Robert Griffin III, Hue Jackson, E.J. Bibbs
Robert Griffin III is the biggest storyline heading into Browns training camp.
(Tony Dejak, Associated Press)
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hey Mary Kay!
Hey, Mary Kay: What are you most looking forward to watching when training camp opens this week? -- Maureen Lenhard, Rocky River, Ohio
Hey, Maureen: There's so many great story lines this camp, including Hue Jackson taking over and putting his stamp on this team. I'm eager to see how Robert Griffin III looks after spending time with quarterback expert Tom House during the break and how long it will take for him to win the starting job. I'm wondering if rookie WR Corey Coleman has mastered the playbook enough to play fast and let his athleticism take over. Same for the other rookie receivers. I'm anxious to see if Joe Haden is fully recovered from his ankle surgery or if he'll have to pace himself early on. I wonder if Cam Erving is ready to step in and fill the big shoes of Alex Mack, and who will nail down the right tackle job? Which of the young pass-rushers will step up and ease the loss of Desmond Bryant to a torn pectoral muscle? Can former first-round picks Justin Gilbert and Barkevious Mingo salvage their careers and can Isaiah Crowell rebound from his Instagram debacle? I'm ready for some football!
Hey, Mary Kay: I see the Browns winning 5 games this season. With the right draft next season I see them winning 9 games. In 2018 I believe they make the playoffs. Do you concur or see it differently? -- Emil Lotte, Cleveland, Ohio
Hey, Emil: At this point, I'd probably say five or six victories, but that could change after I watch some camp and preseason games. Much will depend on how well Robert Griffin III plays, assuming he wins the starting job. I do think five, then nine and then the playoffs in 2018 is a reasonable goal. But Hue Jackson is impatient. What makes this season so tough is starting out with five of first seven on the road. The two home games during that stretch are the Ravens and the Patriots, with Tom Brady coming off his four-game suspension.
Hey, Mary Kay: I understand you're a writer for the Browns, but, with no offensive line, and the worst playcalling in the NFL, how do you figure the Browns will have a 1,000-yard runner this season? Honestly, the only reason they'll win 2-3 games is because the league is set up that way. -- David Lee, Lakewood, Ohio
Hey, David: The worst playcalling in the NFL? Hue Jackson is known for his creative and innovative playcalling, so I have to disagree with you. Jackson and running game coordinator Kirby Wilson have promised to run the ball early, often and violently. Even without Alex Mack and Mitchell Schwartz, the Browns still have premier offensive linemen in Joe Thomas and Joel Bitonio, who's headed toward a Pro Bowl. Isaiah Crowell, who will get the bulk of the carries, needs 62.5 yards a game to reach 1,000, and that's well within reach. Last season, he rushed for 706 yards despite carrying the ball 15 or more times on only four occasions, and gained 38 yards or fewer nine times. Jackson will support Robert Griffin III with a run game from the start.
Hey, Mary Kay: I have tried and tried to understand the issues with Justin Gilbert. I have watched this guy on many occasions in practice and have concluded that he has some of the quickest feet that I have ever seen in a DB. He has good size; he has all the raw talent in the world. Yet, he finds himself in a dogfight for a position, competing against players with far less talent. Just what gives? Is it all mental; does he have an attitude problem? I simply can't figure out how a guy with so much raw talent may not even make the roster this year. -- Tom Vogel, Dayton, Ohio
Hey, Tom: Gilbert has admitted that he's struggled with some off-field issues since he was drafted eighth overall in 2014, but he's never been specific. Hue Jackson and Ray Horton hope to coax first-round performance out of him. His demeanor in off-season practices was good, and he made plays on the ball. He's got the support of the staff and his teammates, and he'll be given every chance to succeed. A lot depends on how hard he's willing to work and take coaching. So far, he's doing both.