The 6-6, Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay Packers travel to Cleveland this week to take on the 0-12 Browns. If at the beginning of the season someone told you the Packers would be 6-6, the Browns were winless but still had a chance no one would have believed you. Its also been a fun Thursday as a Browns fan, Sashi Brown was fired and Hue Jackson will remain the Head Coach in 2018. *insert Mike Polk "Fun times in Cleveland Again". But on to actual game...
Browns Offense vs Packers Defense
I know this is crazy to say but the Browns might be able to put up some points against the Packers defense. Their passing defense isn't that good, and DeShone Kizer could actually throw an accurate pass to Josh Gordon we could see Gordon go for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Again, I know it sounds nuts, but what Gordon did last week against Casey Hayward isn't really anything to take lightly. The guy shut down all the other top receivers he's gone up against this year and is ranked as the top cornerback this year. Gordon against a struggling Packers secondary screams Kizer's first 300 yard game.
The running game needs to keep on keeping on. And that means Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson, and DeShone Kizer. Last week they had just under 100 yards against a really tough defense in the Chargers. Now the Packers run defense is better than their pass defense because of Mike Daniels and Blake Martinez. If the Browns can get a lead and use the run game to win the time of possession it could be a recipe for success.
Browns Defense vs Packers Offense
The Packers will have to start Brett Hundley for one more week. With the help of two defensive touchdowns last week the Packers beat the Buccaneers 26-20 in overtime. In that game Hundley threw for 84 yards and threw one pick. Its fairly obvious that Green Bay misses Rodgers. The key for the Browns this game is to let Hundley beat you with his arm. He's thrown for only five touchdowns in the eight games he's played. And he's also prone to turnovers, throwing eight picks and fumbling three times.
The Browns should key in on stopping the run this week. The Packers have a running back by committee with Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones as their leading rushers. The Browns also can't forget about Hundley scrambling out of the pocket. He has good speed and ran for 66 yards last week in the overtime win.
Five Guys To Watch
1. Josh Gordon: In his first game in almost three seasons Gordon went for four catches for 85 yards. He also went up against the best corner in the league. It should be exciting to see how he plays against a struggling secondary.
2. DeShone Kizer: If it weren't for Kizer the Browns probably would have won last week. Multiple terrible throws to a wide open Josh Gordon and a sack-fumble in the redzone. That's exactly why we lost. But Sunday is another chance to redeem himself.
3. David Njoku: Njoku had a career game last week. Four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. Hopefully this means we get to see Njoku on the field more.
4. Joe Schobert: In a game where the Browns need to stop the run Schobert seems like an obvious pick for a guy to watch.
5. Hue Jackson: Let's be 100%...Hue Jackson won the power struggle against Sashi Brown. And with that he has security for 2018. I'm curious if Jackson starts to change up his playcalling knowing his job is safe going forward. I expect him to go into his bag of tricks this week and have a good game overall.
I know, I'm crazy for picking the Browns but with everything that's happened this week it seems like a game the Browns could accidentally win...the stars are lining up. The Packers are struggling on defense, they don't have Aaron Rodgers, and the Browns have Josh Gordon and a head coach who really doesn't have any pressure on him to win a game since 2018 is already guaranteed.
The Cleveland Browns travel to LA to take on the Chargers Sunday. The Browns are still winless after losing to the Bengals last week. But good news for the Browns...Josh Gordon will play and start this Sunday! Gordon will play in his first regular season game since week 16 in 2014.
Browns Offense vs Chargers Defense
The Browns are going up against an interesting team defensively. The Chargers are the 7th best pass defense but rank last when it comes to rush defense. The Browns offensively had a solid game last week. And they need to repeat that success the next five games in order to win. Isaiah Crowell finally showed up last week with 95 yards on the ground and needs to carry the team this week against the worst run defense. Duke Johnson is going to be a huge threat this week also. With the return of Josh Gordon, and Corey Coleman playing well since returning from injury, Johnson should have plenty of space to catch the ball out of the back field and make something happen.
