In weeks past, Browns coach Hue Jackson has been quick to name a starting quarterback.
But at 0-14 and coming off another less-than-inspired quarterbacking performance from Robert Griffin III, Jackson has flung the door back open for Cody Kessler or Josh McCown (or really anybody who walks through the door) for this week’s game against the Chargers.
“Everything’s going to be on the table,’' Jackson said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “I’m going to look at everything. I just have to. I owe these guys the best opportunity to win in the locker room. With the effort they’re giving me, I have to give back to them as a leader. I have to make sure I’m putting the right people out there for them. . . .
“Everybody. Everybody is in play. Absolutely.’'
Had Griffin given them any real reason, he could have had the next two games as an audition for the future. But they’ve scored an average of 11.0 points per game in his three starts, so there’s no compelling reason to keep on with the experiment. Yesterday was better than last week, but when you’re winless the week of Christmas, everything’s sort of relative.
“That’s up to coach,’' Griffin said. “He wears the HC hat for a reason. I felt like I came out and played better this game, but we didn’t win the game and that’s what it comes down to. Whatever coach decides, that’s his decision and we’re all going to roll with it.
“I know I’m going to go out there and fight with my guys and until the end no matter what, so that’s the only thing I can focus on. I’ll go back and watch the tape, but I do feel like I played better this week.’'
At this stage, it only matters as to their ability to go 0-16 and hold off the 49ers for the first pick in next year’s draft. And considering their options, the Browns have a selection of guys who can help them reach such a goal.