There’s a lot of stuff on the internet.
Some stories you believe, while others seem like a lot of bologna – and not the good kind from tiny Trail, Ohio, either.
You may – or may not – have rolled your eyes when I wrote recently that Browns head coach Hue Jackson might want to forfeit a game this season if he had to use quarterback Brock Osweiler. The operative word here is “might.” Of course, Jackson wouldn’t forfeit a game if it came to using Osweiler, but I bet the thought would cross his mind – if only for a fleeting moment.
The fact of the matter, though, is that Jackson doesn’t think much at all of Osweiler’s ability. He refuses to praise him other than to say he’s been “great” since he was traded to the Browns a couple months ago. Since Jackson has a reputation of being a quarterback guy, his opinion carries a lot of weight – like a right hand to Osweiler’s jaw.
Technical knockout.
Still think I’m kidding? If so, then check out Jackson’s remarks following Wednesday’s OTA practice:
*When asked what, specifically, Osweiler has shown thus far in the OTAs, Jackson said, “I think it is just two days. You guys know me pretty well . I am not going to build anybody up in two days. We are going to let these guys keep completing, playing and working. That is what they are doing every day. We just have to continue getting better.”
*When asked if Osweiler has asked him about his role with the Browns, Jackson said, “Yeah, I told him what his role was. His role is to come here every day, compete, get better, learn our system, fit into our culture and try to make it better than what it has been. That is what he has done each and every day.”
*When asked if Osweiler’s learning curve is different as a sixth-year player than it is for the younger quarterbacks, and if he should stand out because of it: “Yeah, he should because he probably has experienced it more and been through it a few more times than those guys have. That is expected. At the same time, you can’t look at that and say ‘Wow,’ just because he has been doing it, he should not be seen as a guy who can’t compete for the job.’ He has every opportunity like anybody else. That stance for me hasn’t changed, and these guys have to keep working at it.”
After the last part of his last answer, Jackson probably had to try hard to keep from laughing. Sure, Osweiler has a chance to start. It’s just slightly better than that of Bernie Kosar, Brian Sipe, Frank Ryan and Bill Nelsen.
