Cleveland Browns at Packers: 3 key things to watch for
Robert Griffin and the first-team offense
Griffin has taken the all the right steps to revitalize his career since he entered the Browns’ facility when he signed back in March. Teammates and coaches have raved about his leadership and work ethic, and his actions have payed dividends as players are buying in.
Pro bowl tight end Gary Barnidge spoke to the media Tuesday and addressed the addition of teammate Robert Griffin.
“I didn’t really know much because I really don’t pay attention to other teams or anything, but since he’s been here, he’s been a true leader,” Barnidge said. “He’s embraced it and he’s doing a great job with everything. He’s learning. Everybody is learning. It’s a new offense for everybody. Everybody is doing a good job with that. He has really embraced the leadership role.”
Griffin has worked hard on and off the field to earn the right to be the starting quarterback for the Browns. However, the first preseason game presents Griffin with his first challenge since being a member of the Browns.
He and the rest of the first-team will likely see limited action, but need to capitalize on the opportunity given. For Griffin specifically, he needs to keep command of offense and stay poised through any given situation.
Next, Hue Jackson and staff will be looking for their starting quarterback to work through progressions while staying poised in the pocket. It will be a key factor all season for the offense if Griffin can consistently stay poised and win from the pocket.
Friday’s game will be Griffin’s first live game reps since last preseason, so he has a lot to prove and show the coaching staff, despite being named the starter earlier this week.
As for the rest of the offense, Coach Jackson is excited to see them compete for the first time this season against an opponent.
Jackson spoke about Friday’s game in Green Bay following Wednesday’s practice.
“I’m really eager to see our whole football team against a different opponent, but obviously, to watch our quarterback under duress when it’s tough, when the other team is really coming after you, but also, our offensive line, our defensive line, our secondary and our linebackers,” Jackson said. “I’m going to be very, very into watching our football team play. I’m probably going to have to catch myself because I have so many responsibilities as we go through this. I am very excited about our guys going out and competing against somebody else for a change.”
The first-team offense will be without rookie first round draft pick Corey Coleman and veteran Andrew Hawkins. Coleman and Hawkins have been sitting out practice this week with hamstring issues.
Coach Jackson viewed the decision to sit them out as precautionary.
“Yeah, well, Hawk definitely won’t play and Corey won’t play either. Those guys, we’re going to make sure that they’re exactly where they need to be.”
Next: Rookie debuts