from the lack of buzz about Taylor leading the Browns into this new season, expectations of him are low.

But Taylor’s motivation is to win to keep himself on the field and to improve his value in free agency next year.

“Who’s to say you won’t extend him?” Dorsey said. “If he begins to play well, you’re going to at least have discussions about where he is. Let’s find out. You never know.”