5 storylines heading into Browns training camp

Giovanni Castelli

The end of July signifies many things each year. It means summer is winding down, back to school shopping is set to commence, but the best part is it’s the beginning of training camp and the start of Football season.

Ahh yes, optimism springs eternal in late July and the Cleveland Browns are set to embark on their journey through the 2015 football season and the feeling around the city is filled with mixed emotions as next week players begin to report to Berea, OH to begin the prelude to the real-deal on September 13 against the New York Jets.

More from Dawg Pound Daily

Some feel this could be another year in which the team takes a step forward and build upon the 7-9 record they finished with in 2014, the team’s best record since the 2007 season in which they finished 10-6 and nearly made the playoffs. Others, believe it will be another futile year and that the Browns could be looking at another high draft pick as they continue to search for their franchise quarterback.

Whichever side of the fence you are on, we can all agree upon excitement being in the air as football season and fall are closing in and summer and warmer weather begin to wane away.

So in order to get you ready for training camp we take a look at the five most interesting storylines heading into Cleveland Browns Training Camp.

Next: The quarterback position and Johnny Manziel

May 26, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) and quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The quarterback position and Johnny Manziel

Let’s be honest, nationally this is what is the hot topic when looking in from afar at the Browns. Everyone wants to know what Manziel can do coming off a disastrous 2014 rookie season and an offseason stint in rehab. The Browns did go out and sign journeyman QB Josh McCown to keep the seat warm for whoever will succeed him.

The team is committed to McCown as the starter heading into camp and it will take a herculean effort from Manziel to derail the coaches plan to start McCown September 13, on the road against the Jets. Nonetheless, the eyes and spotlight will be on the Browns QB’s throughout camp as it should be fun to watch how the team progresses at the position.

Next: The running-back position and the emergence of a bonafide starter

Jun 16, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34), Cleveland Browns tight end Jim Dray (81), Cleveland Browns running back Terrance West (28) and Cleveland Browns tight end Rob Housler (84) during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The running-back position and the emergence of a bonafide starter

This is probably the most intriguing battle heading into camp. The Browns return their two “baby-backs” from last season with Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell along with the addition of Duke Johnson via the 2015 NFL Draft out of the University of Miami (Fla.). Last year, the team tried the three-headed approach with Ben Tate, West and Crowell splitting carries. What resulted is none of the three emerged as the true bell-cow back the team coveted.

After the release of Tate midway through the 2014 season the team turned to West as the starter initially, but West failed to impress. Crowell was the next to be given an opportunity and ran well, but ball handling eventually became a point of question with him. Hence, the team turned to the draft to bring in Johnson who is the all-time leading rusher in Miami Hurricanes history to compete with the two incumbents.

Johnson, bring a Darren Sproles-esque running style to the team and could excel as the starter as he can catch the ball out of the backfield consistently, but West and Crowell won’t just rollover and let the rookie take carries away from them without a fight. Should be an intense battle leading up to opening day.

Next: The rebuilt receiving corp.

Jun 16, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (80) funds and Cleveland Browns defensive back Johnson Bademosi (24) defends during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The rebuilt receiving corp.

The position that received the most attention this past offseason had to be the Browns receivers. The team went out in Free Agency and signed veterans Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe to help strengthen what had been one of the weakest receiving units in the NFL, along with drafting WR Vince Mayle in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Washington State University.

Couple them with Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel and you have a receiving unit that looks more than respectable on paper heading into camp. Each player brings a different aspect to the unit as they all do something well.

Unfortunately, with the suspension of Josh Gordon the team loses maybe the best receiver in the NFL when on the field and its top deep threat so it will be up to the committee to carry the receiving load throughout the season. Nonetheless, the team did what it could to improve a weak link of the team and it will be fun to see if an aging Bowe and Hartline can help elevate the play of the young guys around them.

Next: The cohesion between the coaching staff and front office

Nov 2, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine, owner Jimmy Haslam and general manager Ray Farmer before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

The cohesion between the coaching staff and front office

On the heels of the article by ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi in regards to a potential power struggle between GM Ray Farmer and HC Mike Pettine it will be good to keep an eye on the relationship between the top two guys within the organization. The aftermath of the text-gate scandal is still unfolding and it will be interesting to see if they work together building the team or will they follow their own agenda in building the team.

The key is when difficult roster decisions need to be made throughout camp will Farmer and Pettine share a similar vision in who they should keep and who they should cut, or will one flex their muscle over the other? The person who makes the final say amongst personnel decisions could be the deciding factor in the success or demise of the Browns 2015 season so it’s important the two men share a similar vision and are on the same page.

Next: The evolution of the defense

May 26, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive back Joe Haden (23) during organized team activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The evolution of the defense

Definitely the most complete unit between the two sides of the ball the Browns will rely heavily on their defense to carry them throughout the 2015 season. The team spent their #1 pick of the 2015 NFL Draft on DL Danny Shelton to help stuff the middle of the line and help a unit that struggled mightily against the run in the past.

Couple this with a linebacking core led by Karlos Dansby and Christian Kirksey along with a stellar secondary spearheaded by veterans Joe Haden, Donte Whitner, Tashaun Gipson and Tramon Williams the defense is poised for a breakout season in 2015.

The questions with the unit depend on whether they stay healthy. 2014, saw injuries to Dansby and Gipson that hindered the team down the stretch. Can they take the next step as a unit and become a dominating defense for years to come? We will just have to watch and see.

More from Dawg Pound Daily

These are just a few of the many storylines that are sure to develop over the course of the next few weeks as the team prepares for the opener September 13. Can the Browns take the next step? Will the Defense dominate as expected? Will the quarterback position see consistent play? Will a starter emerge at running-back? Will the wide receivers step up? Can Pettine and Farmer continue to coexist?

All these and many more will be answered throughout training camp so stay tuned to Dawg Pound Daily as we will continue to bring you the top storylines throughout 2015 Cleveland Browns Training Camp!

Next: Cleveland Browns: Is GM/Coach rift reality or rumor?

Giovanni Castelli