Browns name Griffin starting QB: 'It's time'

Robert Griffin III is getting his shot at redemption.

Just one week into a training camp competition with veteran Josh McCown, Griffin has been named the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback, head coach Hue Jackson announced Monday.

"It's time. Robert has earned the right to be named the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns," Jackson said in a statement. "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. Throughout this process he has gained the respect from his teammates, the coaching staff and the entire organization that is necessary for him to lead our offense and really the entire team."

Landing with the Browns this offseason after a disappointing end to his time with the Washington Redskins, Griffin was always considered the favorite to start in Cleveland.

The Browns will hope a fresh start, combined with the opportunity to take the reins in a Jackson-led offense, will help him to recapture the ability that saw him take the league by storm as a rookie in 2012.

Griffin started all but one regular-season game in his debut season while helping the Redskins to a surprise playoff appearance. He completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just five interceptions over that stretch, also adding another 815 yards and seven scores on the ground.

Though he showed flashes of that ability when healthy over the few seasons that followed, Griffin was eventually surpassed by current Redskins starter Kirk Cousins.

Griffin officially being awarded the lead job puts McCown as the clear-cut No. 2 on the depth chart. Third-round rookie Cody Kessler will take the presumed third and final roster spot the Browns allocate to the quarterback position.