2016 NFL Preseason: Predicting Winners of Top QB Battles
By Erik Lambert
Cleveland Browns: Robert Griffin III v. Josh McCown v. Cody Kessler
The wrong thing to do in these situations is taking a coaching staff at its word. Hue Jackson has said from the start the plan is for Robert Griffin III to get the majority of the practice reps because the plan is for him to be the Cleveland Browns starter in 2016. That’s makes plenty of sense, but it also is the same song and dance people have heard before. Seattle expected to start Matt Flynn in 2012 after signing him to a big contract before going with rookie 3rd round pick Russell Wilson instead.
There is still a chance Griffin doesn’t perform well in camp or that veteran Josh McCown or rookie Cody Kessler might just outplay him. McCown has a greater track record for leadership. Kessler was highly productive at USC and can play the type of game Jackson likes. The job may be Griffin’s to lose but he’ll still have to earn it. That won’t be easy given his long layoff from playing and the somewhat muddled depth chart around him on offense.
Winner: Robert Griffin III
Next: PHI