BEREA, Ohio -- Following his unceremonious exit from Washington, Robert Griffin III left behind a note in his locker that encouraged forgiveness and a positive attitude.In Cleveland, hes seeking redemption.Benched and booted by the Redskins, Griffin has a fresh start with the Browns, who are hoping a player who flashed great promise and potential just a few years ago can find it again.Unable to change his past, RG3s eyes are fixated ahead.Im moving forward, he said.Griffins comeback will be the main story line during training camp for the Browns, who underwent yet another monumental overhaul during the offseason and have placed one of the NFLs worst teams in the hands of coach Hue Jackson.With a history for mentoring and refining young quarterbacks, Jackson appears to be the perfect person to resurrect Griffin, a former rookie of the year slowed by injuries who didnt take a single snap during the 2015 regular season.The Browns, with a laughable track record for developing quarterbacks, signed Griffin to a two-year, $15 million contract in March. Although Jackson hasnt formally selected Griffin as his starter, the 26-year-old is expected to line up behind center when Cleveland opens the season on Sept. 11 at Philadelphia.Before then, Griffin needs to knock off the rest of the rust that was apparent during the teams spring minicamps. Griffins explosiveness and mobility seems to have returned following two knee surgeries, but his throws were off target and he lacked touch on deep passes. In time, those components of his game should improve.Griffin, too, may have to work on his off-field game. His fall in Washington was accentuated by a rift with some teammates, who resented the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner and failed to have his back when things began to crumble.Hes got a clean slate with the Browns, but Griffin said hes not overtly trying to win over teammates. He believes his actions will determine how hes perceived.Thats the best thing you can do is be who you are, show them that what you might have heard maybe some of its true, he said. But a lot of the stuff can be extremely false. You can come in here and prove to them who you really are, and thats what the blessing of a new opportunity with a new team and new organization has blessed me with -- a chance to just go out, be myself and let guys make their own determination about who I am.Here are some other things to watch as the Browns, who havent had a winning record since 2007, open training camp:CROWELLS MISTAKE: Running back Isaiah Crowell caused a recent firestorm by posting a horrific illustration to protest recent shootings by police. Crowell apologized for his actions and pledged to donate his first game check next season (more than $35,000) to a fund for fallen officers. But while Crowell has tried to make amends, it remains to be seen if its enough to satisfy fans. The Browns are under pressure to release Crowell, their leading rusher last season.HUE TURN: With boundless energy, Jackson is determined to make the Browns not only competitive but champions. His second stint as a head coach -- he led Oakland to an 8-8 record in 2011 -- is a monumental challenge as Cincinnatis former offensive coordinator leads a franchise stuck in a cycle of losing and dysfunction.HEALING HADEN: Former Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden will likely be eased into camp as he continues to recover from offseason ankle surgery. Haden was limited to just five games last season because of concussions and his NFL career could be at a crossroads. Clevelands defensive backfield has been overhauled with a mix of veterans and rookies fighting for jobs. Troubled cornerback Justin Gilbert may be down to his last chance after two underwhelming seasons.LINE DANCING: Clevelands offensive line, once considered the teams strongest unit and anchored by Joe Thomas, has a new look following the departures of Pro Bowl center Alex Mack and starting right tackle Mitchell Schwartz. Cam Erving struggled as a rookie playing both guard spots, but the Browns are giving the former Florida State standout a chance to replace Mack. Alvin Bailey and rookies Shon Coleman and Spencer Drango will battle for the job at right tackle.PLAYMAKERS WANTED: Jackson has made fixing Clevelands receiving group a top priority, and its a massive project. He was spoiled with the Bengals, who had star A.J. Green and others as targets. The Browns believe rookie Corey Coleman, the No. 15 overall pick who scored 20 touchdowns last season for Baylor, can have an immediate impact. Quarterback-turned-receiver Terrelle Pryor continues to show promise as a playmaker.---AP NFL website:
www.pro32.ap.org and
www.twitter.com/AP-NFL .Y. -- Sabres forward Drew Stafford has witnessed plenty of turmoil during his eight seasons in Buffalo. . Manuel was offered a position the day he was fired. He accepted earlier this week and the team made the announcement Friday. . R.J. Umberger scored twice to lead the Blue Jackets to a franchise-record for consecutive wins with a 5-3 victory Tuesday night over the Los Angeles Kings. . But what about the officials? Every sport has officials and they also have stories about hard work and sacrifice but their accomplishments are seldom recognized by anyone outside their inner circle. . They were putting most of their energy into a record-setting offensive display. ORLANDO, Fla. -- Justin Holman threw for two touchdowns and ran in another, Matthew Wright kicked a career-best four field goals, and Central Florida plowed past South Carolina State 38-0 in the season opener for both teams Saturday night.Holman was 14-of-28 for 193 yards and picked up another 40 on the ground, including a 10-yard keeper he ran in for the games first touchdown. He later hauled in a 24-yard pass from receiver Tristan Payton, which set up his 37-yard TD strike to Tre`Quuan Smith on the next play.ddddddddddddDontravious Wilson punched in a touchdown from the 1, and Payton cemented the final score with a 5-yard TD catch in the fourth quarter. Central Florida converted two of SC States three turnovers into points.Caleb York finished 15 of 35 for 134 yards passing, and led Bulldog rushers as well with 10 carries for 38 yards. ' ' '
