Cleveland Browns: Cody Kessler can simplify the offseason with solid play
The Cleveland Browns entering the season with a clear option at quarterback would help simplify the team’s focus before Week 1.
The lull between OTAs and training camp allows Cleveland Browns fans to spend mass amounts of time speculating on certain position battles. And with this team, that means the quarterback position.
Even though Cody Kessler is currently at the top of the depth chart, most fans are far from accepting the fact he is the sure starter. At least right now.
But Kessler can change that with consistent play in offseason workouts, followed by the same play during training camp. His main competition is Brock Osweiler, but it would be hard to imagine Hue Jackson going with the former Houston Texan in Week 1, given his lack of history with the team and his one-year deal that likely won’t be extended.
Kessler will also face off against DeShone Kizer this summer, but Jackson should focus on developing the rookie instead of throwing him out on the field before he is ready.
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All this depends on whether Kessler can prove he deserves to be the starter. And based on his work in 2016 combined with his focus on improving himself this offseason, he has done nothing to warrant anyone calling for him to be the backup.
Kessler pulling away and definitively winning the job early in training camp would be great for this team.
With so many young players and new faces on both offense and defense, solidifying the most important position on the team would allow for some stability and confidence before the season begins.
This would especially help the offense, who could look to Kessler as the starter and not have to worry about him being replaced after one bad outing.
Browns coaches of the past destroyed any chance of success by shuffling quarterbacks in and out, always searching for a miracle that would never be found without stability.
Next: Osweiler's only choice is confidence
Hue Jackson seems to be much smarter, so hopefully he will declare Kessler the Week 1 starter early in camp, allowing the offense to gel as a unit as the season approaches.