The passing game for the Browns will have its hands full this week preventing Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram out of the backfield. The Browns need to get the ball out of DeShone Kizer's hands as quickly as possible. They need to scheme up plays to keep the pass rush on edge. I expect Hue Jackson to call a few screens in this game to make sure the rush isn't always coming up field.
The return of Josh Gordon is super exciting. Even though he hasn't played in almost three seasons he is without a doubt the best receiver on the roster and outside of Corey Coleman, the only player who would make it on another teams roster.
Browns Defense vs Chargers Offense
This is could be a long day for the Browns defense. They've had issues stopping the run the past couple weeks and will go up against one of the top young running backs in Melvin Gordon. If the Browns key on stopping the run, the Chargers have one of the top quarterbacks and receivers in the game to counter.
Philip Rivers is incredible and one of the top quarterbacks the past 15 plus seasons. This season with Keenan Allen healthy, Rivers is having another great season. Allen is Rivers favorite receiver recording 67 catches for over 900 yards already this season. The Browns will also have to focus on tight end Hunter Henry who has 31 catches on the season. The tight ends have given the Browns issues this season.
Again it could be a long day defensively but Rivers is prone to throw the ball into coverage so it is extremely important for the Browns to force multiple turnovers in order to stay in the game.
Five Guys To Watch
1. Josh Gordon: Arguably the most talented receiver in the past five years is finally playing a regular season game. It will be interesting to see how often the Browns use him and how they use him going forward.
2. DeShone Kizer: The return of Gordon goes hand in hand with Kizer playing to be the guy next year. Kizer has an opportunity to show that his mistakes all aren't on him. Kizer having Gordon could be like Deshaun Watson having Hopkins.
3. Joe Schobert: Schobert is second in tackles this season. The Browns need him to show up and force the Chargers offense into either passing or running. If the Browns can make the Chargers one dimensional the Browns could force a turnover or two.
4. Myles Garrett: Basically the opposite of Schobert. If Garrett can get to Rivers multiple times it could really be the difference in a blow out or a close game.
5. Spencer Drango: Drango has had a tough go of it after playing well against the Vikings. He needs to keep Kizer upright. Its going to be a tough task for Drango go up against the elite pass rush of the Chargers.
Unfortunately I think the Browns will get blown out this Sunday. They've had problems against good passing teams and they don't match up well against this team.
The 2016 Cleveland Browns are playing for the future and that is okay. We know they are playing for 2017 and beyond because all 14 draft picks made the 53 man roster. Also the Browns let go of veteran linebacker Paul Kruger and traded former first round picks Justin Gilbert and Barkevious Mingo. But with that being said the 2016 season isn't a throw away season. This year we will see if guys like Danny Shelton, Cam Erving, Nate Orchard, Corey Coleman, and Terrelle Pryor are the future for this team. If the Browns go 3-13 its most likely for the best. It means that Robert Griffin III struggled and the Browns need to draft their franchise QB next year. But that's April talk.
Previewing this season is difficult because there are so many uncertainties. RGIII and receiver Josh Gordon hasn't played in a regular season game since 2014. Terrelle Pryor and Corey Coleman, the Browns' Starting wideouts, have a combined one career catch. Cam Erving is going to finally start and play center, the position he was drafted in the first round to play. And I didn't even mention all the rookie and second year players on the defense.
Offense
The Browns will be a solid offense. I expect the running game to be focal point for this team. If Duke Johnson and Isaiah Crowell can get 3.5 yards per carry it will open up the down field attack. But I see Crowell/Johnson being a solid duo in the backfield. Both bring different dimensions to the offense. Crowell is a one-cut powerback who has shown improvement hitting holes and being more decisive.
Johnson is great catching the ball out of the backfield and he is really good running the ball (who is Miami of Florida's all time leading rusher). Johnson might be the most complete back for the Browns and I expect him to get most of the carries by the end of this year.
