The argument can be made MMQB.com's Peter King is the most informed journalist covering the NFL. King's columns always have unique insight about the league thanks to the hundreds of sources he regularly engages.
The veteran writer stopped by Berea on Tuesday and had three keen observations about the 2015 Cleveland Browns.
Though it was just a training camp practice, King saw with his own eyes what others have been saying throughout the month of August: Quarterback Josh McCown looks as sharp as a tack executing Cleveland's new matchup passing attack. Teaming McCown with offensive linemen Joe Thomas, Alex Mack and Joel Bitonio could be the best thing for the 36-year-old's career.
"For those who would say Josh McCown was an uninspired signing after watching him last year in Tampa, I would say watch Josh McCown when he had some protection in Chicago," King told ClevelandBrowns.com. "And when he had some time to get to his weapons, that's when any quarterback is going to be successful."
But success will also hinge on defense. And as stingy as the secondary may be with three Pro Bowlers, and as refurbished as the defensive line is with draft picks Danny Shelton and Xavier Cooper, the Browns have to sack the quarterback more to improve on their seven wins.
"One of the things that has to happen for this team to be good, is they've got to develop a consistent pass rush," King said. "They need Barkevious Mingo, they need that front-seven to pressure the passer. Mike Pettine does a really good job in scheming imaginative ways to get to the quarterback. That has to happen."
From King's national perspective, Johnny Manziel still remains the biggest storyline surrounding the Browns. His rocky rookie season, his offseason treatment, his ability to win every press conference all make the 22-year-old quarterback a headline machine.
But what's in store for Manziel in 2015?
"I think Johnny Manziel really needs to take this year as a makeup year," King said. "I'm not saying he won't play at all, but I think the best thing for Johnny Manziel would be to work hard at his craft and aim to come in opening day 2016 and compete for the starting job. He needs a year to learn this craft."
