National Football League

Cleveland Browns capsule

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:30 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-13)

OPEN CAMP: July 29, Berea, Ohio

LAST YEAR: More of same for Browns, who couldn't get out of own way and remained one of NFL's most inept teams. Although Cleveland's offense was serviceable, defense couldn't stop pass or run and coach Mike Pettine, a former defensive coordinator, was fired following finale, along with general manager Ray Farmer. Owner Jimmy Haslam overhauled entire front office, hiring several young, analytical minds who will see if they can turn things around.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: Coach Hue Jackson, QB Robert Griffin III, LB Demario Davis, OL Alvin Bailey, DB Rahim Moore, LB Justin Tuggle, rookie WR Corey Coleman.

IMPORTANT LOSSES: Farmer, C Alex Mack, OT Mitchell Schwartz, Ss Donte Whitner and Tashaun Gipson, LB Karlos Dansby, WRs Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe, QB Johnny Manziel, TE Jim Dray.

CAMP NEEDS: Griffin is getting chance to resurrect once skyrocketing career which crashed badly in Washington. Jackson believes he and offensive system can help rehabilitate RG3, who didn't play last season and showed some major rust during spring practices. Lack of playmakers hurt last season, which is why Browns used first-round pick on speedy Coleman, who must develop quickly.

EXPECTATIONS: Jackson's infectious enthusiasm has players excited about possibilities. He doesn't want decision on starting quarterback to be distraction - it always is in Cleveland - and Browns have to keep fingers crossed that Griffin pans out and clearly wins job over veteran Josh McCown. Manziel's departure was long overdue, but at least Browns made that move. Look for RB Duke Johnson's role to increase in Jackson's offense.

---

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League