Thursday, August 13, 2015 – New Uniforms, Same Questions?
Tonight, the Cleveland Browns will debut their long-anticipated new uniforms under the bright lights of FirstEnergy Stadium as they kick off the preseason against Washington. But while fans are eager to see the fresh threads in action, the more pressing question is whether the team wearing them will also look refreshed — and improved — on the field.
The Browns spent years carefully designing these uniforms, pouring in time, money, and creative energy to get every detail just right. Unfortunately, that same level of meticulousness hasn’t always applied to building a consistent, winning football team.
Yes, flashy uniforms are fun — and the Browns certainly have a variety of combinations now — but if the product on the field doesn’t improve, those uniforms might as well be burlap sacks.
Sure, preseason games technically don’t count — they’re glorified practice sessions. But they still matter. This is when fans begin forming opinions about the roster, the coaching staff, and whether this season might be different from so many in the past.
Key questions heading into tonight’s game:
-
Can the Browns establish a legitimate run game — a cornerstone of success in the AFC North?
-
Will backup quarterback Johnny Manziel show signs of becoming a future franchise QB?
-
Can Josh McCown prove to be the reliable veteran Cleveland hoped for when they outbid the Bills for him in free agency?
-
Will the tight ends and receivers finally step up after years of inconsistency?
-
Is the defensive front seven improved enough to stop the run — their Achilles’ heel last season?
-
Will the highly regarded secondary live up to its reputation?
-
Can special teams reverse course after a disastrous 2014 and start flipping field position?
-
Will head coach Mike Pettine build on a solid first season?
-
Can rookie offensive coordinator John DeFilippo, a 37-year-old Youngstown native, prove he’s ready for the big stage?
And, of course, do the new uniforms actually look good in action — or will they just serve as another reminder of style over substance?
Wednesday, August 12 – Revisiting the RGIII What-If
As the Browns prepare to face Washington, fans are reminded of a pivotal “what could have been” moment from the 2012 NFL Draft — the Robert Griffin III saga.
Back then, Cleveland was in a bidding war with Washington for the No. 2 overall pick, owned by the St. Louis Rams. The Rams demanded a king’s ransom, and while both the Browns and Washington had the assets, Cleveland backed out at the last minute. Washington didn’t flinch, surrendering three first-rounders (2012–14) and a second-rounder in 2012 to move up and draft Baylor QB Robert Griffin III.
That move paid immediate dividends. RGIII led Washington to a 10-6 record and an NFC East title in his rookie season. He missed the Week 15 game against the Browns — which Washington still won — but his future looked bright.
Then came the downturn. Injuries, schematic clashes, and coaching issues derailed Griffin’s career. The last two seasons were brutal for both RGIII and Washington.
So, did the Browns dodge a bullet by passing on Griffin? Not exactly.
Let’s revisit who Cleveland took with the picks they would have given up:
-
2012 1st Round: RB Trent Richardson (traded away after 17 games)
-
2012 2nd Round: RT Mitchell Schwartz (solid starter, later signed by Kansas City)
-
2013 1st Round: LB Barkevious Mingo (underwhelming)
-
2014 1st Round: CB Justin Gilbert (bust)
In hindsight, Cleveland’s caution didn’t lead to stability — or a franchise quarterback. In fact, the Browns have spent the last decade still searching for “the guy,” while Washington, for all of RGIII’s struggles, at least made a bold move and reached the playoffs in 2012.
So as RGIII takes the field for Washington tonight, and the Browns counter with Josh McCown, fans are left to wonder: would it have been better to take the risk?
One thing’s for sure: it’s something to think about when the two teams meet under the lights.
READ NEXT: Top 5 Football Cleats to Elevate Your Game
