On Monday, the Cleveland Browns named Robert Griffin III the starter for Friday's match-up in Green Bay in a statement made by the team. The former Washington Redskins signal caller was signed by the Browns over the offseason.
What to watch for
After following up a Rookie of the Year season with two unmemorable seasons, Griffin III finished his career in D.C. not taking a single snap in the regular season last year. The Browns hope to see a version of Griffin that was displayed in 2012, when Griffin won ROY honors. They also hope to see him accomplish this while staying healthy, something RGIII has struggled with in his four seasons in the league.
Browns receiving corps
The Browns were without wideout Josh Gordon last season due to the failure to abide by the rules of the NFL's substances of abuse policy. Gordon showed flashes of a promising future in his 2012 rookie season, tallying over 800 receiving yards during his rookie campaign. Gordon was able to double his total in two less games the next season. Unfortunately, the Browns will not be able to see neither Gordon nor 2016 first-round draft pick, Corey Coleman in action Friday night, as they have both been ruled out due to leg injuries.
Terrelle Pryor has also seemed to impress the coaching staff as possibly a viable option as a starting receiver.
"He's done a tremendous job," Head Coach Hue Jackson said, "He has taken this opportunity and he is trying to make the most of it."
The Browns also drafted three other receivers this year, one of those being Ricardo Louis, who was selected in the 4th round from Auburn. Louis is a must-watch because he has also seemed to impress in training camp, drawing comparisons to Baltimore Ravens receiver, Steve Smith.
Defense
The Browns defense took a hit over the offseason, losing talent across the board, losing veterans Karlos Dansby and Donte Whitner and losing the promising Free Safety, TeShaun Gipson. It will be interesting to see how well linebacker Nate Orchard and Free Safety Jordan Poyer adjust to being thrown in the starting depth chart.
The Browns face an uphill battle according to almost every football analyst, but this season should be a rebuilding one for the franchise that has not seen a playoff game since 2002 or a winning record since 2007.