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Cleveland Browns: Storylines to watch vs. Philadelphia Eagles

By Eric Szczepinski

Sep 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) look to pass as Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard (74) defends during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) look to pass as Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard (74) defends during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback
Sep 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback /

Several storylines should be focused on when the Cleveland Browns take on the Philadelphia Eagles to begin the 2016 NFL season.

The time is finally here. No more debating who will make the 53-man roster, no more hot takes on meaningless preseason games. Sunday, the Browns officially begin the start of the Hue Jackson and Robert Griffin III era in Philadelphia for real. Pressure surrounds the team as many media members believe the new front office is in “tank” mode. However, Coach Jackson has stressed it is always about winning Monday afternoon after practice:

"“I have an expectation and I’m not backing down from that and I’m not changing that thought process in our players. That is just what we are going to do and we are going to find a way to do it. I don’t know how it’s going to happen. By hook or by crook, we are going to get this done. We have to. That is all I know. I don’t know anything else.”"

Not only will all eyes be on the new look Browns, but the will also be on the Eagles. Rookie quarterback Carson Wentz will be making the start for the Eagles on Sunday after much debate what his role would be for his rookie season. The Eagles initial plan was to make him the third-string quarterback and be inactive each week to learn from Sam Bradford and Chase Daniels.

However, last week the Eagles traded Bradford to the Vikings for a first-round pick. Then the decision came to throw the rookie into the fire and make him the starter for the entire season. Wentz’s performance will be highly scrutinized by fans as the Browns decided to pass on drafting Wentz at No. 2 overall in this April’s draft, trading the pick to the Eagles so they could take the quarterback.

The Browns defense will have the first crack at proving passing on the rookie quarterback was the right move for the organization.  Coach Jackson spoke Thursday about the excitement level heading into Sunday:

"“I think we are chomping at the bit to get to Philadelphia and play. We are excited about the opportunity. It is the start of the regular season and you only get one start. Our guys understand that.”"

Before the game begins, let’s take a look at some storylines to watch in the season opener

Next: What kind of quarterback is RG3?

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