It’s a new era in Cleveland with the arrival of Hue Jackson as head coach. Jackson will try to change the fortunes of a franchise that has only made the playoffs once since 1999.
The Cleveland Browns are banking that Hue Jackson and a new analytical approach within their front office can change their fortunes. The Browns have struggled mightily under owner Jimmy Haslem so a new approach was needed.
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Jackson has put his stamp on the organization since taking over. He has stressed mental and physical toughness and accountability. Three things the Browns were lacking under Mike Pettine.
It will take time, but Jackson can orchestrate a turn around if Haslem and the fans in Cleveland give him time.
Here are five things the Browns must do schematically in 2016.
1. Figure Out the Quarterback Situation: Going into camp, Robert Griffin III will be the odds on favorite to be the starting quarterback but veteran Josh McCown and rookie Cody Kessler will also be in the mix. Griffin should be the guy but if he struggles in the preseason, Jackson will have a difficult decision to make.
2. Get Tricky Offensively: Jackson and offensive coordinator Pep Hanilton have to get tricky on offense. Jackson was known for using unbalanced formations, direct snap packages and trick plays in Cincinnati. He’ll need to do that and more if he and Hamilton want to score points with a limited roster in Cleveland.
3. Stress Fundamentals on Defense: The Browns were one of the worst tackling teams in the league last season. Defensive coordinator Ray Horton and the defensive staff need to stress fundamentals early on in camp and get this group to play sound. Horton employees a complex defense with an expansive blitz package. In order to run his defense well, Horton has to get the Browns to buy into playing fundamentally sound first.
4. Develop the Young Players: The Browns will be relying heavily on young players this season. It is important that Jackson and his staff bring along Corey Coleman, Carl Nassib, Emmanuel Ogbah and Joe Schobert. All four along with other rookies will be counted on to contribute in 2016.
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5. Get an Edge on Special Teams: The Browns aren’t good enough to simply beat teams on offense and defense. They need production from their special teams. The return game must give the Browns offense good starting field position. The kicking game must help the defense by forcing opposing offenses to drive the field and finally, the Browns need to run the occasion trick play if the situation calls for it.