Browns Sold, RG III Runs and Tebow Time

Added on Aug 02, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

With training camps now in full swing, opinions on how certain rookies and new faces are performing are flooding the headlines. While it’s still way too early to determine which players and teams are on their way to productive 2012 seasons, there is reason for excitement for franchises hoping to rebound. Here’s what’s going on around the league.

New era in Cleveland – The Cleveland Browns are now the property of Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam, thus ending a disappointing 13-year reign under Randy and Al Lerner. What this means for current team president Mike Holmgren remains to be seen, but the Browns have two winning seasons since 1999, so major changes are likely on the horizon.

RG III running the show – Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin’s unique set of athletic skills has head coach Mike Shanahan installing a number of designed run and run option packages, similar to what Griffin utilized at Baylor. Expect some growing pains, but it’s clear that the ‘Skins attack will be much more exciting to watch this season than it was when Rex Grossman, John Beck and Donovan McNabb were under center.

Wild Tebow – The Jets aren’t hiding how they intend to use Tim Tebow. A Wildcat-like goal line package has generated a large amount of buzz in recent days with Quarterback Jesus crashing into the end zone. This says more about running back Shonn Greene’s inability to convert in short yardage than it does Mark Sanchez’s inability to engineer a scoring drive.

Jerry Jones jawing – The never shy Cowboys owner laid down the law on The Dan Patrick Show yesterday in regards to troubled wide receiver Dez Bryant. Jones intimated that unless Bryant starts toeing the line, he could be jettisoned elsewhere. Jerry makes a lot of bold statements, but it’s obvious his patience is wearing thin with Bryant.

Mathews making noise – Chargers running back Ryan Mathews has been one giant tease during his first two years. But according to Norv Turner, Mathews is looking strong and fast in training camp and could be poised for a breakout 2012 campaign. We’ve heard this before, so take this news with a grain of salt.

Source: NFL.com, ESPN.com