The Receiver are extremely young and raw but they don't lack height or talent as in previous years. Tight End Gary Barnidge will lead the team in catches this year. Barnidge is the security blanket for RGIII. Barnidge will be trying to repeat last year where he caught 79 passes for over 1000 yards and 9 TDs. Don't expect the TDs to increase but the catches will.
Josh Gordon will be the Browns' number one receiver when he returns from his suspension week 5. Gordon is on a road of redemption. He was reinstated by the NFL after being suspended indefinitely for violating substance policy multiple times. Gordon is an All-Pro Receiver who is in a contract year. Expect a huge year from him. With the threat of Gordon other pass catchers on this team will flourish, and rookie Corey Coleman might be the main beneficiary.
Coleman was the Browns first round pick this year (15th overall) after a few trade downs. Coleman was also the first wide receiver taken in the 2016 draft. Coleman will have growing pains this year like every rookie. He going to drop passes, run wrong routes, and look lost at times...but be patient. There is a reason Coleman was ranked as the best receiver in the draft by Pro Football Focus, just like there is a reason Hue Jackson and company took him as their first pick.
Terrelle Pryor is entering this season with a lot of hopeful expectations. He shown the ability to get open down the field. Pryor is an obvious weapon in the red zone and as a down field threat but he's shown a willingness to block down field. Pryor looks like a solid NFL receiver who has a ton of potential. Last point on Pryor is that Hue Jackson likes to keep defenses honest and is willing to call some trick plays. I expect Pryor to throw for at least one touchdown and to have a handful of carries.
Now the Offensive line play has only two question marks but they are huge. Cam Erving and whoever is playing right tackle. Cam Erving struggled immensely during the preseason. There were multiple times he was the cause of negative plays. Now understand he is finally playing his true position so almost think of him as a rookie.
Right tackle is an interesting spot. As of right now Austin Pasztor is the starter, but there is a high chance Shon Coleman or Spencer Drango takes over at some point. Pasztor is an average lineman who doesn't have much potential so he seems to be a place holder for one of the rookies eventually. Also not to mention Alvin Bailey who was a starter for the Seattle Seahawks. There might be a chance Bailey plays if Erving or one of the guards go down.
We know what we are going to get with future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas and the two starting guards Joel Bitonio and John Greco.
And last but certainly not least Robert Griffin III. RGIII is the biggest question mark on this football team. He played a solid QB during the preseason but he still looked indecisive at times against base defenses. He's shown that he can take hits and throw the ball down field accurately but can he continue to make strides in those areas and to learn and adapt throughout the game. And the final and most important question mark: Can he stay healthy? I think RGIII will play over 10 games. He will produce solid numbers and not lose us any games. Hue Jackson has a lot of comfort in Griffin. So until fans are shown other wise we have to trust Hue Jackson.
Defense
I don't see much hope for the Browns defense this year. But for the Browns to have success on defense they will need to get pressure on the quarterback. They are extremely young both at linebacker and at the two safety spots. Now if Joe Haden can return to his All-Pro status that will help out the young pass rushers Carl Nassib, Emmanual Ogbah, Joe Schobert, and Nate Orchard. Tramon Williams seems to be on the last leg of his career and Jamar Taylor has under performed in his career. Taylor a former second round pick of Miami was traded to the Browns along with a seventh round pick (which ended up being Scooby Wright) for a seventh round pick in this past draft.
Now with all that being said the defensive backs in general look terrible on paper. Tramon Williams and Joe Haden as the starters at cornerback with Ibraheim Campbell and Jordan Poyer as the Safeties. Poyer played a solid safety the past few years in sub packages so expect him to improve from the beginning of the season to the end. Ibraheim Campbell was the Browns fourth round pick from Northwestern last year. He played sparingly behind Donte Whitner but has shown in the preseason he is a big hitter. Behind Poyer and Campbell are Don Jones and Derrick Kindred. Don Jones is the veteran backup. Jones was drafted in the seventh round in 2013 from Arkansas State. Kindred played well during the preseason but at the same time it was against second team quarterbacks. Kindred is also a big hitting safeties and we didn't see much of what they can do in coverage. Like stated in the paragraph above the way this defense keeps the team in games is the pass rush. There aren't going to be many "coverage sacks" and the team most likely won't be "locking down the lake."
