On Monday morning, Browns head coach Hue Jackson released a statement declaring Brock Osweiler the starter for the team’s first preseason game against The New Orleans Saints.
“A lot goes into our evaluation but it’s always going to be about efficiently and effectively running the offense. You want your starter to be able to do that despite any circumstance,” Jackson said.
While Osweiler won the spot for the first preseason game, the other quarterbacks on the roster don’t see this announcement as the end of the competition but rather just another step in the process.
“Whenever I’m out there to make the most of those opportunities and do everything I can,” said Cody Kessler, who know is second on the depth chart. “Even in practice – practice, preseason and if you get opportunities in the season – you have to make the most of them.”
DeShone Kizer, who now is third in line, is still focused on his own personal growth.
“I see a lot of room for improvement, a lot of room to take my game to the next level. After watching that (film from Orange and Brown scrimmage) it definitely plays right into where I think I am and that is a guy who is looking to learn as much as I possibly can, a guy who has some consistency things I need to clean up,” Kizer said. “There is still a lot of work for me to do before I become the quarterback that I want to become one day.”
While Kessler, Kizer and fourth-string quarterback Kevin Hogan continue to work, Osweiler admits he understands the opportunity in front him comes with no guarantees.
“The only thing I do know is that I’m starting Thursday night against the Saints," he said. "This league gives you opportunities. Sometimes you don’t know when they are going to come. Sometimes you do know when they are going to come. The key is making the most of that opportunity. If you do, then the rest will take care of itself.”
