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As promised, the Browns named their starting quarterback before the start of the first preseason game and, as expected, Robert Griffin III is the guy.

"It's time," first-year coach Hue Jackson said, via the team's website. "Robert has earned the right to be named the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns. Since he was signed back in March, Robert has made it clear through his actions that he is willing to do everything that has been asked of him to earn this role. ...

"It's now on Robert to show the organization and our fans that this is the right decision. Throughout the offseason program and training camp, Robert has shown improvement every day and we expect him to continue to ascend as he becomes more and more acclimated to the offensive system we will employ this season. I've been crystal clear on what we expect from Robert. He fully understands the responsibility and I feel he is ready to handle this role."

Jackson also made a point to commend Josh McCown for his work. The 37-year-old was signed last offseason and started eight games in 2015. There was a report last week that the Cowboys were interested in trading for McCown, though the Browns were reluctant to make the move -- perhaps because there's no guarantee Griffin won't flame out after a month and McCown offers a reliable fallback plan.

"Josh in particular has been outstanding throughout this process and all of our quarterbacks (Austin Davis and Cody Kessler) have worked well together," Jackson said. "Their play, professionalism and work ethic has pushed the room to really improve the level of play at the position for our team."

Jackson arrives in Cleveland with a history of getting the most out of his young quarterbacks. The hope is that he can do that with Griffin, the 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year who floundered in his final three seasons with the Redskins.

If you're wondering about the fantasy football implications, check out the CBSSports.com projections. (Spoiler: We wouldn't rush out and take RG3 in the first round of your fantasy draft but you already knew that.)