The Cleveland Browns are hoping to have a revamped offensive attack for the 2013 season. After bringing Norv Turner in to run the unit, the Browns are expecting big things. While still very young as far as the players are concerned, both Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson will be entering into their sophomore season and will be keys for each other's success.
Richardson's health has remained a fairly large question mark this offseason. The running back was held out of spring practice following a shin injury. He also missed part of last season following knee surgery and played throughout most of the 2012 season with broken ribs. Despite his slew of injuries last season, he still started 15 games and recorded 950 yards and 11 touchdowns on a skeptical offensive line. He also put up 367 yards on 51 receptions and one touchdown.
Set to participate in the Brown's first full-squad practice on Thursday, early reports are that Richardson is healthy and ready to go. Head coach Rob Chudzinski told media that Richardson looks really good and fully healthy. The team will not limit him in training camp.
While Weeden will play most of the season under a heavy microscope, Richardson will be key to the quarterback's overall success. Cleveland will look towards this season to judge whether or not Weeden is the kind of player to build a franchise around and Richardson will offer plenty of relief and assistance as will Turner.
While Turner is known as a quarterback guru, his rushing attack has out ranked his passing attack seven times in his 22 year career as a coordinator. Three of those times he had the league's top rusher. Having a running back like Richardson could make repeating that success pretty easy for the coach. As Richardson plans on reaping the benefits of Turner, Weeden will thrive with a balanced offensive attack.
Weeden has the arm strength to excel under Turner. Weeden has already been credited for having strong mechanics and great pocket presence. In his rookie year, he threw for 3,385 yards with few offensive weapons. Turner loves to create an offensive focused around big pass plays, something Weeden should have no problem doing.
Browns general manager Michael Lobardi told local media that Weeden will get a fair shot at being "the guy" for the Browns. If the second-year quarterback can show success under the new coaching staff, the Browns could be set for the future on offense.