The linebackers are young but have shown some progress during the preseason. Nassib balled out, Ogbah was really solid and so was Orchard. Free agent pickup Demario Davis might be the second coming of D'Quwell Jackson. Davis has everywhere during the preseason. Running down tackles eight yards down field. He played solid during pass coverage, and he seemed take that leadership role with a lot of pride. Christian Kirksey had a solid preseason and first two years with the Browns. Him being side-by-side with Davis will do nothing but help him even more since Davis is just as athletic as Kirksey. Expect Davis and Kirksey to jump off the screen when you watch them is year.
And now to the defensive linemen. It really starts with nose tackle Danny Shelton. He consistently got out played by an undrafted free agent Jamie Meder. Shelton looked slow getting off the ball, and at points just looked lost. He was getting manhandled by single blockers, which is one of the main reasons why the run defense was so terrible last year and during the preseason. Losing Desmond Bryant for the season is a huge loss but at the same time the Browns are playing for future.
Final Prediction
The Browns are going to go 4-12. Don't ask what games they are going to win because I have no idea. But I know that somehow, someway Hue Jackson will get this team to four wins. RGIII will have a solid year which means the Browns will have a decision to make about the QB position. Again we have to remember that is like a tryout year. Young guys will make dumb mistakes but if we can see improvement from game one to game 16 its going to be a successful year.
Well, this might be a long season. The Browns lost their "dress rehearsal" game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-13. The game overall told an interesting story of what we could expect from our beloved Browns. This team is going to struggle defensively and the only way they are going to help out their young secondary is if they get to the quarterback. At times they got to Jameis Winston who still delivered strikes to his guys deep down field and racked up 259 passing yards in one half.
*Note: Tampa had their second and third string guards in and the Browns still had problems. But overall I'm interested how defensive coordinator Ray Horton will create pressure this upcoming season.
Another down in this game was the offensive line play for the Browns. I don't know how many vines I've seen of Cam Erving looking completely lost. And on the five sacks Robert Griffin III took, three of them appeared to be the fault of Erving. I understand Erving is a project, but my goodness. Its just sad how bad the Browns drafted the past six years. Erving was the center/left tackle for the national champion Florida State Seminoles and a former first round pick and the same goes with Danny Shelton who was taken before Erving in the Draft. These two guys contributed almost nothing this preseason. They both look slow, both physically and mentally and are being out played by undrafted free agents.
The last down from the first team was the punt return touchdown they gave up. Now I'm not going to fault Andy Lee for slowing up and not stopping the touchdown, it is the preseason, but my goodness again. The Browns' special teams must have had a major miscommunication because all the of coverage guys were in the middle of the field and left the near side of the field wide open. And shout out to Marlon Moore who got hurt on the play but almost ran down the returner while coming from the opposite side of the field. That showed effort and how much he wants to make this team.
Now there were a few positives from the game despite the outcome:
First off, Josh Gordon is back. He had two catches for 87 yards, including a 43 yard touchdown catch. Both catches were against pro-bowler Brent Grimes. After Gordon's four week suspension the Browns' offense should be really good. Having a freak like Gordon will help rookie Corey Coleman, Terrelle Pryor Sr, and Gary Barnidge. Who no longer is our only target down the middle of the field.
Robert Griffin III was solid again this week. Now he didn't have great stats on paper but he handled the pressure really well. Yes he got sacked five times but overall he didn't look rattled in the pocket while taking the hits. There was one sack where instead of just rushing of four yards and taking a big hit he just slid down and took the sack. Now in the grand scheme of things it looks bad taking a sack, but for Griffin to understand that those four yards don't really matter overall is a huge step in his way back to becoming a solid NFL quarterback.
