Cleveland Browns: OL Must Be Better In 2016 For RG3's Sake

To get the most out of the Cleveland Browns offense and specifically starting quarterback Robert Griffin III, the offensive line must shore up any issues.

This season’s Cleveland Browns is in the first year of multi-year rebuild. It will take time to get the organization where they want to be, but their rebuild could be sped up if the offense makes strides sooner rather than later.

With Robert Griffin III under center now, the Browns have yet another quarterback starting. Cleveland’s new regime does believe in him and what he can do for the team, so he does deserve a shot.

Griffin has not been the same player since his rookie season. Looking forward to this season, two things are a given: The first is that Griffin must stay healthy. Sounds easier said than done right? Well, not necessarily.

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Griffin is very athletic and is going to run. Since joining Cleveland however, his approach to the position has been different. Browns head coach Hue Jackson has been working with him. Of the areas of Griffin’s game they have worked on, staying in the pocket a bit more is a crucial one.

The second important thing that is a given is their offensive line must be better. If the linemen can keep Griffin upright, then there will be a better chance for the Browns offense to succeed. I have been stressing the obvious for months, but the level of play has to improve.

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Cleveland’s left side of their offensive line is good. There are no questions there, but for the rest of the line I am holding my breath. Center Cameron Erving needs to keep at his craft and hopefully in time solidifies the middle of the line.

John Greco is going to be the right guard, but that is not saying much. Greco is good as fill-in starter and temporary starter, but not long-term.

The Browns will have to look for a starter at the position for the big picture. Perhaps rookie Spencer Drango is that player if he does not cut it at right tackle.

Speaking of Drango, he may be the best option at right tackle, but there are others the team is considering. He is joined on the list by veterans Austin Pasztor and Alvin Bailey as serious options at the position.

Those players do not eliminate or reduce my doubts, yet. If I had to make a list of the top team needs heading into the regular season right now, the OL would be in the top six.

Griffin was a special player at Baylor University. He has succeeded in the NFL, but now he needs a second chance and he got it in Cleveland. Griffin has the talent but he still needs help.

Going forward, the left side does does not have any issues. Yet, Erving and the cast of right tackles must eliminate the questions associated with them.

We already saw Griffin take two big hits in only two series versus the Green Bay Packers. Even with a pass rush that is lacking talent, I expect the same versus the Atlanta Falcons. That simply cannot happen.

Should the issues associated with the offensive line continue to be a factor in 2016, other questions may pop up. The main one might be is Griffin really the answer?

If Griffin were to play only one season, or even a couple, would his shot be fair? In other words, if the offensive line does not improve, would he have been given a legit shot to succeed. Should nothing change, Griffin would just fall in the category of many of the past Cleveland Browns quarterbacks.

Next: McCown To San Fran?

In 2016, I cannot help but be skeptical until I see consistent progress. Under Jackson’s leadership, the offense, including the offensive line should be better. If improved play happens, prepare for that type of discussion to take place among fans and the media.

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Cleveland Browns: OL Must Be Better In 2016 For RG3’s Sake

By Ryan Rosko | Aug 18, 2016

To get the most out of the Cleveland Browns offense and specifically starting quarterback Robert Griffin III, the offensive line must shore up any issues.

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