Campbell embraces opportunity to lead

Jason Campbell is embracing the opportunity to be the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

“We all, as a collective group, have to do a better job, play-in and play-out, of doing our own jobs,” Campbell said Wednesday shortly after coach Rob Chudzinski announced that he would replace Brandon Weeden as the Browns’ starter. “The only thing I should do is try to be a leader and do my job to the best of my abilities, not try to do something to the extreme, just try to stay within the game and find a rhythm.

“I’ve just got to go out there and do the best that I can do, and at the same time, be a leader, help us get where we want to go. We’re still a football team that’s growing. We’re not a veteran football team yet, so we’ve got to continue to put things together. Things happen week-in and week-out, and that’s part of the growth. We’ve all got to do our own jobs, compete at a high level, and just try to compete a little harder because it’s always tougher in bigger environments.”

For Campbell, leading the Browns’ offense is something that reminded him of when he joined the Oakland Raiders in 2010. He led the Raiders to a 7-5 record in his first year, and went 4-2 in six starts before a broken collarbone, suffered while playing against the Browns, derailed his season.

“We have talent, but everyone knows that anytime you learn new systems on both sides of the ball, offense and defense, you’re going to have your high moments and low moments,” Campbell said. “It’s all part of the growth process, but what we can’t do is get down when things don’t go right.

“It’s all about responding, and I think this group is a resilient group. We’ve been through some things early in the season and were able to respond. I expect us to continue to respond and bounce back.”

Earlier this season, Campbell appeared in the Browns’ 14-6 loss at the Baltimore Ravens when starter Brandon Weeden suffered a sprained right thumb late in the fourth quarter . In relief of Weeden, Campbell completed one pass for six yards.

Going from backup to starter comes with challenges, but Campbell has embraced the opportunity.

“Even though you’re a backup, you prepare as a starter, but you don’t get the starter reps,” Campbell said. “It’s all about the game. It’s all about rhythm, and I have a full week to prep, to run plays with these guys and grow. Hopefully, that can give me the opportunity to get back to where I once was.

“It’s an opportunity to get back to the game and just have fun. We want to go win games and do the best that we can, but at the same time, we understand that we’re a growing football team. Our goal and mission every week is to go out and win games.”