And the last positive for the offense I seen was Isaiah Crowell. He again ran the ball will force and decisiveness. This again is a huge step for Crowell and he did a nice job building off of his solid outing last week against the Falcons.
Now I wanted to end this article on a positive note on the defensive side of the ball. Like the first two preseason games, Carl Nassib and Emmanuel Ogbah did their thing. It really looks like the Browns found two guys who can get pressure on the quarterback. And with the trade of Barkevious Mingo to New England, those two rookies will get an enormous amount of playing time this year. Yes they will have their struggles like any rookie but in two/three years they will be studs for this team.
Football is back and with that a new era has begun with the Browns. And with that there is always something new to look for during Training Camp which is why I chose six thing to keep an eye out for.
1. The first thing we all should look out for is Hue Jackson and how he runs his practices. From all the different reports there seems to be one contestant and that is how Coach Jackson and his staff are going to run training camp. This isn't going to be like years before which were named "camp cupcake" there is going to be live tackling when playing 11 on 11. Coach Jackson and his staff comes to Cleveland with a resume of toughness, grind it out, intense football teams. That is how they are going to build a successful team in Cleveland. Also going through the name coach Jackson has on his staff there is a ton of experience. Guys like Defensive Coordinator Ray Horton (yes again), Wide Receivers Coach Al Saunders, QB Coach/ Associate Head Coach Pep Hamilton, Running Backs Coordinator Kirby Wilson, and many more. All these guys have spent in total almost 100 years working in the NFL. So they all know what it takes to be successful, and to finally turn this franchise around.
2. The second thing to watch for is Josh Gordon. Earlier this week he was reinstated by the NFL and is now officially on the Browns roster. Unfortunately he is out the first two weeks of training camp but watching an elite player like Josh Gordon will be worth turning into the preseason games. We don't know what shape Gordon is in or how the team will respond to him getting another chance so I'm really curious to see how all that plays out. And one last thing on Gordon, I'm curious if he can make it through training camp and the first four weeks without doing anything stupid (which honestly I think he can).
3. Robert Griffin III is my third thing to watch out for...LOL. But for real, here is someone who was the second overall pick in the 2012 draft, took an average team to the playoffs, but unfortunately got hurt. The Redskins most likely rushed him back too soon since they gave up so much for him. RGIII hasn't played in a regular season game since November 23, 2014. He's only 26 years old, and Hue Jackson basically hand picked him to lead this team. I wouldn't say success is only based on how RGIII plays since we seen Josh McCown can lead this team need be, but if RGIII can be somewhat like his rookie season the Browns are going to be an entertaining football team to watch.
4. My fourth thing to keep an eye out for is the DB redemption. Last year we were talking about "locking down the lake" and that stupid stuff, but this year many players have something to prove. My guy "All-Pro Joe" needs to step it up this year. He got his money and last year was the worst of his career. Yes, he was often injured but when he did play it was extremely poorly even though there was a ton of hype as him being a top-5 corner in the NFL. Two other guys to watch for is Tramon Williams who again played poorly after being signed as a free agent last year. And former eighth overall pick Justin Gilbert who seemed to get into Mike Pettine's dog house and never could escape.
5. Number five is Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo. Both have a lot to prove because:
A. Both didn't have a great year last year.
B. Both are going to be free agents
C. Both are the savy vets on this defense. The Browns drafted three pass rushers in the top 100 picks this past draft (Emmanuel Ogbah, Carl Nassib & Joe Schobert).
6. Which brings us to the sixth thing we all should be looking at. And thats the 13 drafted picks and many other undrafted free agents. Yes we know about Corey Coleman, Emmanuel Ogbah, what about guys like receiver Ricardo Lewis, safety Derrick Kendred, Offensive lineman Spencer Drango, receiver Rashard Higgins, and undrafted free agent center Mike Matthews. There are many spots not just on the 53 man roster that will be overtaken by rookies but potentially even starting spots on both sides of the ball. Which is another reason why even the preseason games will be entertaining.
