The Cleveland Browns are in search of an identity. With numerous roster changes continuing to highlight the team over the past few years, the Browns are searching for stability in 2015 and that starts with the offense. As Josh McCown becomes the starter in the upcoming season, head coach Mike Pettine is hoping that pushes progression for a new identity in the new year.
Pettine has made it clear that the McCown is the starter for the offense, but just because there is not a quarterback competition does not mean the offense is fully set just yet. With several veteran wide receivers looking to earn their spot, roster battles will still highlights OTAs and training camp. According to Pettine via ClevelandBrowns.com, he is hoping the loaded roster helps determine who the real stars are.
"The big thing for us now is we'll finish the spring with a very large inventory," Pettine said, via ClevelandBrowns.com. "We have to determine at some point to start to trim that down to what we are. What do we do best? And then, what do we not do well? That's something than can kind of fall by the wayside. But we need to come up with what our identity is on offense and I feel we are right on pace to do that. We don't want to be all just one thing - where if a team takes your fastball away, you have no complement. But at the same time that you still have to have something you go to that's your core."
Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe are expected to be starters for the team. Andrew Hawkins could earn the No. 3 spot thanks to his breakout year in 2014, but nothing is guaranteed for Travis Benjamin and Taylor Gabriel. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, one of those wide receivers likely will not make the 2015 roster and the player that stands out a versatile threat will get the spot.
The running back competition could look interesting as well. The Browns benefitted from the rookie tandem of Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West in 2014. However, they drafted Duke Johnson this year which could force someone out. According to Bleacher Report, Crowell is the better of the duo last season and West risks being knocked to the No. 3 spot if he does not do enough to stand out during OTAs and training camp.
