5 reasons Josh McCown can lead Browns to AFC Playoffs
By John Buhler
2. Hue Jackson makes quarterbacks better
Hue Jackson left a good situation as the Bengals offensive coordinator to become the next head coach of the Browns. Jackson has one year head coaching experience with the Oakland Raiders, but seems poised to get it right this time around in Cleveland.
Jackson had to replace a strong offensive coordinator in 2014 when Jay Gruden took the Washington Redskins head coaching job. The Bengals offense didn’t skip a beat once Jackson took over. Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton his best season as a professional under Jackson last fall.
It is Jackson’s ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks that makes him the right coach for the Browns going forward. This organization has cycled through 25 different starting quarterbacks since 1999. Before Jackson arrived this past spring, Cleveland wasn’t going to stop reshuffling the deck in the hopes of getting another franchise quarterback to then drive into the ground.
McCown is more than a solid game manager, just as Jackson is more than a brilliant play caller. They can work together the rest of the way to bring continuity to the Browns’ potentially on-the rise offense. Cleveland is lucky to have a coach the caliber of Jackson. McCown’s strong student mentality means that the Browns will be better at quarterback going forward. He can execute Jackson’s game plan well enough to a shocking playoff run.
Next: 1. McCown is the better quarterback than Griffin