The 2016 Cleveland Browns are going to be a fascinating team. A team that doesn't expect to win many game but to consistently improve and build towards a positive future and all that starts with Hue Jackson's first training camp in Cleveland.
In his final game of his illustrious 20 year NBA career, Kobe Bryant dropped 60 points in a comeback victory, topping the Utah Jazz, 101-96. The atmosphere was electric in the Staples Center as Bryant kept taking shot after shot... and making shot after shot! Kobe attempted 50 shots Wednesday night in his farewell game, shooting 22-50, and 6-21 from 3-point range in 42 minutes of play. It was easily the best moment of the season for the troubled 17-65 Lakers. After exiting the game to a resounding chorus of "Kobe!" chants from the Lakers faithful, Kobe took to the mic and stated:
I can't believe how fast 20 years went by, man, this is crazy. This is absolutely crazy ... and to be standing at center court with you guys, my teammates behind me, appreciating the journey that we've been on -- we've been through our ups, been through our downs. I think the most important part is we all stayed together throughout.
You can't write something better than this..... Mamba Out!
Take a look at some of the reactions from players around the league (click to enlarge):
But that wasn't the only history made Wednesday night. With a 125-104 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, the Golden State Warriors became the winningest NBA team of all-time, reaching 73 wins, eclipsing the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls 72-10 record. Reigning, and likely back to back MVP, Steph Curry capped off his impressive regular season draining his 400th 3-pointer of the season, shooting 10-19 from beyond the arc, finishing the game with 46 points. With 73 wins now out of the way, the Warriors can now focus on their playoff run and attempting to be the first back to back NBA Champions since the 2012 and 2013 Miami Heat. Hopefully, the main cog of those Heat teams can prevent the Warriors from obtaining that goal. - By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams
And lastly from me, all of the seeding is set. Here's a look at the playoff match ups for the 2016 NBA Playoffs. Be sure to check out TripleThreatCLE.com and "TV Tonight" for game times.
- The Cleveland Browns claimed tight end Chase Ford via waivers Wednesday from the Baltimore Ravens. Ford is 6'6", 245 pounds and entering his fourth NFL season out of the University of Miami. Chase Ford graded well as a run blocker in his limited opportunities with the Minnesota Vikings. Last season, he was inactive for eight games with Minnesota and one game with Baltimore, before being placed on injured reserve. With the tight end position lacking depth, Ford, E.J Bibbs, Randall Telfer and Connor Hamlett will all be fighting for roster spots this season.
Whether or not this trade actually happens, it's very interesting. Consider the rumblings that Tyrod Taylor wants out of Buffalo, the Broncos needing a quarterback and the Browns in "asset acquiring mode", it could all make sense. This trade can't be any crazier than all the mock drafts floating around.
- Hall Of Fame Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann is going back to the West Coast, this time as the man in charge.
Swann was named athletic director at the University of Southern California on Wednesday, the university announced. Swann is returning to the campus where he was a star from 1971-74, winning the national title in 1972 and making the All-America team in 1973. Swann takes over July 1 for Pat Haden. He is the third straight former USC football player to be named AD.
- Several outlets have reported that the Memphis Tigers athletic department has been in contact with Texas Tech head coach Tubby Smith about becoming their new head coach. According to one report, if Smith is offered the Memphis job he will accept. Memphis is expected to make a decision by the end of the week.
- NBA owners are scheduled to vote this week on putting ads on jerseys for the 2017-18 season, multiple sources told ESPN. The measure is expected to pass, according to sources. Several teams have begun testing the market to sell the potentially lucrative ads, which would be placed in a 2.5 x 2.5-inch patch on the left shoulder.
