Browns coach Hue Jackson disclosed one of the worst-kept secrets in the National Football League on Monday morning: Robert Griffin III is his starting quarterback. Jackson made it official on Monday, saying “it’s time” and that Griffin “has earned the right to be named the starting quarterback”.
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If Griffin makes it out of camp healthy and starts for Cleveland in its opener on September 11 in Philadelphia against the Eagles, he will become the 25th starting quarterback for the Browns since their return as an expansion team in 1999. From the start of the offseason practices with Browns, it seemed obvious that he and the club’s new head coach Hue Jackson were developing a strong rapport.
Jackson promised to name his starter before the exhibition opener Friday against Green Bay.
Griffin was signed to a two-year contract by the Browns in March following a tumultuous spell with the Washington Redskins.
“Throughout this process he has gained the respect from his team-mates, the coaching staff and the entire organisation that is necessary for him to lead our offense and really the entire team”. I’ve been crystal clear on what we expect from Robert. Josh in particular has been outstanding throughout this process and all of our quarterbacks have worked well together. That should not be the case – unless Dallas gets to Cleveland’s asking price, which would end up being legitimate value for Cleveland, McCown is going to remain a quarterback for the Browns. “Their play, professionalism and work ethic has pushed the room to really improve the level of play at the position for our team”. Griffin lost to the Eagles twice in 2013, but beat them late in the 2014 season that eliminated the Eagles from playoff contention. He did not take a snap for the Washington in 2015 and was released March 7.
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Now in his fifth season out of Baylor, Griffin electrified the Redskins as a rookie after being the second overall pick in 2012. Over his first four seasons, Griffin started 35 games, throwing for 8,097 yards and 40 touchdowns with 23 interceptions. Cleveland has used more than 20 starting quarterbacks since 1999.
