The Cleveland Browns might have their quarterback situation sorted out, but the team still has several issues and position battles that will headline the remainder of training camp. Head coach Mike Pettine has officially named Brian Hoyer the team's starting quarterback over Johnny Manziel, but what about the remaining offensive positions and the future of Josh Gordon?
The Browns continue to wait for a decision regarding the future of Gordon. The wide receiver is facing a year-long suspension after failing another drug test, but until the NFL makes the call he is continuing to practice and participate in preseason games with the team. Gordon returns this season after leading the Browns in receiving, but Pettine is a little concerned that he is slacking with the suspension looming.
"There were a couple plays where I think -- we just came out of the personnel meeting and talked about it -- that we would have definitely wanted better effort," Pettine said, via ESPN.com. "We would want regular season effort to match preseason effort. I think that's important for all of our guys. He needs the work learning a new system. That's a room that you don't want to not play him, and then put the other players at risk by increasing their individual workloads."
Gordon has been performing well for the Browns during preseason, but what matters more is how the receivers under him are doing. Outside of Gordon there has been a lot of inconsistencies. Andrew Hawkins has looked to be a consistent threat while offseason signings like Nate Burleson and Miles Austin have left a lot to be desired. Will the Browns regret not taking a marquee wide receiver in this year's draft? If Hoyer or even Manziel is going to be successful as a starter, getting a consistent core of receivers will be crucial.
The less marquee position battle for the Browns is happening at running back. After trading away Trent Richardson, the Browns signed Ben Tate in the offseason while also drafting Terrance West to make up for the loss of the first-round pick. Tate and West have both been impressing so far in camp, making Pettine believe the highlight of the Browns' offense could be in the rushing attack. Tate has injury history which could give West a leg up, but so far both backs look to be the leaders of the unit.