Corporate logos on player's jerseys are commonplace in the English Premier League and throughout international soccer. "With U.S. TV coverage of these leagues already bringing the sight of these jerseys into American living rooms, ads on players jerseys are an idea whose time has come," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. Nike takes over for Adidas as the face of NBA apparel starting in 2017-18, meaning that’s the first season this new format could be debuted. There is a real potential that players might see an issue with the revenue split, especially if Nike jerseys on sale in the retail sector include the ads.
- Per NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Johnny Manziel's second agent this off season, Drew Rosenhaus, has informed the former Browns quarterback that he either gets treatment or he will no longer represent him. Rosenhaus stated Wednesday, "I have terminated the standard representation with Johnny Manziel in hopes of helping him get the treatment I believe he needs. I have informed him that if he takes the immediate steps I have outlined for him, that I will rescind the termination and continue to represent him. Otherwise the termination will become permanent. There is a five day window for me to rescind the termination. I'm hoping he take the necessary steps to get his life back on track".
Erik Burkhardt, left him in February when he refused to get help. The comments from Rosenhaus came after Manziel seemed "disheveled" Saturday night and showing up to a Sunset Strip nightclub and was later involved in an auto accident, where he was the passenger the same night. Rosenhaus told SiriusXM NFL "LA isn't a good place for Manziel." And with that, he has returned to Texas. Needs to start working out and get back to football. "It's a 'life & death situation' & he's trying to help a young man who's in trouble. Rosenhaus was also asked about his other Browns client, wide receiver Josh Gordon. Gordon experienced a "hiccup" & "temporary setback" in his NFL reinstatement. And believes he will be back in 2016.
Browns sign Robert Griffin III to a 2 year deal, first round pick now up in the air
By Mark West, @MarkW2112
The Cleveland Browns, with new head coach Hue Jackson leading the way, have signed Robert Griffin III to a 2 year, $15 million contract with incentives that could lead to a total of $22 million. It's a big splash for a team that said they wouldn't make any during this offseason. Jackson has said that during the private workout, he said he"felt the earth shake" with the way RG3 was able to roll out and hit his practice receivers. RG3 also has said he sees this as a new opportunity for him to restart his career. He said he is open to the Browns selecting a quarterback with the 2nd pick of the 2016 NFL draft, stating he would "take him under his wing".
My opinion: This is a great signing for the Browns. Obviously, many are of the mindset that RG3 lost his starting job to fourth round pick Kirk Cousins and that he was a locker room cancer. My opinion is this; he's a low risk, high reward signing that has better leadership upside than Johnny Manziel and gives the Browns options with the #2 pick in the draft. Hue Jackson is a "quarterback whisperer" and has had huge success with quarterbacks he's worked with, especially the last 2 years with Andy Dalton in Cincinnati.
While the term "locker room cancer" has been thrown around RG3, he never once acted out against his coaches and took his benching in stride. It's possible the experience has humbled him and that he is ready for a new chapter in his life.
The biggest issues facing him are the key losses of Alex Mack at center and Mitchell Schwartz at right tackle. There is the unknown with Cameron Erving, who was less than average last year and will be looked at as the new center as well as Austin Pasztor, who was solid at which ever line position he played last year but is still a bit of an unknown at right tackle. Even bigger than that is the wide receiver core the Browns have right now. Currently, their best receiver is Gary Barnidge, the tight end. Josh Gordon is still an unknown (though the Browns are moving forward without him) and there are no other real number 1 type receivers on the roster. It would appear that things won't be easy for RG3.
Unless Jackson, Sashi Brown and the rest of the Browns front office have a plan that they aren't leading on, this will more than likely be a tough year for Griffin. He must have been sold on the plan for 2016 if he had enough faith to come to Cleveland, where he has the possibility of being the 25th starting quarterback since 1999.
In the end, it remains that the Browns have a quarterback that they didn't need to trade crucial draft picks for. It also gives them the chance to perhaps select a quarterback later in the draft and use the 2nd pick for a player like Jalen Ramsey or even trade down with the potential of getting more draft picks. With this signing, the draft appears to be up in the air.
